Epilepsy in Adults: Foundational Program *Updated Curriculum

This adult foundational series aims to enhance core competencies for the management of epilepsy.

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*This fall, ECHO Epilepsy Ontario introduces an updated curriculum designed to reflect the evolving needs of primary care. With new sessions focused on first seizure assessment, functional seizures, migraines, and emergency management, this series helps family physicians and general practitioners build confidence in recognizing and managing epilepsy in adults.

This curriculum covers a spectrum of knowledge and skills that relate to the management of epilepsy including diagnostic tests, seizure semiology, anti-seizure medications (ASMs), identification and management of surgical candidates, and more. The program is designed for primary care providers and/or health care practitioners who are seeking to enhance their learning in epileptology.

New Topics for Fall 2025 Include:

Provoked and Acute Symptomatic Seizures
Diagnostic Tests: Neuroimaging and EEG
Functional Neurological Disorder / Functional Seizures
Status Epilepticus / Emergency Management
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)

This learning series is facilitated by experts from Hamilton Health Sciences, Kingston Health Sciences and London Health Sciences.

Syllabus

CPD Accreditation (CPSO, U of T)

This Group Learning program meets the certification criteria of the College of Family Physicians of Canada and has been certified by Continuing Professional Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto for up for up to 1.0 Mainpro+ credits.

This event is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Section 1) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, approved by Continuing Professional Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto. You may claim a maximum of 1.0 hours.

First Seizure: Diagnosis and Assessment

Describe the work up needed for a first seizure that can be undertaken by primary care providers
Differentiate between seizures and epilepsy
Discuss the treatment decision making process for first seizure
Describe the recommended work-up for first presentation seizure in ED vs. In clinic
Review counselling for safety following first-presentation seizure (including water safety, driving, etc)

Seizure Semiology (Video-Based)

Differentiate between focal and generalized seizures
Distinguish between generalized absence seizures and focal seizures with impaired awareness
Identify key clinical features that help to differentiate seizure types that manifest with nonmotor semiology

Provoked and acute symptomatic seizures

Review assessment of potential causes of provoked seizures (e.g. stroke, head injury, hyponatremia, hypoglycemia)
Discuss when to suspect a provoked seizure
Differentiate investigations to send to assess for a provoked seizure

Diagnostic Tests: Neuroimaging and EEG

Recognize the difference between work up for acute symptomatic seizures vs those for suspected epilepsy
Describe when to order appropriate neuroimaging protocols for patients with epilepsy
Identify the clinical use and limitations of EEG in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy
Classify the appropriate tests and procedures for an adult presenting with a seizure and/or epilepsy
Recognize when to order further investigations based on EEG results

Epilepsy and migraines

Discuss the association between migraines and epilepsy
Identify distinguishing features between migraines and occipital seizures

When to refer to an Epileptologist

Discuss referral to community epileptologist vs tertiary care epilepsy centre
Describe how to identify patients that may be epilepsy surgical candidates
Outline the appropriate referral pathway for surgical candidates

Functional neurological disorder / Functional seizures (previously known as PNES)

Distinguish between functional and epileptic seizures.
Describe treatment options for patients with functional seizures and functional neurological disorder
Discuss common mental health comorbidities.

Anti-seizure medications

Describe basic approach to antiseizure medications (ASM) – narrow vs broad spectrum
Discuss common medication interactions and side effects
Review factors to consider in picking the right ASM for a specific patient

Status epilepticus/emergency management

Describe status epilepticus and causes
Recognize the management of prolonged seizures and guidelines for status epilepticus
Review seizure safety guidelines