Learn more about Project ECHO Epilepsy Canada (PEEC), our national expansion of ECHO Epilepsy programming in partnership with the Canadian League Against Epilepsy (CLAE).
Epilepsy in Children and Youth: Advanced Program *Updated Curriculum
This series builds on the foundational curriculum and aims to develop proficiency in the management of epilepsy.
JAN. 8 - MAR. 26, 2026 | 12:00 - 1:00 PM (EST)
*This winter, ECHO Epilepsy Ontario introduces an enhanced curriculum designed to reflect the evolving needs of primary care. With five new sessions, the series now includes practical, real-world topics like autoimmune epilepsies, treatable genetic/metabolic epilepsies, structural causes of epilepsy, seizure semiology (videos), and how to interpret and report EEGs —conditions often encountered in family practice. Join us to build confidence in recognizing and managing epilepsy in children and youth.
This program is intended for clinicians who are seeking to further their competencies in epileptology.
New Topics for Winter 2026 Include:
- Specific epilepsy causes: Autoimmune epilepsies
- Specific epilepsy causes: Treatable genetic/metabolic epilepsies
- Structural causes of epilepsy (focal cortical dysplasia, polymicrogyria, periventricular nodular heterotopia, tumours)
- Seizure semiology: Part 2 (Video-based)
- Management of Drug-Resistant Epilepsy: Epilepsy Surgery and Neuromodulation
- EEG: how to interpret an EEG report
Case Support
Healthcare providers can present your de-identified case for advice, support and written recommendations.
This series is facilitated by McMaster Children’s Hospital and Children’s Hospital (LHSC).
Syllabus
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.
- Recognize that epilepsy can be a genetic condition
- Identify patients with epilepsy that may benefit from genetic testing
- Discuss specific genetic epilepsies (e.g., SCN1A, GLUT1)
- Describe the process of genetic testing for epilepsy in Ontario
- Review current information including clinical presentations in autoimmune epilepsy (including NMDA-receptor encephalitis)
- Discuss general investigations and management of autoimmune epilepsy
- General overview of genetic/metabolic conditions which can be associated with epilepsy
- Discuss specific metabolic epilepsies (pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy, GLUT1)
- Discuss work-up for metabolic epilepsies (e.g., metabolic blood-work screening)
- General approach to MRI reports in epilepsy
- Review various structural causes of epilepsy
- Describe when to order appropriate neuroimaging protocols for patients with epilepsy
- Recognize when to order further investigations based on EEG
- Discuss the correlation between epilepsy and neurocutaneous disorders
- Identify clinical presentation and management of epilepsy in neurocutaneous disorders such as Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), neurofibromatosis type 1, and Sturge-Weber syndrome
- Differentiate between focal and generalized epilepsies
- Use of video-based descriptions of different seizure semiologies
- Define drug resistant epilepsy (DRE)
- Recognize when to refer to a paediatric epilepsy program, referral pathways available in Ontario
- Describe the underlying mechanism of the ketogenic diet
- Identify how the diet is monitored in children with epilepsy
- Recognize clinical considerations for ketogenic diet as a treatment option for children living with epilepsy
- Review drug resistant epilepsy (DRE)
- Discuss resective vs. palliative surgery options
- Overview of neuromodulation (VNS, DBS, RNS)
- Describe the importance of counseling regarding DRE
- Recognize issues that may arise for teenagers with epilepsy including contraception and pregnancy, driving, and mood disorders
- Identify the risk factors for SUDEP, current preventative measures, and the importance of counselling patients and families
- Recognize factors impacting health care transition for youth with epilepsy
- Identify the most common psychiatric somatic co-morbidities associated with epilepsy
- Discuss the management of the common psychiatric and somatic comorbidities associated with epilepsy
- Basic principles of EEG reports including background, sleep features, epileptic features, or slowing
- Features of focal vs. generalized seizures based on reports
- Recognize when to order further investigations based on EEG results
Didactics & Recordings
Clinical Leads
Dr. Andrea Andrade
Paediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist (Medical Lead)
Dr. Maryam Nouri
Paediatric Epileptologist & Neurologist
Dr. Anastasiia Skovronska
Clinical Neurophysiologist
Amanda Quann
Registered Nurse (Paediatric Epilepsy Team)
Michelle Kregel
Nurse Practitioner/MN-NP
Nicole Dendekker
RN/Transitional Navigator
Daniela Yepes
Paediatric Epilepsy Research Assistant
Emily Guarasci
Paediatric Epilepsy Research Coordinator
Chantal Beaton
Paediatric Epilepsy Program Coordinator
Sandra Pidduck
Clinical Educator (Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario)
Valerie Smith
Interim Executive Director (Epilepsy Southwestern Ontario)
Dr. Kevin Jones
Paediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist (Medical Lead)
Dr. Robyn Whitney
Paediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist (Medical Lead)
Dr. Rajesh Ramachandran Nair
Paediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist (Medical Lead)
Cynthia Sloan Birbeck
Nurse Practitioner
Leah Morgenstern
Registered Nurse
Trevor Dalton
Psychometrist/Registered Psychotherapist
Nevena Simic
Clinical Neuropsychologist
Kristin Welton
Executive Director & Community Epilepsy Navigator (Epilepsy Niagara)
Makayla Morrison
Social Worker (Paediatric Neurology)
Register
NOTE: Zoom Registration is working, you will receive a Zoom email confirming registration after you complete the form. However you may also receive this onscreen message “echo.zoom.us refused to connect” after registering. Do not be concerned, we are looking into this issue. But please email us at epilepsy@echoontario.ca if you do not receive the Zoom Registration Confirmation Email within 5 minutes of registering.