Epilepsy in Children and Youth: Foundational Program

Dr. Andrea Andrade, ECHO Epilepsy "In My Words: Meet the Leads"

In My Words is a short interview series with our education medical leads and community participants about the practical impacts of the ECHO Epilepsy program.

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

NEXT SERIES FALL 2025 | STAY CONNECTED FOR UPDATES

This curriculum covers a spectrum of skills and knowledge that relate to diagnosis, seizure semiology, ASMs, common epilepsy syndromes, and more. The program is designed for primary care providers and/or healthcare practitioners who are seeking fundamental knowledge in epileptology.

Case Support - supporting you and your patient graphic

Patient Case Support

Healthcare providers can present your de-identified case for advice, support and written recommendations.

Submit a Case

This series is facilitated by the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)

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.

Section

Seizure Intro (general definitions, classification)

Review current definitions of seizures and epilepsy
Describe the basic mechanisms of seizures
Review the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification of seizures and epilepsies

Seizure Semiology and ILAE Seizure Types

Differentiate between focal and generalized epilepsies
Distinguish between absence seizures and focal seizures
Identify key clinical features that help to differentiate seizure types that manifest with non-motor semiology

Seizure Emergency, Status Epilepticus, Seizure Safety

Describe status epilepticus
Recognize the management of prolonged seizures
Review seizure safety

Seizure Mimics/Differential Diagnosis

Recognize common seizure mimics by history and semiology
Describe characteristics of non-epileptic events
Identify seizure mimics that deserve proper diagnostic and medical intervention

Selecting Appropriate ASMs, Managing Side Effects

Describe the key patient factors to consider when choosing antiseizure medications
Recognize process for titration and adjusting medications
Identify potential adverse effects of medications for epilepsy and strategies for mitigation

Common Pediatric Epilepsy Syndromes

Identify common pediatric epilepsy syndromes (Benign Rolandic, West Syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut, Childhood Absence, Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy)

Diagnostic Tests (when to order, how to interpret)

Classify the appropriate tests and procedures for a child presenting with a seizure and/or epilepsy
Recognize the difference between work up for acute symptomatic seizure vs. that for suspected epilepsy
Identify the clinical use and limitations of EEG in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy
Describe the merits of various neuroimaging techniques in epilepsy and their indications