NDS invites providers to a NDIS Commission Masterclass on recent research on epilepsy and best practice standards to provide safe and quality support for people with disability who have epilepsy.

This mini-documentary is a story about hope for children and their families in mitigating and treating pediatric drug resistant epilepsy (DRE). It is a story about how families learn to trust their medical team, educate them, and help them consider neurotechnology options for their child. It is a story about empowerment as loved ones shed light on the ethical factors that led to their decisions. In doing so, they empower other families that face similar challenges to theirs. It is a story of how children and families affected by DRE can seize hope in times of darkness for a better quality of life.

Seize The Cure is a family-based organization that represents the Bronx in spreading Epilepsy Awareness through community programs and advocacy. Seize The Music - Shake Epilepsy will be the 6th event and is a Fundraiser in which money raised will go to community programs, resources for families, and Epilepsy research. STC has grown and programs are needed in the community that assist in spreading Epilepsy Awareness and seizure safety. A donation fee no less than $10 is required to attend as part of our Fundraising efforts.

This event will be hybrid. It will be held on Zoom and in room 3-21.3. in the LBJ Student Center.

If you require accommodations due to a disability, please, contact the Office of Disability Services at (512) 245-3451 or [email protected] at least 72 hours prior to the start of the event.

For more information regarding this event, contact Dr. Harlan Ballard at [email protected]

Join Disability:IN Utah as we welcome Margo Thurman, Executive Director (retired), and Rod Hamson, Executive Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships with the Epilepsy Foundation of Utah

Learn about the prevalence and types of seizures that affect individuals in the workplace. 1 in 26 of us will have a seizure at some point during our lives. Virtual Lunch and Learn event. Business partners, community partners, counselors and individuals with disabilities welcome. We will share the importance of training and education to provide a better understanding of working with someone with epilepsy. Email [email protected] with questions or accommodation requests.

Epilepsy double national average in Indigenous population: study

A new study suggests that the incidence of epilepsy among Indigenous Canadians is twice that of non-Indigenous people.

Research from the University of Saskatchewan showed a national rate annually of 62 new cases per 100,000 people. But for self-identified First Nations patients, that rate doubles to 122 per 100,000.

 

SESSION 1

EPILEPSY RESEARCH…IMPACTING LIVES

Brain Monitoring and Modulation for Epilepsy

Dr. Taufik Valiante, MD PhD FRCS, Scientist, Krembil Research Institute; Neurosurgeon Toronto Western Hospital

Dr. Valiante will discuss how new approaches and technologies are being developed to monitor and change brain activity to stop seizures and what research will be done within this area over the next 6 years here in Ontario to improve seizure control and quality of life for people with epilepsy.

Interventions to Help Cope with Depression and Memory 

Dr. Mary Lou Smith, PhD, Professor, University of Toronto; Neuropsychologist Sick Kids Hospital Epilepsy Program

Dr. Smith will provide an update on the “EpUp” study results, discussing whether an intervention program designed to provide coping strategies for people with epilepsy improves symptoms of depression. She will also describe the new “STREAM” program that is being developed to provide coping strategies to people with epilepsy who have memory problems.

The Evolution of Epilepsy Genetics

Dr. McIntyre Burnham, PhD, Professor, University of Toronto; Neuropharmacologist; Co-Director of EpLink – The Epilepsy Research Program of the Ontario Brain Institute

Dr. Burnham will discuss the role of genetics in epilepsy, what significant research advances have been made to date, and what research will be done within this area over the next 6 years here in Ontario, ultimately highlighting how gene therapy can impact the life of someone living with epilepsy.

SESSION 2

Connecting Families to Resources: Planning for a Good Life

Carolyn Fast, Manager of Outreach & Partnerships, Partners 4 Planning.

People with epilepsy often face a lot of challenges planning for the future of their children/family. In this session the speaker will share how P4P assist families by providing a wealth of practical strategies, creative tools and sustainable solutions designed to help individuals, families and caregivers take charge of the future, today. This includes managing transitions, financial planning, accessing resources like the RDSP, planning for housing etc.

BREAKOUT SESSIONS:

SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD WITH EPILEPSY IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM

 Impact of Epilepsy on Behaviour & School Performance

Elizabeth Kerr, PhD, Neuropsychologist, Sick Kids

This talk will address how epilepsy can impact children’s behaviour and academic performance and how seizure type/frequency, comorbidities, and medication side effects impact school success.

Navigating the School System

Miriam Richies, BASC, MA, OCT; Special Education Consultant, TDSB

Many parents still struggle with how to get the support they need at school in order for their children to be successful in the school system. This talk will share ways that parents can better understand the school system and how to access the services and support their child needs.

TREATMENTS FOR ADULTS WITH DRUG-RESISTANT EPILEPSY WHO ARE NOT CANDIDATES FOR SURGERY

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

Cameron Finlay, Education Manager, LivaNova

VNS is an option for the treatment of difficult-to-treat epilepsy.  This presentation will attempt to address the more frequent questions around VNS including surgical approach, patient sensations, expectations and treatment follow-up.

Ketogenic Diet for Adults with Epilepsy

Dr Eduard Bercovici, MSc, MD, FRCP(C), CCNS Diplomate (EEG)​​; Neurologist, Epileptologist, Ketogenic Diet Specialist

This talk will address the Ketogenic diet and specifically how it is being utilized to treat adults with epilepsy. Dr Bercovici will share insights from the new diet therapy clinic at Toronto Western Hospital; the only one of its kind in Canada.

SESSION 3

Ontario’s Epilepsy Guidelines: Knowing Your Treatment Options

Dr. Amaya Singh, PhD, EpLink Knowledge Translation Lead, University of Toronto

In this talk, Dr. Singh will discuss how knowing the recommended diagnosis, treatment and referral pathway can help people with epilepsy find the right treatment at the right time. She will also highlight current recommendations related to the management of epilepsy.

MEDICAL CANNABIS …ACCESS, RESEARCH, IMPLICATIONS

 Cannabis Extract for Adults with Uncontrolled Seizures 

Dr. McIntyre Burnham, PhD, Professor, University of Toronto; Neuropharmacologist; Co-Director of EpLink – The Epilepsy Research Program of the Ontario Brain Institute

In this talk, Dr. Burnham will provide a status update on EpLink’s clinical trial to study the effects of cannabidiol (a cannabis extract) on seizure control for adults with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Oral Cannabis Treatment in Kids with Severe Epilepsy

Maria Zak BScN, MN., Nurse Practitioner in the Division of Neurology at SickKids, with a clinical focus on paediatric epilepsy, children with drug-resistant epilepsy, and the ketogenic diet.

System Navigation and Advocacy Update

Alex Repetski, Parent/Advocate/CEA Advisor, Medical Cannabis Task Force

Alexander will be speaking about being a caregiver and developing dosing protocols, the evolution of the medical cannabis industry over the past four years and how he has seen research flourish and stigma diminish, as well as access to medical cannabis and costs associated.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Epilepsy Toronto will hold its Annual General Meeting on Saturday, May 26th, 2018, at 8:30am at the YMCA,  20 Grosvenor Street Toronto.

Call For Nominees For Election to the Board of Directors of Epilepsy Toronto

According to paragraph 11.3 of the general by-laws of Epilepsy Toronto, any member may submit the name of a prospective Director of the corporation by meeting the following requirements:

-The submission must be in writing and addressed to the Nominating Committee at the head office at 468 Queen Street East Suite 210 Toronto ON M5A 1T7 or faxed to (416) 964-2492;

-The submission must be accompanied by the signed consent of the person proposed;

-The submission must be seconded by another member of the corporation;

If the above requirements are met, the proposed candidate will be considered for the slate by the Nominating Committee of the Board.

Pursuant to the by-laws of Epilepsy Toronto, members unable to attend the Annual General Meeting are invited to vote by proxy, by completing the linked form.

Some people must work out to save their lives. Why are gyms failing them?

Advances in modern medicine have led doctors to a better understanding of the benefits of exercise in managing a broad range of chronic conditions. Unfortunately, traditional gyms aren’t designed to be accessible.

 

In the shadow of epilepsy

Epilepsy kills more people than breast cancer, but there’s little awareness for this silent disease.

 

Children Exposed To Drugs For Epilepsy, Bipolar Disorder Have Lower Academic Scores

Children exposed in the womb to the drug sodium valproate, used to treat epilepsy, or a combination of anti-epileptic drugs, had poorer academic scores in math, language and science in early elementary school, found a new study.

 

For Canadians in queue for long-term care spots, waiting costs 'astronomical'

This woman with multiple sclerosis (MS) and epilepsy is among about 912 people in this part of Nova Scotia awaiting a nursing home spot. Like other Canadians who move relatives from home care into the queue for subsidized care, her family is discovering the steep financial and emotional #costs involved.

 

Ont. to require individual care plans for students with medical conditions

The Ontario government says it will require school boards to create individual care plans for students with certain medical conditions in a bid to make schools safer for them.

 

Mind-Altering Cat Parasite Just Got Linked to a Whole Lot of Neurological Disorders

New research suggests that a cat parasite could alter and amplify a range of neurological disorders, including epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's, and also cancer.

 

Epilepsy Palmerston Whanganui

Contact Details

Phone: 06 757 5644 or 

Phone: 06 835 5537 or

Phone: 04 586 2420 or

0800 EPILEPSY (37 45 37)

 

http://epilepsy.org.nz/wanganui-manawatu

Disability Tax Credit Mitigates Financial Strain of Being Epileptic

(Disability Tax Credit Mitigates Financial Strain of Being Epileptic) has been published on http://disabilitycreditcanada.com/

 

How A Specially-Trained Service Dog Protects Its Owner's Head During A Seizure

 

Federal disabilities minister 'frustrated' after family denied residency over daughter's health needs

A very important discussion... immigration policies and disabilities, and the question of being a burden to the public healthcare