Special Interest Groups
Guidelines
Basic Mechanisms Roundtable
Claude Wasterlain, M.D.
Raman Sankar, M.D., Ph.D.
This SIG will address one of the Curing Epilepsy 2007 Benchmarks: Modeling Comorbidities of Epilepsy in Animal Models. Discussion will include a clinician to set the stage, a presentation on modeling depression accompanying epileptogenesis in the lab and a discussion on epilepsy and the accompanying cognitive deficits. Lecture will be limited to allow maximum time for open discussion.
Basic Neuroscience
Brenda E. Porter, M.D., Ph.D.
Karen S. Wilcox, M.D.
A group of basic neurobiologist and translational epilepsy researchers will discuss an emerging topic in epilepsy research with lots of time for discussion. The topics this year include laser scannign for synaptic connectivity assays; DNA sequencing technologiy, medical resequencing, SNP detection technologies and whole genome associations, and our final topic will be the use of voltage gated dyes.
Children's Hour
Marcio A. Sotero de Menezes, M.D.
Lionel Carmant
This year's topic is Metabolic Diseases and Epilepsy. We will focus on the clinical picture and EEG pattern associated with pediatric metabolic disorders. Since this is a very wide topic the discussion will focus on the most common disorders.
Clinical Nursing
Sarah Kiel, MSN, CPNP
Sandra R. Dewar, RN, MSN, APN
Irene Dustin, M.S.N., CRNP
This year's topic is Emergencies in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. We plan to present case studies, review available practice parameters/guidelines, and discuss problems, outcomes and areas for improvement in managing emergencies int eh Epilepsy Monitoring Unit.
Clinical Pharmacy
This group has merged with the Neuropharmacology SIG.
Clinical Roundtable
Please join us at the AES meeting in Seattle when we are planing to have Dr. Raman Sankar and Dr. Gail Anderson discuss the current and future directions of practical pharmacogenomics. This topic should prove timely given the recent FDA warning regarding carbamazepine and HLA-B* 1502 gene variant associated with an increased risk of Stevens Johnson syndrome. This exciting area of research provides the promise of improved outcomes with reduced risk, but what is the current state-of-the-art and what will be the next step? Our SIG will discuss the current research and how it can be applied to daily clinical practice.Controversies in Epilepsy
Videotapes of epileptic seizures will be presented by the moderator. The Moderator will then ask the audience and the assigned discussants to analyze the ictal symptomatology of the seizures and to try to deduce the seizure onset zone and the symptomatogenic zone. After the discussion of each case, the moderator will show 2-3 slides (interictal EEG, ictal EEG, MRI, etc) documenting the correct answers and quoting pertinent literature. Attempts will be made to show typical cases that illustrate the value of ictal semiology.
EEG
The theme of this year's SIG is "How deep in the brain can you see with EEG and MEG?" Are temporal-lobe spikes recorded on the scalp generated in the hippocampus? Are generalized spike-wave discharges generated in mesial frontal regions? Can MEG see deeper that MEG? WE will discuss the theoretical aspects of source modleing as well as comparisons with intracerebral electrodes to attempt to find answers to the above questions.
Engineering and Epilepsy
Piotr J. Franaszczuk, Ph.D.
Gregory K. Bergey, M.D.
The 2008 topic is Neurostimulation of the Brain in the Treatment: What We Need to Know Before We Start. This SIG will discuss the basic considerations underlying neurostimulation, including the underlying principles of the brain/electrode interface, electrical fields and neural networks.
Epidemiology
In 2008 we will cover Comorbidity in Epilepsy. Neuropsychiatric, cognitive and other medical comorbidities are common in epilepsy. The focus of this SIG will be to review and discuss the epidemiological evidence for comorbidity in childhood and adult epilepsy. The comorbidities to be considered are cognitive, psychiatric, other neurological (e.g., migraine), and other medical (e.g., diabetes).
Frontal Lobe Epilepsy
Matthias J. Koepp, M.D., Ph.D.
Juvenile Monoclonic Epilepsy is associated with a particular personality, behavioral and neuropsychological profiel that suggests involvement of frontal lobe dysfunction. The aim of this session is to investigate the functional anatomy of cognitive dysfunction in this common form of epilepsy. Specifically, we will determine whether there is evidence of abnormal functional and structural connectivity of the frontal lobes and whether that predicts the cognitive and psychological deficits.
Genetics
Thomas N. Ferraro, Ph.D.
Russell Buono, Ph.D.
The 2008 Genetics SIG will be a forum for the presentation of genome-wide association (GWA) studies in epilepsy. All investigators who wish to present GWA data are welcomed to participate and are requested to simply contact one of the coordinators and indicate their interest. The length of presentations will be adjusted to accommodate all who register in advance. Time will be reserved for group discussion and interaction among all session participants and attendees at the conclusion of data presentations.
Herbs and Botanicals
The topic for the 2008 session is "From Seed to Capsule: The Process of Making and Validating Botanical Extracts". We will explore the long and winding road down which plants are harvested and processed to become botanical extracts, the methods for authenticating and characterizing the constituents of botanicals, and the evidence that specific botanicals ahve anticonvulsant properties.
Issues of Concern for Women with Epilepsy
Romila Mushtaq, M.D.
Katherine Noe, M.D., Ph.D.
This session will focus on unique challenges facing women with epilepsy in menopause. Interactions of epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs, and sex hormones will be discussed, focusing on changes in seizure control, age of menopausal transition and potential challenges in use of hormone replacement. We will also review issues related to osteoporosis and fracture, particular concerns in the older woman with epilepsy.
Junior Investigator Workshop
Audrey S. Yee, M.D.
Manisha Patel, Ph.D.
Academic success and productivity are positively correlated to a strong mentoring relationship(s), specially for junior faculty. We will discuss elements of a mentoring relationship, techniques for finding a mentor, characteristics of a healthy mentoring relationship, barriers to effective mentor-mentee relationships. We will also discuss techniques for becoming an effective mentor and the roles of professional executive coaches in mentoring.
MEG/MSI (Magnetoencephalography)
In 2008, the MEG/MSI SIG will be focusing on the integration of MSI and other neuroimaging modalities in epilepsy. Various funcational neuroimaging tools play an important role in the presurgical evaluation in epilepsy patients. With the help of neuronavigational equipment (Stealth or Brainlab, etc.), combination of multiple functional neuroimaging modalities can best assist epilepsy surgery.
Military Epileptologists
Issues of concern for military epileptologists include: 1) diagnosis and care for post-traumatic epilepsy, 2) PTSD mimicking as non-epileptic seizures, and 3) potential of collaborations with VA Epilepsy Centers. An update on the establishment of VA Centers for Excellence in Epilepsy and the VA Epilepsy Consortium will be presented.
Neuroendocrinology
Pavel Klein, M.D.
Jana Veliskova, M.D., Ph.D.
For 2008, we have decided on a brief and insightful discussion of neurosteroids, entitled "Brain: the third gonad. How CNS steroids interact with peripheral steroids to affect seizures." This would focus on the relative importance of CNS-produced and peripherally-produced neurosteroids on neuronal excitability, seizures and epilepsy; and factors regulating CNS production of neurosteroids. It was thought that this area is important, unexplored, and usually completely neglected in our discussions of the effect of steroids on seizures. The SIG would attempt to dissect the basic problem of CNS neurosteroid regulatoin and interaction with peripheral steroids, and would of course include a discussion of possible clinical implications. It is hoped that this discussion would encompass known facts and current research, as well as a lot of speculation, and would overall be very stimulating. We hope to secure some of the best scientists and thinkers in our field to lead the discussion.
Neuroimaging
Focuses on presentations of the latest findings and developments as well as debating advantages and disadvantages. Holds one meeting during the Annual Meeting. This year's topic has not yet been selected. Topics to be covered in 2008 include: 1. Optical Imaging in Epilepsy; 2. Molecular Imaging of Epilepsy using Novel Tracers; 3. Tracking Neuronal Activity using MRI.
Neuropathology of Epilepsy
Harvey B. Sarnat, M.S., M.D., FRCPC
This NEW 2008 SIG will provide a venue for discussion of neuropathological aspects of epilepsy and to enhance communication amongst those involved in both human and animal studies. It will promote better correlations of pathological with clinical and EEG findings. Discussion topics will include integrating neuropathologists within the diagnostic and treatment team and enhancing recognition by other specialists of their contributions.
Neuropharmacology
The topic for 2008 will be "Novel Mechanisms of AED Action: Do They Matter, or Is It Hype?" In this program speakers will discuss AED mechanisms, and will discuss/debate whether novel pharmacological mechanisms have impacted overall efficacy and tolerability outcomes in patients with epilepsy. Data from in-vitro and clinical trials will be discussed. Issues of common co-morbid conditions such as depressoin and anxiety will also be addressed.
Neuropsychology
Our 2008 topic will be:"Beyond the temporal and frontal lobes". Many more neurospychological tests are available for evaluating function in the temporal and frontal lobes than in the rest of the brain. This SIG will examine the measures recommended by different neuropsychologists among us as being valid and reliable ways to test the integrity of those brain regions that are more difficult to pin down. Sensory and motor tests, as well as cognitive measures, will be discussed.
Neurostimulation
Douglas R. Labar, M.D., Ph.D
James W. Wheless, M.D.
Our understanding and application of neurostimulation therapy to treat epilepsy continues to grow. Vagus nerve stimulation is FDA approved, and direct brain stimulation is in advanced stages of clinical trials. This year, we plan to discuss new lines of research on neurostimulation, such as: 1) open-loop epileptic focus stimumation, 2) new stimulation delivery techniques, 3) new brain stimulation sites, and 4) stimulation mechanism of action investigations.
NIH Grants System
During the Annual Meeting, this group meets to discuss the NIH grant process. Guest speakers share tips, "how-tos" and "Hot" research topic areas. Designed to encourage young investigators and other professionals to submit applications. Successful investigators will provide tips and strategies for writing comeptitive clinical research applications. Information about NINDS funding opportnities can be found at http://www.ninds.nih.gov.
Nursing Research
Angela M. McNelis, Ph.D.
Colleen DiIorio, Ph.D, RN
Rebecca Schultz, RN, M.S.N., CPNP
The Nursing Research SIG will provide a forum for those nurses who are involved in clinical work and interested in research. The group will provide support and networking as we work together to answer critical questions. Individual nurse researchers will present their experience in conducting clinical trials. Discussion will include recruitment, documentation, successes and barriers to nurses in conducting clinical trials.
Patient-Reported Outcomes
David M. Ficker, M.D.
Rosemarie Kobau, MPH
"Quality of Life in Epilepsy and Does Seizure Frequency Matter," is the topic for 2008. In epilepsy, qualityi of life (QOL) has many facets. Data suggests that medication side effects and mood have the greatest impact in AOL. However, there has been conflicting data on seizure frequency. This SIG will review the current data on siezure frequency and QOL and discuss potential reasons for the conflicting data.
PEC Practice Resources
Peggy Clark, RN, M.S.N
Sandra Cushner-Weinstein, RPT, LSCW
A show and tell opportunity for professionals in Epilepsy care
Pediatric Roundtable
Elaine Wyllie, M.D.
Douglas Nordli, M.D.
Our Pediatric Epilepsy SIG will draw on the experience of seasoned subspecialists who will provide case presentations for discussion of challenges in pediatric epilepsy. Topic areas for 2008 include: diagnosis and treatment of epileptic seizures; seizure semiology and EEG features of epilepsy in infants and children; innovative approaches to treatment; recognition and managmeent of congenital and acquired etiologies of pediatric epilepsy; and epilepsy surgery. Please join us to learn from the children and their doctors.
Pregnancy Registry Outcomes
Page Pennell, M.D.
Kimford J. Meador, M.D.
The Pregnancy Outcomes SIG is designed to be a resource for information regarding pregnancy-related outcomes in women with epilepsy. It will provide presentations and discussion of the most up-to-date information from the major antiepileptic drug (AED) pregnancy registries and other data regarding pregnancy outcomes. The goal is to improve the ability to make evidence-based decisions in treating women of childbearing age who have epilepsy.
Psychiatric Aspects of Epilepsy
This year's Psychiatric SIG will deal with exciting advances in neuroimaging technique that may provide objective markers for the presence of depression in epilepsy.
Psychogenic Non-epileptic Seizures
Selim R. Benbadis, M.D.
Curt LaFrance Jr., M.D.
Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) are a common and often difficult problem for neurologists and epileptologists. This year we will focus on Pediatric issues. Speakers will cover:
1) the incidence, risk factors, biological, psychosocial, clinical and developmental characteristics, comorbid psychopathology, and long-term outcome of peditatric PNES.
2) Using Video-DVDs of non-epileptic events in children and adolescents to discuss the complexities of the differential diagnosis of PNES.
3) The importance of multidisciplinary team collaboration and strategies for interaction between the neurology/epileptology, psychiatry/psychology, and school professionals working with PNES youth.
4) Hands-on guidelines for diagnosis, feedback, adn psychotherapeutic treatment of the PNES child and family.
Quality Indicators
This NEW SIG will focus on Quality and Value Indicators in the Care of Patients with Epilepsy. This sesison will review what is currently known about quality indicators for epilepsy care. Through a combination of presentations and discussion, the background of epilespy quality measurements will be outlined. Our goal is to be informational as well as proactive in ascertaining what studies are currently ongoing in this discipline. Topics to be covered include: Which epilepsy care metrics should serve as a marker of quality epilepsy care? What are the thoughts from government and other experts with experience in the measurement and reporting of quality metrics? What are the implications for not recording or meeting quality measurements? Potential future studies involveing qualitiy metrics will be reviewed.
Sleep and Epilepsy
Nancy R. Foldvary-Schaefer, D.O.
People will epilepsy of all ages experience a broad range of sleep/wake disturbances, many of which contriubte to sleep deprivation, a potent seizure activator. Sleep complaints often signal the presence of a primary sleep disorder which can adversely affect seizure control and are often not reported or addressed. This SIG will addres sleep complaints in pediatric and adult epilepsy patients and aim to identify clinical scenarios warranting formal sleep evaluation.
SUDEP
Elson L. So, M.D.
Tess L. Sierzant, RN, M.S.
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the most common cause of seizure-related mortality in people with refractory epilepsy. Unfortunately, the mechanisms of death is unknown and there are no known preventive measures. There is an urgent need for more information in this disastrous condition. The American Epilepsy Society and Epilepsy Foundation Joint Task Force on SUDEP will present its ongoing work. Ongoing clinical and basic science research will be discussed.
Surgery
Michael M. Haglund, M.D., Ph.D
We plan to again have exciting presentation and discussion of difficult cases that involve surgery. We hope to add a neuropathology component this year to incorporate this critical feature of the surgical resections being discussed.
Temporal Lobe Club
Jerome Engel Jr., M.D., Ph.D.
Susan Spencer, M.D.
The topic for 2008 will be funding for epilepsy surgery research. Most studies published on epilepsy surgery from the U.S. have been funded through surplus clinical income and institutional administrative support. NIH has funded a few prospective multicenter epilepsy surgery projects. Marked reductionin reimbursement for clinical services and institutional support, and severe cuts in NIH funding, have made it extremely difficult to fund new expensive epilepsy surgery studies. Creative ideas for combining resources are needed.
The Ketogenic Diet
The ketogenic diet creates a ketotic state, but is that why it works? Does ketosis really matter? Most researchers agree that therapeutic diets are more complicated and probably work via multiple mechanisms for epilepsy, let alone for other possible neurologic indications such as brain tumors and autism. In this year's ketogenic diet SIG, we will examine this hot topic in depth. We will have three researchers approach this question each in a different way - first a basic scientist, then a clinical researcher, finally a nutritionist. There will be plenty fo time for questions and debate as usual.
Translational Research
Thomas P. Sutula, M.D., Ph.D.
Warren Lammert
This Special Interest Group seeks interested members from basic and clinical science corporations (especially research & development), and lay groups. The goal is to create a forum for a dialogue between different interest, solicit new ideas, and promote collaboration that move the epilepsy community towards translational research projects that advances new therapies. This year we will focus on Intellectual Property: Legal, University Tech Transfer; Finance, Competitive and Collaborative Perspectives.
Tuberous Sclerosis
Gregory L. Holmes, M.D.
Vicky Whittemore, Ph.D
The TSC SIG in 2008 will focus on the mechanisms of infantile spasms in TSC and assessment of cognitive outcome in individuals with TSC who had infantile spasms. Prompt, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment of infantile spasms are critical to the child's neurologic and cognitive outcomes. We hope you will join us for a lively discussion.
Women's Issues with Epilepsy
Katherine Noe, M.D., Ph.D.
Romila Msutaq, M.D.
This SIG will focus on unique challenges facing women with epilepsy in menopause. Interactions of epilepsy, antiepileptic drugs, and sex hormones will be discussed, focusing on changes in seizrue control, age of menopausal transition and potential challenges in use of hormone replacement. We will also review issues related to osteoporosis and fracture, particular concerns in the older women with epilepsy.