CLAE conference will bring to light latest discoveries in epilepsy research

October 16, 2014

The upcoming Canadian League Against Epilepsy (CLAE) conference will be an opportunity for attendees to learn about the latest discoveries in epilepsy research, says its main250 organizer.

Neurologist Dr. Jorge Burneo, the CLAE’s director of education, says the conference is aimed at bringing together Canada’s epilepsy clinicians and researchers to share information and learn from one another about the latest breakthroughs in epilepsy care.

The conference will include a myriad of breakout sessions focusing on the latest developments, including neuroengineering, neuroimaging, video-EEG monitoring in critically-ill patients and genetic counselling.

“The meeting is mainly directed at neurologists and neurosurgeons as well as neurologists who are currently in training to obtain more specialization in epilepsy,” Burneo tells Voices of Epilepsy. “It’s also open to any health professional who cares for patients with epilepsy.”

On Day 3 of the conference, the Canadian Epilepsy Alliance (CEA) will be leading a plenary session, entitled Working Together to Improve Epilepsy Care in Canada. The CEA is a network of grassroots organizations focused on promoting quality of life for people with epilepsy and their families.

The session will be led by CEA president Gail Dempsey. Dempsey says she hopes attendees walk away from this session with a better understanding that the best way to enhance knowledge in epilepsy care is through collaboration.

“We’re having an open discussion to determine how we see that happening,” Dempsey says. “We see it happening in that when you go to the doctor’s office, the doctor really doesn’t have a whole lot of time to provide you with all the information that you need so that you can maintain the quality of life that you want. (The CEA is) more than happy to partner with the doctors to make sure that the education is provided.”

Burneo says the collaboration between the CLAE and CEA, which has been ongoing for several years, is also an important aspect of the conference.

“Every time we have a meeting, we have a special session for the CEA because we really believe that epilepsy care is improved when the organizations and the patients are involved in the care,” he says.

The 2014 CLAE’s biennial meeting is taking place in London, Ont. Oct. 17-19. Click here for more information, including how to register.

Writer: Deron Hamel

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