Wellness & Epilepsy Conference


Saturday, November 10, 2018
VisTaTech Center

Schoolcraft College
18600 Haggerty Rd, Livonia, MI 48152


SOLD OUT. At-the-door, day-of registrations will not be accepted.


KEYNOTE SPEAKER - Stacia Kalinoski, Documentary Filmmaker
  Stacia Kalinoski is an Emmy award-winning journalist, documentary filmmaker, and inspirational speaker. She reported for television stations in Nebraska, Oregon, and Michigan before a seizure turned her career upside down. As a journalist, documenting this experience was a natural decision. Stacia produced a documentary called Brainstorm, which premiered on Twin Cities PBS, earned a regional Emmy nomination, then aired on numerous PBS stations nationwide. Her goal is to reduce the stigma of epilepsy through education and inspire people battling epilepsy. 

AGENDA      *5.5 ASET CEUs are provided for Neurodiagnostic Technologists

8:00 - 8:45 am
Registration

8:45 - 9:00 am
Opening Remarks
Stephen Kuehn - Chairperson; Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan Board of Directors

9:00 - 9:45 am
Keynote Address - Stacia Kalinoski, Documentary Filmmaker

9:45 - 10:45 am
Causes of Epilepsy: How Etiology Influences Prognosis & Treatment
SPONSORED BY BEAUMONT CHILDREN'S
Andrew Zillgitt, DO - Epileptologist 
 
In 2017, the International League Against Epilepsy established six categories for classifying the causes of epilepsy: structural, genetic, infectious, metabolic, immune, and unknown. This presentation will provide common examples of causes within each category and explain how understanding the cause of one’s epilepsy can shed light on prognosis and possible treatment options.

10:45 - 10:55 am
Break

10:55 am - 12:10 pm 
Cannabis for Epilepsy: Navigating Uncharted Territory
SPONSORED BY HENRY FORD COMPREHENSIVE EPILEPSY CENTER
Gregory Barkley, MD – Epileptologist; Henry Ford Comprehensive Epilepsy Center
Jules Constantinou, MD – Pediatric Epileptologist; Henry Ford Comprehensive Epilepsy Center
Evangelos Litinas, MD – Chief Medical Officer; Om of Medicine
Ben Rosman – Cannabis lawyer and cannabis testing lab owner; PSI Labs
 
Cannabis-derived therapies for epilepsy have significant potential to improve seizure control, but a great deal more research is needed to fully understand the potential risks and benefits of different options. While clinical trials have led to the first ever FDA-approved cannabis-derived therapy for epilepsy, not all people with epilepsy will have access to this treatment. Sorting through all of the other options that are available, figuring out dosing and delivery mechanisms, and knowing exactly what you’re getting can be a challenge. The panelists in this session will provide guidance in navigating the medical, legal, and practical aspects of using cannabis as a treatment for epilepsy.

12:10 - 1:40 pm
Lunch, Health & Resource Fair, Networking Time
SPONSORED BY MICHIGAN MEDICINE DEPARTMENTS OF PEDIATRICS AND NEUROLOGY

1:40 - 2:45 pm
Breakout Sessions - Early Afternoon

  • Focus on Females: Managing Epilepsy in Women and Girls
    SPONSORED BY HENRY FORD COMPREHENSIVE EPILEPSY CENTER
    Marianna Spanaki-Varelas, MD, PhD, MBA – Epileptologist, Henry Ford Comprehensive Epilepsy Center

    Women and girls with epilepsy face a number of unique challenges across the lifespan. This presentation will review the relationship between epilepsy, hormonal changes, pregnancy, and reproductive disorders, and highlight best practices in clinical management.

  • Managing Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures, Depression, and Anxiety Disorders
    SPONSORED BY MICHIGAN MEDICINE DEPARTMENTS OF PEDIATRICS AND NEUROLOGY
    Nicholas Beimer, MD – Epileptologist; Michigan Medicine
    Kristin Kullgren, PhD – Pediatric Psychologist; Michigan Medicine C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital
    Scott Winder, MD – Psychiatrist; Michigan Medicine
    Zahra Abbas – Adult with epilepsy

    People with epilepsy are at increased risk for depression, anxiety disorders, and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Panelists will review the association between these conditions and epilepsy, describe symptoms and diagnosis, and discuss treatment and self-management strategies.

  • Transitions Toward Independence
    Evan Tank, DO – Epileptologist; Spectrum Health
    Olufemi Soyode, MD – Pediatric Epileptologist; Center for Adolescent and Child Neurology
    Mark Bashaw - Community Resource Specialist; Disability Network Oakland & Macomb
    Matthew Summerfield - Young adult with epilepsy

    Life is full of transitions, many of which can be made more challenging by epilepsy. This panel discussion will focus on periods of transition to a situation of increased independence (e.g. high school to college, pediatric to adult neurology, moving into a more independent residential setting as an adult, etc.). Panelists will discuss important things to consider when planning for such a transition and available resources and strategies that can help.
 
2:45 - 2:55 pm
Break

2:55 - 4:00 pm
Breakout Sessions - Late Afternoon

  • Epilepsy & Physical Health - from Vicious Cycle to Vitality
    Nikesh Ardeshna, MD – Epileptologist; McLaren Macomb

    Epilepsy can be fraught with vicious cycles. For example, seizures can disrupt sleep, which leads to more seizures, which further interfere with sleep, and so on. This session will discuss the potential negative impacts of epilepsy and its treatment on physical health and how effective self-management and healthy behaviors can help turn vicious cycles into vitality.

  • Dietary Therapies for Epilepsy
    Adriana Tanner, MD – Epileptologist; Mercy Health Hauenstein Neurosciences
    Denise Potter, RD, CSP, CDE – Dietitian; Potter Dietitian Consulting

    The ketogenic diet, modified Atkins diet, and Low Glycemic Index treatment can be effective in reducing seizures in both children and adults with epilepsy. The panelists will review the effectiveness and safety of these diets, discuss what the diets involve and who can benefit from them, and provide tips and meal plans to help with tolerability and adherence.

  • Caregiver Open Forum
    Dorris Reese – Sister of an adult with epilepsy and intellectual disability
    Jill Mazur Skornicka – Parent Mentor, Michigan Alliance for Families
    Hannah Stegink - Spouse of an adult with epilepsy

    This session will offer an opportunity for those who care for a child or adult with epilepsy to share resources and strategies for managing epilepsy and maintaining caregiver health and wellbeing.

KIDS CONFERENCE DAY CAMP

The Kids Conference Day Camp is now full and is no longer accepting applications.

Please take advantage of this program created for children ages 2 – 15 who have epilepsy or have a family member with epilepsy. The Kids Conference Day Camp takes place at the same time and location as our Wellness & Epilepsy Conference. This allows parents to attend the conference while their children learn, make new friends, and have fun in a safe environment.

Activities include the following:

• Fun “ice-breaker” games to help kids get to know each other
• An interactive discussion with a pediatric epilepsy specialist
• A variety of age-appropriate group recreational activities for kids to choose from
• A creative group project that will promote teamwork, reflection, and sharing of ideas
• An opportunity to see the Keynote Address (for older kids who are interested)

To attend, a Kids Conference Day Camp Application must be completed and returned to us. Please contact Pam Bird at 800-377-6226, ext. 1204; pbird@epilepsymichigan.org, and one will be sent to you. A completed application must be received to reserve a spot for your child. SPACE IS LIMITED!



Thank you to our 2018 Sponsors:


Think Helping - Social Media Parter

2017 Wellness & Epilepsy Conference: Videotaped Sessions

Keynote Address
Joyce Bender - Bender Consulting Services

Epilepsy Research: Accelerating New Therapies 
Kathleen Farrell, MB BCh BAO, Director of Clinical Research - Epilepsy Foundation - Presentation Slides
Jason Schwalb, MD, Neurosurgeon - Henry Ford Comprehensive Epilepsy Program - Presentation Slides

Medications for Epilepsy: Choices, Chances, and Changes
Rohit Marawar, MD, epileptologist - DMC Harper University Hospital - Presentation Slides
Kari Vavra Janes, PharmD, BCPS, Pharmacist - Ferris State University - Presentation Slides

2016 Wellness & Epilepsy Conference: Videotaped Sessions

Keynote Address
Chanda Gunn - Olympic Hockey Medalist

The Nature of Epilepsy: Research Highlights
William Stacey, MD, PhD– University of Michigan Health System
Yu Wang, MD, PhD - University of Michigan Health System

Beyond Medications: Advances in Epilepsy Treatment
David Burdette, MD - Spectrum Health

2015 Wellness & Epilepsy Conference: Videotaped Sessions

Keynote Address
Tony Coelho - former U.S. Congressman and primary sponsor of the ADA

Advances in Epilepsy Neurodiagnostics and Neuroimaging
Andrew Zillgitt, DO - Henry Ford Health System     Presentation Slides (due to large file size, this may take several minutes to open)
Eishi Asano, MD, PhD - Children's Hospital of Michigan     Presentation Slides

Epilepsy Open Forum
David Burdette, MD - Spectrum Health
Anastasia Luniova, MD - Helen DeVos Children's Hospital

Management of Nocturnal Seizures
Nicholas Beimer, MD – University of Michigan Health System
Sucheta Joshi, MD – University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital
Neeraj Kaplish, MD - University of Michigan Health System

Medical Marijuana for Epilepsy
Zahra Abbas – Adult with Epilepsy 
Gregory Barkley, MD – Henry Ford Health System
Michael Komorn – Komorn Law; Michigan Medical Marijuana Association
Evangelos Litinas, MD, MBA – Om of Medicine

2014 Wellness & Epilepsy Conference: Videotaped Sessions

Keynote Address
Phil Gattone, Epilepsy Foundation     Presentation Slides

Current Trends in Epilepsy Research, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Patricia Osborne Shafer, RN, MN - Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center     Presentation Slides

Epilepsy Open Forum
Brien Smith, MD - Spectrum Health
Seth DeVries, MD - Helen DeVos Children's Hospital

The Best (and Worst) of Epilepsy
Amer Aboukasm, MD - St. John Providence Health System
Iqbal Allarakhia, MD - St. John Providence Health System
Cassandra Emerson - adult with epilepsy
Janet Weisz - parent of a teen with epilepsy

Advances in Epilepsy Surgery
Ellen Air, MD, PhD - Henry Ford Health System     Presentation Slides
 
2013 Wellness & Epilepsy Conference: Videotaped Sessions

Keynote Address: Diane Van Deren - Champion Ultrarunner

Current Trends in Epilepsy Research, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Ruggero Serafini, MD, PhD - Wayne State University/Detroit Medical Center     Presentation Slides
William Stacey, MD, PhD - University of Michigan Health System     Presentation Slides

Antiseizure Medications: Striving for "No Seizures, No Side Effects"
Andrew Zillgitt, DO - Henry Ford Health System     Presentation Slides
David Burdette, MD - St. John Providence Health System     Presentation Slides
Jules Constantinou, MD - Henry Ford Health System     Presentation Slides

Safety and Independence: The Epilepsy Balancing Act
Simon Glynn, MD - University of Michigan Health System
Renee Shellhaas, MD, MS - University of Michigan Health System

Adult Open Forum
Brien Smith, MD - Spectrum Health
 
Martha Curtis  gave an inspiring Keynote Address at the 2012 conference. Watch her Keynote Address.