Clinical Skills Workshop | Alternative Therapies to Standard Anti-epileptic Therapies: My Seizure Drugs Aren’t Working, Now What?

OVERVIEW :

Over the last two decades, there has been a rapid expansion in the number and types of available antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), making it easy to overlook and perhaps be skeptical about non‐pharmacological treatments. There is increasing concern amongst parents and caregivers about the unwanted side effects of conventional AEDs, often fueled by the media and the web. 

With an emphasis on self-management, this skills workshop focuses on the non‐conventional (or non‐standard) medical treatments, surgical procedures, dietary approaches, and other non‐pharmacological treatment approaches that may have a role in current management of the epilepsies. Therapeutic approaches covered include immune treatments, diets, herbals, psychological management, and wearable devices. 

Topics to be covered: 

• Devices and epilepsy surgery 
• Diet, CBD, and nutritional supplements 
• Meditation, mindfulness, and the role of exercise in seizure control