Neuro Epilepsy Day and Pierre Gloor Lecture

Program

Speakers

Dr. Dang Nguyen, MD, PhD, FRCPC 

Bio

Dang K. Nguyen is the current chief of neurology at the Montreal University Hospital Center (CHUM). He obtained his MD, PhD and neurology degrees at the University of Montreal and completed his epilepsy fellowship training at Yale University. For the last 23 years, he has been caring for complex epilepsy cases at the CHUM. He is also a principal scientist at the CHUM Research Center, full professor in the Department of Neurosciences at the University of Montreal and holds a Canada Research Chair in Epilepsy. Having previously been the president of the Canadian League against Epilepsy, he is currently on the executive board of the North American Commission of the International League against Epilepsy.

Talk Abstract

The routine EEG is ubiquitous in epilepsy, from the decision to initiate antiseizure medications all the way through their attempted withdrawal. However, detection of interictal epileptiform discharges can be elusive as they may not always be present (low to moderate sensitivity) and several spiky transients can mimic interictal epileptiform discharges (moderate interrater reliability). Because routine EEGs are performed dozens of times a day in most hospitals and the recording equipment and protocols are relatively standardized, there is an opportunity for assemble large amount of data to develop algorithms for automated EEG analysis using artificial intelligence.

Dr. Brian Litt, MD

Bio

Dr. Litt is the Perelman Professor of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania. He divides his time equally between the Schools of Medicine and Engineering, and directs centers in Neuroengineering, Epilepsy research and Device Innovation. Dr. Litt is a neurologist who treats patients with epilepsy. His research focuses on NeuroEngineering: materials, hardware, imaging, algorithms, data science, machine learning, and high-speed computing for neural interfaces and devices. His laboratory translates basic science into new diagnostic and therapeutic technologies, with a focus Epilepsy and other brain network disorders. Dr. Litt also works on infrastructure and platforms for international data sharing and integration at scale, and his open-source platforms, IEEG.org and Pennsieve, are used by thousands of researchers worldwide. Dr. Litt has won awards for teaching, research and mentoring, including an NIH Pioneer Award, the AES Clinical Research Award, and the NIH/ NINDS Landis Award for mentoring.

Talk Abstract

Technologies to diagnose, map, monitor, analyze and treat brain network disorders, like epilepsy, are growing with breathtaking speed, but their impact on treatment and outcome have been modest. There are many potential reasons: lack of mechanistic understanding, small studies that might not generalize, systemic barriers and misaligned incentives for sharing data and accelerating progress. In this talk I will present a vision or what epilepsy care might look like in 2050, and touch upon specific research attempting to realize it, drawn from our center and elsewhere. I will present major challenges to improving care and hope to initiate discussion regarding solutions.

Location

The Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital is at 3801 University Street, north of Pine Avenue West, on the McGill University campus opposite the former Royal Victoria Hospital.

Montreal is served by highway Routes 10, 15, 20 and 40, and by Greyhound Bus, Via Rail and the P-E-Trudeau airport. In the city, bus and metro service is provided by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM).

Wheelchair access

A wheelchair accessible entrance is on University Street north of the main entrance. Another wheelchair accessible entrance is in the loading area behind the building: to enter the loading area, turn into the driveway south of the main entrance. Please note, there is no parking in the loading area.

Parking

Parking near the MNI is sometimes difficult. There are parking meters on University Street and a parking lot north of the main entrance. To enter the lot, turn right into the driveway toward Molson Stadium.

Information about parking fees

Taxi Stand

There is a taxi stand on University Street across from the main entrance. You may call a cab from the free taxi phone in the main lobby near the Security Desk.

Access by Public Transportation (STM website)

Bus

There are four bus stops within walking distance:

• Bus 144 stops at Pine Avenue and University Street
• Bus 356 stops at Sherbrooke Street and University Street (Nightbus)
• Bus 107 stops at Pine Avenue and Docteur Penfield
• Bus 24 stops at Sherbrooke Street and University Street

Metro

Take the Metro Green Line to the McGill station. Walk north on University Street and cross Pine Avenue. The main entrance is on the right, past the flags.

Jeanne Timmins Amphitheatre

• Enter the main lobby, turn left, and go down the hallway to the end.
• Turn right and go down the second hallway until you see another hallway on the left.
• This hallway leads to the Jeanne Timmins Foyer.
• On your right are the Jeanne Timmins Amphitheatre entrance doors.

Call for Posters 

Sharing Science and Knowledge

Trainees at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral level are invited to present their work as posters. Abstracts will also be considered for an oral presentation. 

The scientific presentations are intended to ignite discussion, collaboration, and connection among the Montreal epilepsy community. We encourage you to share your most current project in any stage of development, research questions, and pilot projects. Please submit your abstract of less than 150 words HERE. 

Abstracts should be one page only and contain: 1) name of author & affiliation, 2) name of co-authors & affiliation, 3) title of abstract, 4) abstract. The deadline for submission is April 16, 2024.

Scientific Committee

Boris Bernhardt

Judy Chen

Ella Sahlas

Linda Horwood