AES 2021

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4

Time

Activity Type

Session

8:45 AM - 11:45 AM CT 

Symposium

Presidential Symposium | Recent Research Revolutions and Their Impact on Epilepsy Patient Care 

The 2021 AES Presidential Symposium introduces recent advances in research on disease mechanisms, and interprets findings and progress  through the lens of a practicing neurologist in the epilepsy clinic. These advances have the potential to impact patient care in the near term. 

12:00 PM - 6:00 PM CT

Poster Session

Poster Session 1

Posters are grouped by general topic category at various times throughout the meeting. Poster authors available for discussion during each session.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM CT

Investigators Workshop

Investigators Workshop | Multi-disciplinary Approaches for Cognitive and Affective Fingerprinting in Epilepsy

This workshop highlights recent efforts to characterize cognitive and affective abilities in individual patients, leveraging cutting-edge behavioral, imaging and electrophysiological techniques.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM CT

Investigators Workshop

Investigators Workshop | Rationalizing Intervention Targets for SUDEP Risk Reduction: A Neuroimaging Perspective

This session unmasks factors, such as neural damage and network abnormalities, to help prevent Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CT

Investigators Workshop

DEI Content

Investigators Workshop | Epilepsy Health Disparities

Now more than ever, focus on health disparities is needed and overdue in the care, treatment, and research of epilepsy.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CT

Investigators Workshop

Investigators Workshop | Memory Mechanisms in the Epileptic Brain

This session explores ways to improve memory and cognition in temporal lobe epilepsy.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CT

Investigators Workshop

Investigators Workshop | Quantitative Analysis of Epileptic Networks at Cellular Resolution

This workshop showcases the power of computational modeling, perturbation simulations, and network science for studying large-scale epileptic networks at single-cell resolution.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CT

Investigators Workshop

Investigators Workshop |Anatomical and Neurobehavioral Consequence of Fetal Antiseizure Medication Exposure

This workshop invites a timely and multi-disciplinary dialog on the topic of anatomical, structural, and neurodevelopmental consequences of fetal antiseizure medication (ASM) exposure.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Engineering and Neurostimulation: Next Generation Approaches for Neurostimulation in Epilepsy

This Special Interest Group focuses on the advances of neurostimulation research across various fields of study

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Seizures in Autoimmune Encephalitis: Continuation Proposal Seizures in Autoimmune Encephalitis

Seizures in auto-immune encephalitis can be challenging to diagnose and manage.

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM CT

Special Lecture

Special Lecture | NAEC-AES Joint Session: Coding and Reimbursement Policies of Interest to Epileptologists and Epilepsy Centers

This session covers major procedural services provided by epileptologists, including a review of the long-term EEG/VEEG monitoring CPT Codes that took effect on January 1, 2020.

2:15 PM - 4:45 PM CT

Symposium

Pediatric State of the Art Symposium | Electrical Status Epilepticus in Sleep: Sleeping with the Enemy

This session investigates electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES) and explores the potential for early diagnosis of at-risk patients to improve outcomes.

2:30 PM - 5:00 PM CT

Symposium

DEI Content

Best Practices in Clinical Epilepsy Symposium | Complexity of Care Across the Age Spectrum: What Healthcare Providers Should Not Overlook

This Symposium delves into the multi-faceted management of epileptic seizures across the age spectrum.

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM CT

Professional Development

Career Skills ? Mentoring: How to be Your Best Advocate for Mentoring

This session helps you maximize the benefits of mentorship along your career.

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM CT

Investigators Workshop

Investigators Workshop | Emerging Roles of Hypothalamus in Epilepsy and Comorbidities

This workshop highlights the role of the hypothalamus in epilepsy and multiple comorbidities.

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM CT

Investigators Workshop

Investigators Workshop | The Chronobiology of Epilepsy

This session examines variations in epilepsy cycles and how understanding cycles may translate to improved diagnosis and treatment.

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Epilepsy and Aging: Late-Onset Epilepsy–A Unique Clinical Entity

This Special Interest Group examines late-onset epilepsy as a unique disease of study.

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Temporal Lobe Club: The Network in Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

This Special Interest Group focuses on the aspects of the network underlying Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (mTLE).

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM CT

Special Lecture

DEI Content

Special Lecture | CDC Public Health Workshop

Limitations in the number and geographic distribution of epilepsy specialists are major reasons for delays in access to appropriate care for people with epilepsy. Varied community service providers remain insufficiently trained to provide epilepsy-specific support.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5

Time

Activity Type

Session

8:30 AM - 10:45 AM CT

Platform Session

Platform A – Basic Mechanisms

There will be two concurrent sessions of selected key scientific abstracts. Authors will present a 10-minute overview of their work followed by a five-minute Q&A session.

8:30 AM - 10:45 AM CT

Platform Session

Platform B – Genetics

There will be two concurrent sessions of selected key scientific abstracts. Authors will present a 10-minute overview of their work followed by a five-minute Q&A session. 

8:45 AM - 5:15 PM CT

Symposium

Annual Course | How to Help Patients Live with Epilepsy

This day-long course presents contemporary issues in the treatment and care of patients with epilepsy and covers topics such as access to care, health equity, telehealth, as well as address comorbidities in epilepsy and updates in the treatment of epilepsy.

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CT

Investigators Workshop

Investigators Workshop | Functional and Medical Outcomes After Large Pediatric Epilepsy Surgeries

This workshop examines the post-operative implications of large epilepsy surgeries on children and their caregivers and offers strategies for clinicians to address patient outcomes.

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CT

Investigators Workshop

Investigators Workshop | Therapeutic Benefits of Targeting Neuropeptides in Epilepsy

Neuropeptides have long been known to be key modulators of neurological function. Moreover, several key neuropeptides have been identified as playing an important role in epilepsy pathophysiology.

9:00 AM - 11:30 AM CT

Symposium

Merritt-Putnam Symposium | Targeted Genetic-Based Therapies of Epilepsy-General Principles and Clinical Applications

This Symposium aims to present basic science and expanding clinical applications of targeted genetic-based therapy.

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Data Science in Epilepsy: Natural Language Processing and EMR Phenotyping for Precision Epilepsy

This Special Interest Group examines the benefits of natural language processing in electronic health records for precision epilepsy treatment and care.

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Neuroendocrinology: The Impact of Stress on Epilepsy Outcomes

This Special Interest Group explores the impact of stress on epilepsy treatment outcomes.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CT

Investigators Workshop

Investigators Workshop | Apnea Without Dyspnea Due to Stimulation of the Amygdala

This workshop reviews the evidence that seizure-invasion of the amygdala can cause central apnea.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CT

Investigators Workshop

Investigators Workshop | Disorders of GABA Metabolism

This session examines the breakthrough approach of personalized targeted therapies for inherited metabolic epilepsies.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CT

Investigators Workshop

Investigators Workshop | Somatic Genetics of Neocortical Epilepsy: SLC35A2

This session investigates the impact of SLC35A2 on non-lesional neocortical epilepsy (NLNE), a difficult-to-treat epileptic disorder.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | EEG: The Problem of EEG Over-Interpretations – Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

This Special Interest Group reviews the causes and consequences of over-reading EEG records.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Epilepsy Education: E-learning in Epilepsy in the Times of Pandemic and Beyond

The coronavirus pandemic and global lockdown posed a major challenge for traditional teaching methods. In response, e-learning tools and programs have been incorporated into postgraduate medical education.

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM CT

Poster Session

Poster Session 2

Posters are grouped by general topic category at various times throughout the meeting. Poster authors are available for discussion during each session.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM CT

Poster Session

Basic Science Poster Session and Lunch

This session features the most exciting and innovative studies focused on understanding the basic mechanisms of epilepsy and using cutting edge approaches to understand and treat the mechanisms of epilepsy.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM CT

Investigators Workshop

Investigators Workshop | Thalamic Neuromodulation in Focal and Generalized Epilepsies

This session delves into the role of the thalamus and the potential for therapeutic interventions targeting the thalamocortical network.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CT

Investigators Workshop

Investigators Workshop | Clinical Applications of Functional and Effective Connectivity in Epilepsy

This workshop engages and informs attendees of clinical uses in computational measures of connectivity in the epileptic brain.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CT

Investigators Workshop

Investigators Workshop | Novel Techniques and Models to Identify Epileptogenesis in Post-traumatic Epilepsy

This session uses animal models to understand post-traumatic epilepsy and presents new technologies and techniques found in the research.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Pediatric Epilepsy Case Discussions: Diagnostic and Treatment Challenges

This session highlights the importance of precision medicine and treatments for pediatric epilepsy.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG): The Stereo-EEG Approach to MRI-Negative Epilepsy

This Special Interest Group covers the best approach for patients with MRI-negative epilepsy with planned pre-surgical evaluation with SEEG.

2:15 PM - 4:30 PM CT

Platform Session

Platform C – Neuroimaging

There will be two concurrent sessions of selected key scientific abstracts. Authors will present a 10-minute overview of their work followed by a five-minute Q&A session.

2:15 PM - 4:30 PM CT

Platform Session

Platform D – Neurophysiology

There will be two concurrent sessions of selected key scientific abstracts. Authors will present a 10-minute overview of their work followed by a five-minute Q&A session

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM CT

Special Interest Group

DEI Content

SIG | Global Health: Overcoming Hurdles to Sustainable Care During a Pandemic

This Special Interest Group addresses the multi-faceted challenges presented in a pandemic for the treatment and care of epilepsy.

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Seizure and Cerebrovascular Disease: The Relationship Between Seizures, Stroke, and Associated EEG Abnormalities

This Special Interest Group covers the range of topics and studies related to epilepsy in cerebrovascular disease and stroke.

4:00 PM - 6:30 PM CT

Special Lecture

Special Lecture| Management Strategies for Infantile Epilepsy: Perspectives on a Systematic Review Draft Report

This session will feature a panel presentation and participant interaction focusing on the Management of Infantile Epilepsy Systematic Review Draft Report produced by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Effective Healthcare Program.

5:15 PM - 6:15 PM CT

Poster Session

DEI Content

Poster Session | Better Patient Outcomes Through Diversity

Please join AES for an hour of learning and networking—plus refreshments!—at this Poster Session, which spotlights research relating to the needs of underserved populations along with showcasing the work of accomplished investigators who identify with underrepresented groups.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 6

Time

Activity Type

Session

7:00 AM - 8:30 AM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Cognitive and Behavioral Treatment for Epilepsy: Pediatric Epilepsy Clinic–Cognitive Behavorial Therapy Applications for Patients and Caregivers

This Special Interest Group examines the impact of cognitive behavioral therapy in the adult and pediatric patient and caregiver population.

7:00 AM - 8:30 AM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | NIH and Non-Profit Research Resources/Junior Investigator Workshop: Non-Profit Funding Opportunities for Junior Investigators

This Special Interest Group spotlights funding opportunities in the non-profit space for junior investigators.

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM CT

Poster Session

Poster Session 3

Posters are grouped by general topic category at various times throughout the meeting. Poster authors available for discussion during each session.

8:30 AM - 10:45 AM CT

Platform Session

Platform E – Surgery

There will be two concurrent sessions of selected key scientific abstracts. Authors will present a 10-minute overview of their work followed by a five-minute Q&A session.

8:30 AM - 10:45 AM CT

Platform Session

Platform F – Clinical Research

There will be two concurrent sessions of selected key scientific abstracts. Authors will present a 10-minute overview of their work followed by a five-minute Q&A session.

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM CT

Symposium

Scientific Symposium ? Seizures Go Virtual: Probing Mechanisms and Targeting Treatments with Multiscale Simulations

Hear from a panel of experts covering topics including research on channels to whole brain, how modeling can inform understanding of disease mechanisms, and patient management that highlights the power of collaborative multidisciplinary approaches to impact clinical care.

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Ictal Semiology: Generators of Motor Symptoms Linked to Auras–The Localizing Significance of Propagation Patterns

This Special Interest Group focuses on applying seizure semiology for seizure localization.

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Magnetoencephalography (MEG): What Are Dipoles Anyway? What Source Location Means and Doesn't Mean

This Special Interest Group examines the use of magnetoencephalography (MEG) in the pre-surgical evaluation for epilepsy treatment in three aspects: expectations, the science, and clinical interpretation.

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CT

Special Lecture

DEI Content

Special Lecture | ILAE-WHO Session: Global Actions on Epilepsy and Other Neurological Disorders

The session will focus on the landmark Resolution of the 73 World Health Assembly (WHA) and the Draft of the 10-years Intersectoral Action Plan for Epilepsy and other Neurological disorders, which address the current significant gaps in prevention, early detection, care, treatment and rehabilitation of persons and families living with epilepsy and other neurological disorders, and the ongoing need for research in these domains.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG |Epilepsy Surgery: The Learning Curve of Laser Ablation for Epilepsy

This Special Interest Group investigates the latest advances in laser ablation.

9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CT

Special Lecture

Special Lecture | Telehealth: One Year and More After COVID-19

This session highlights the impact of telehealth in patient care management during the COVID-19 pandemic.

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM CT

Symposium

DEI Content

Advanced Practice Provider Symposium? Crucial Conversations: When, Why, and How

This Symposium presents the blueprints for when, why, and how a clinicial care provider should address crucial health topics in epilepsy. Crucial topics include new diagnoses, SUDEP, functional seizures, pregnancy planning, and hormonal therapy for LGBTQ persons with epilepsy also on anti-seizure medication

2:00 PM - 4:15 PM CT

Platform Session

Pediatric Epilepsy Highlights

This session will showcase selected scientific abstracts focused on topics in clinical care and research in pediatric epilepsy. Authors will present a six-minute overview of their work.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Pregnancy Registry Outcomes: Pregnancy Data Outcome Update

This Special Interest Group reviews and updates attendees on the latest pregnancy outcome data from international studies and registries.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG? SUDEP: Failure to Autoresuscitate

This Special Interest Group highlights important topics that link the current knowledge of autoresuscitation, chemoresponsive brain regions, respiration, epilepsy and Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP).

2:00 PM - 3:15 PM CT

Special Lecture

Special Lecture | Lombroso Lecture: Seizure-induced Epigenetic Regulation of Cognition in Alzheimer's Disease

This lecture will review recent studies demonstrating that seizures induce activity-dependent expression of ?FosB, a transcription factor with an unusually long half-life, which epigenetically suppresses the expression of target genes that are critical for plasticity and memory.

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEE): Moving from a Seizure-Centric to a Holistic Evaluation of DEE Patients

This Special Interest Group features a holistic approach to the evaluation of Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies.

2:30 PM - 4:00 PM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Tumor-Related Epilepsy: A Focus on Low Grade Gliomas

This Special Interest Group provides an update in the diagnosis and management of tumor-related epilepsy for low grade gliomas.

4:00 PM - 6:30 PM CT

Symposium

Hot Topics Symposium | Epilepsy and COVID 2021

This Symposium discusses the current status of the pandemic and its impact on people with epilepsy.

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM CT

Special Lecture

Special Lecture | Dialogues to Transform Epilepsy

Dialogues to Transform Epilepsy is a Special Lecture that brings leaders in cutting-edge neuroscience to the epilepsy research community and transforms how to think about understanding and treating epilepsy.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7

Time

Activity Type

Session

7:00 AM - 8:30 AM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Dietary Therapies for Epilepsy: Therapy Innovations and Ketogenic Diet Mechanisms

This Special Interest Group explores two areas of dietary therapy research and practice.

7:00 AM - 8:30 AM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Epidemiology

Back by popular demand, the Epidemiology Special Interest Group features mixed-format presentation in two distinct parts.

7:00 AM - 8:30 AM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Quality and Safety: Continuous EEG/LTM–Who Do We Monitor vs. Who Should We Monitor?

This Special Interest Group explores both academic and practical aspects in the application of cEEG, particularly with how cEEG is currently being utilized and opportunities to refine use of cEEG.

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Neuropsychology: Reimagining Memory–Transient Amnesia, Long-Term Forgetting, Early Dementia

This Special Interest Group is focused on the diagnosis of memory disorders in patients with epilepsy across the lifespan.

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG | Professional Wellness in Epilepsy Care: Professional Wellness in Epilepsy Care

This Special Interest Group highlights initiatives that successfully promote professional health in the workplace.

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM CT

Special Interest Group

SIG ? Neuropharmacology: Managing Breakthrough Seizures–An Art or Science?

This Special Interest Group addresses the nuanced management of breakthrough seizures.

8:45 AM - 10:45 AM CT

Symposium

Epilepsy Therapies Symposium | Intractable Generalized Epilepsies: New Approaches to an Old Problem

This Symposium will review approaches to treatment of refractory generalized epilepsies, including medical, surgical, and dietary therapies.

9:15 AM - 11:15 AM CT

Symposium

Translational Research Symposium | Overcoming Systemic Barriers to Translating Research: Models of Success

This Symposium highlights several innovative translation initiatives to gather insight into bench-to-bedside pathways and barriers.

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM CT

Skills Workshop

Clinical Skills Workshop | Genetics Testing in Epilepsy Patients

This interactive workshop reviews available testing platforms and outlines case scenario-driven testing algorithms. The aim is to provide practical clinical guide in selecting patients, testing methods, and the workflow involved in ordering, submitting, and reporting genetic tests.

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM CT

Skills Workshop

Clinical Skills Workshop | Intracranial Electrode Studies: How Do You Choose a Technique for Optimum Localization

This is an interactive workshop where cases are presented to illustrate different problems to be solved by defining a region of epileptogenesis.

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM CT

Skills Workshop

Clinical Skills Workshop | Neurostimulation in Epilepsy

This workshop discusses the trials and post-marketing experience that established the tolerability and efficacy of these devices, and instructs on how to use them effectively. Hand-on experience for interrogating and programming the devices will be covered.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CT

Skills Workshop

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

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.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CT

Skills Workshop

Clinical Skills Workshop | Self-Management Training for Providers

This workshop will share implementation strategies that epilepsy center teams (APRNs, MDs, neuropsychologists) can utilize to provide self-management programs to their patient population with the support of Managing Epilepsy Well (MEW) teams.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM CT

Skills Workshop

Clinical Skills Workshop | Treating Patients with Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures

This interactive workshop examines the role of the neurologist and of mental health providers in the diagnosis and management of patients with PNES. Speakers discuss common obstacles that preclude proper treatment and possible pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM CT

Skills Workshop

Clinical Skills Workshop | Genetics Testing in Epilepsy Patients

This interactive workshop reviews available testing platforms and outlines case scenario-driven testing algorithms. The aim is to provide practical clinical guide in selecting patients, testing methods, and the workflow involved in ordering, submitting, and reporting genetic tests.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM CT

Skills Workshop

Clinical Skills Workshop | Intracranial Electrode Studies: How Do You Choose a Technique for Optimum Localization

This is an interactive workshop where cases are presented to illustrate different problems to be solved by defining a region of epileptogenesis. Participants work in groups to provide a consensus intracranial study. An experienced epileptologist will provide their institution's approach to the case and will describe the outcome.

1:30 PM - 3:00 PM CT

Skills Workshop

Clinical Skills Workshop | Optimal Use of Neuroimaging in Diagnosing and Treating Epilepsy

This interactive workshop reviews pre-surgical cases and the techniques used to diagnose epilepsy, emphasizing both basic MRI customized for epilepsy and advanced neuroimaging techniques. Speakers present a rational approach to the use of neuroimaging and highlight techniques that enhance diagnostic ability.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CT

Skills Workshop

Clinical Skills Workshop | Misadventures in EEG

This workshop covers common and uncommon sources of EEG misreading, their potential implications, and how to avoid these systemic errors.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM CT

Skills Workshop

Clinical Skills Workshop | Pharmacologic Management of Mood and Anxiety Disorders in Epilepsy: Case Discussions

This workshop uses a case-based approach to educate epilepsy clinicians on key principles of the identification and pharmacologic management of comorbid mood and anxiety disorders in the outpatient epilepsy clinic.