Scientific Program

Conference Series Ltd invites all the participants across the globe to attend World Congress on Epilepsy and Brain Disorders Cape Town, South Africa.

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Scientific Program Day 1
Scientific Program Day 2

Day 2 :

Keynote Forum

Tanya Lochner

Brain Harmonics, South Africa

Keynote: Neurofeedback and epilepsy – A critical review of using neurofeedback as an alternative treatment for epilepsy

Time : 09:30-10:30

Conference Series Epilepsy Congress 2018 International Conference Keynote Speaker Tanya Lochner photo
Biography:

Tanya Lochner is a Neurofeedback Practioner with Brain Harmonics in Cape Town, South Africa. She graduated from the University of South Africa in 2006 with a BCom degree in Industrial & Organisational Psychology. She has also practiced as a Neurofeedback Practitioner and Rapid Transformation Coach since 2017. She has successfully treated various imbalances using EEG neurofeedback including cerebral palsy, ADD, ADHD, anxiety, and stress and continues her research in the field of neuroscience and neurofeedback as a holistic treatment leading to optimal brain functioning.
 

 

Abstract:

We will do a critical review of using operant conditioning of the sensorimotor rhythm (SMR) as a clinical utility and alternative treatment for epilepsy. Issues taken into consideration will include physiology, learning principles, and methodology while focusing on the treatment of epilepsy with sensorimotor rhythm training, probably the best established clinical application of EEG-operant conditioning. The skilled practice of neurofeedback requires a solid understanding of operant learning principles and mechanisms, the neurophysiology underlying EEG oscillation, as well as an in-depth comprehension of how the various hardware/software equipment options work, that are currently available to the practitioner. It has been suggested that the best clinical practice includes the systematic mapping of quantitative multi-electrode EEG measures against a standard norm sample base before and after treatment, to guide the choice of treatment and record progress towards EEG standardization. We conclude that research literature, as well as practical case studies, justifies the idea that neurofeedback treatment of epilepsy/seizure disorders may be a well-founded and viable alternative to anticonvulsant pharmacotherapy.

  • Depression and Anxiety | Epilepsy and Alcohol | Epilepsy in Woman and Inborn | Drug Delivery to Epilepsy Brain | Epilepsy Surgery | Prevention of Epilepsy
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Speaker

Chair

Guillermo Nicolás Jemar

TREMA Mental Health and Neurosciences, Argentina

Session Introduction

Pani Schutte

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd, South Africa

Title: The impact of cognitive impairment on the workplace (employer and employee) and needed collaboration between the employer and the specialists

Time : 11:00-11:30

Speaker
Biography:

Pani Schutte has completed two Masters degrees in Psychology and Clinical Psychology and a DPhil in Psychology from Stellenbosch University. The topic of her study was Exposure Therapy and Brain Metabolic Changes in the Treatment of PTSD. Dr. Schutte is currently the Senior Station Psychologist at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, Eskom Holdings SOC, South Africa. The main focus of her role is providing assurance to the National Nuclear Regulator, and thereby to the public, that no adverse event will occur at KNPS due to psychological deficiencies of nuclear operators. Dr. Schutte has a strong interest in Neuropsychological Assessments and Interventions. She has published and presented over 15 papers, both nationally and internationally

Abstract:

The burden of Brain Disorders on the society is immense and can be considered one the top global health challenges of the 21st century. This is one of the findings of a recent report, coordinated by the European Brain Council (EBC) and the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ECNP). The societal and workplace burden increases when the net is cast a little wider to include the broader area of Cognitive Impairment due to various etiologies. Cognitive Impairment can develop gradually as a result of a disease, or suddenly as a result of a specific injury. In either case, the individual may seem to make a full recovery but may have subtle “invisible” cognitive impairment, which may have a major negative impact on their workability and productivity. This, in turn, has a major cost effect on the employer with regards to direct costs (salary, sick leave, etc.) as well as indirect costs (burnout of and resignations by other employees taking on an extra load, decreased production, etc). How do we manage individuals with cognitive impairment? Fulfilling our ethical obligation, we as health care practitioners have to take hands with organizations, collaborating in the design and implementation of programmes and systems to work in the best interest of the individuals and the organizations. to make a full recovery, but may have subtle “invisible” cognitive impairment, which may have a major negative impact on their workability and productivity. This, in turn, has a major cost effect on the employer with regards to direct costs (salary, sick leave, etc.) as well as indirect costs (burnout of and resignations by other employees taking on an extra load, decreased production, etc). How do we manage individuals with cognitive impairment? Fulfilling our ethical obligation, we as health care practitioners have to take hands with organizations, collaborating in the design and implementation of programmes and systems to work in the best interest of the individuals and the organizations.

Nada Lagerstrom,

Valkenberg Hospital, South Africa

Title: Non epileptic seizures: Challenges of diagnosis and treatment in clinical psychiatric practice in South Africa
Speaker
Biography:

Nada Lagerstrom is a psychiatrist currently working and Valkenberg Psychiatric Hospital, University of Cape Town. Dr. Rasmita Ori is a subspecialist Neuropsychiatrist, currently working in Valkenberg Hospital, University of Cape Town, as consultant and lecturer, and in private practice.

Abstract:

Non-epileptic seizures (NES) are defined as paroxysmal behaviors which resemble epileptic seizures (ES) but without pathognomonic electrophysiological correlate. NES are further classified as psychogenic (PNES), which are thought to be caused by psychosocial factors, and/or “other” (oNES) which may occur in some other clinical medical conditions. Globally NES present diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, as well as a psychosocial burden. Studies show that it takes on average 7 years before the diagnosis is made in patients with treatment-resistant seizures, and the cost carried is approximately 100 000 American dollars per patient (excluding the cost of treatment post diagnosis). There are numerous difficulties in achieving
a correct diagnosis and applying adequate treatment measures, ranging from the deficiency in health services resources, both technical and human, to stigma and obstructive cultural and religious beliefs. Some studies show the direct correlation between the reduction in NES and the country’s economic status. South Africa is developing the country with very diverse and unique sociodemographic fabric. Public health services, which accommodate over 80% of the South African population, mainly of lower socioeconomic status and extreme poverty, are overburdened and under-resourced. This often leads to inadequate and incomplete medical workup, which, applied to the context of NES, means that psychiatrists will have to manage complex patients who are referred to them with scarce history and less than basic prior investigations. This paper aims to address the challenges faced in clinical psychiatric practice in South Africa regarding diagnosis and management of NES, with focus on PNES and solution-based
approach.