Living with Epilepsy Conference

The Epilepsy Alliance Ohio along with Nationwide Children's Hospital will be hosting the Annual Living with Epilepsy Seminar on Saturday, October 25th. Please join us from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Stecker Auditorium as we discuss topics that go beyond seizures. People living with epilepsy, their caregivers and friends, along with professionals in the field of neurology are encouraged to attend this series of seminars focusing on the latest treatments and trends in epilepsy. A variety of sessions will be offered by leading professionals in the field, this conference you don't want to miss!

The conference will take place at Nationwide Children's Hospital Education Center, Stecker Auditorium located at 575 S. 18th Street, Columbus, OH 43205.

Registration is $10 for the conference only or $30 for the conference and CEU's. The conference includes a continental breakfast and seminars. If you are unable to pay the registration fee, please call 614-725-1031. Online registration ends 10/24/2025 at 10pm however registration will be available at the door as space allows. Please notify us if you have any special needs such as interpreter services.

Presentations and discussions will focus on quality of life, anti-seizure medications, transition of care, SUDEP, and many more! Our speakers include providers from Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University, Nationwide Children's Hospital, and OhioHealth. Please join us as we discuss these important topics and continue to build our community of support and resources. 

Looking for Continuing Education Opportunities?

Social Workers - Ohio Social Work Board Applied for 3 clock hours. (Not approved for Counselors).

Nurses - Any continuing education activity that has been approved by other licensing boards will be accepted by the Ohio Board of Nursing for all nurses in the State of Ohio. You may use this continuing education to meet your licensure requirements.

Electroneurodianostic Technologists - 3 ASET CEU's pending approval.

Agenda:

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Registration, Continental Breakfast, and Welcome

8:30 AM - 9:30 AM General Session: "What to Do When Meds Don't Work" 

• Dr. Megan Fredwall, Nationwide Children's Hospital

• This presentation will review when anti-seizure medications are not sufficient, the next steps in evaluation, and the available treatment options, including diet, neuromodulation, and resective surgery.

   

9:35 AM - 10:05 AM Concurrent Session 1

• Functional Seizures

  • Dr. Dara Albert, Nationwide Children's Hospital

  • Dr. Kristen Trott, Nationwide Children's Hospital

  • This presentation will discuss functional seizures - define functional seizures, how they are diagnosed and treated, and how they overlap with epilepsy.

• Guardianship

  • Shauna Hill, The Center for Family Safety and Healing Nationwide Children's Hospital

  • This seminar provides basic understanding of guardianship in Ohio. This includes the steps needed to be appointed guardian, the responsibilities and duties of the guardian, and alternatives when guardianship isn't appropriate.

10:10 AM - 10:40 AM Concurrent Session 2

• Are You Ready for It? Pediatric to Adult Epilepsy Transition

  • Dr. Jamie Twanow, Nationwide Children's Hospital 

  • This seminar will cover the transition process. Transferring to an adult epilepsy provider can be a challenging and stressful time. With the right transition preparation, it can also be a time of empowerment and excitement. 

• SUDEP

  • Dr. Purva R. Choudhari, Nationwide Children's Hospital/OhioHealth

  • Dr. Amanda Weber, Nationwide Children's Hospital

  • This presentation will summarize the current hypotheses for the pathophysiology of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), risk factors for SUDEP, and potential mitigating strategies, including seizure monitoring devices. 

10:40 AM - 10:55 AM Break

11:55 AM - 11:25 AM Concurrent Session 3

• Beyond Milestones: Finding Balance Between Intervention and Everyday Joy

  • Dr. Mary Wojnaroski, Nationwide Children's Hospital

  • This session will focus on the need for caregivers to balance frequent therapies for children with epilepsy and developmental delays while also valuing connection, joy, and family well-being.

• Women's Issues in Epilepsy 

  • Dr. Jaclyn Laine, OhioHealth

  • This presentation will discuss the hormonal effects on epilepsy and the importance of epilepsy care in pregnancy. It will also highlight the need for individualized epilepsy care plans throughout the lifespan.

11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Q&A Panel - Open Floor