Specialty care providers expressed a desire to work more closely with primary care providers co-managing their shared children and youth with epilepsy. Primary care providers identified a need for up to date information and assistance with managing complex patients. Work in primary care practices focused on communication tools and processes. “Lunch and Learn” trainings were offered improving information provided by practices to families.
Richard Morse, MD, Pediatric Neurologist from Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, addresses topics frequently asked by primary care providers. This conversation includes topics such as: Is it ADHD or Absence Seizure; Simple vs. Complex Febrile Seizures; Emergency Medications for Seizures; Medication Side Effects and Co-occurring conditions. These questions and answers have also been pulled out into individual video’s on the NH Family Voices YouTube Channel.
Jan McGonagle, MD, Board Certified Developmental Pediatrician, discusses the role of the developmental pediatrician in the care of children with special health care needs.
Childhood Epilepsy When Medications Fail – Dr. Peter Morrison, Pediatric Neurologist at Maine Medical Center
Overview of Epilepsy Anticonvulsants – In this video, Dr. Peter Morrison of Maine Medical Center discusses anticonvulsants for childhood epilepsy.
Generic Medications: Harmful or Helpful – Jason W. Lancaster, PharmD, MEd, BCPS, Associate Clinical Professor, provides an in depth explanation of generic medications vs. brand medications, answering what it means to be “bioequivalent”. Taped: Summer 2013
Epilepsy and Autism – Richard Morse, MD, Pediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon NH, and Stephen Mott, MD, Developmental Cognitive Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Neurology & Pediatrics at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH discuss epilepsy and autism spectrum disorders, and aspects to consider regarding co-occurrence.
Links to Richard Morse, MD, Pediatric Neurologist, presenting on:
Evaluation of Single, First Time Seizures
Epilepsy and Medical Treatment
Resources / Articles of Interest:
Medications that Can Provoke Seizures – A list of over 200 medications that can provoke seizures compiled by the Epilepsy Therapy Project.
Practice Tool for Cognitive and Behavioral Effects of Epilepsy: Children and Adolescents with Epilepsy – Discussion point for clinicians for children/adolescents with epilepsy and cognitive/behavioral issues from the American Epilepsy Society
Coordinating Center on Epilepsy, American Academy of Pediatrics – The Center aims to establish a multifaceted community-based system of care that ensures that children and youth with epilepsy have access to the medical, social, and other supports and services that they require to achieve optimal health.
The Institute of Medicine released the comprehensive report “Epilepsy Across the Spectrum: Promoting Health and Understanding” in March of 2012. In the report, the IOM makes recommendations ranging from surveillance to awareness, all with the goal of improving the system of care for individuals with epilepsy.
“Epilepsy Across the Spectrum: Promoting Health and Understanding”