13th Asian & Oceanian Epilepsy Congress (AOEC)

Looking toward the future of epilepsy care

Virtual Congress

10 - 13 June 2021

Programme

The 13th AOEC SOC are pleased to announce the highly scientific programme for the virtual 13th AOEC featuring 150 world renowned speakers in over 80 sessions presenting the latest developments in epilepsy and neurology all broadcasted directly to you over 4 days; the scientific programme will be available for an extra 2 months after the congress as on-demand content. Please note that the congress will follow Japan Standard Time (JST).

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The programme for the 13th AOEC has changed radically from what has been offered before. Now with almost twice the amount of sessions delivered in a virtual setting, the choice of epilepsy and neurology topics and session types is unrivalled. All sessions will be available on demand after the congress for an extra 2 months.

Interactive Planner

Chairmen’s Symposium

This high profile symposium has been meticulously created by the congress co-chairs to reflect the latest research and developments in epilepsy care in the region as one of the apexes of the 13th AOEC. The topic is What is the scope of epilepsy care for the Asian Oceanian region? and this symposium promises to capture everyone’s attention as well as being of great relevance to all those working in epilepsy care.

Main and Post Main Sessions

The main and post main sessions were selected by members of the SOC to offer a comprehensive discussion on topical issues in epilepsy with two consecutive sessions each focusing on psychosocial, surgery, clinical and treatment issues.

Parallel Sessions

A further 10 sessions have been carefully selected from the many proposals submitted by ILAE and IBE chapters, commissions and task forces so that anyone with an interest in epilepsy can attend any session. Topics covered are genetics, AED selection, epilepsy and driving, TBI, pediatrics, neurophysiology, epilepsy in the elderly, biomarkers, tuberous sclerosis and status epilepticus.

The Masakazu Seino Memorial Lecture

Masakazu SEINO (Japan) was instrumental in the establishment of the Asian and Oceanian Regional Commission of ILAE (formerly CAOA) and built the foundation for the outstanding progress of epileptology in the region. This lecture has featured at the AOECs since 2008 in order to commemorate his exceptional contribution to the region and this lecture is regarded as one of the highlights of the programme of the AOEC. ILAE Asia & Oceania would like to thank UCB Japan for their generous contribution to this lecture. Prof. Shih Hui LIM (Singapore) will talk about professional development.

ASEPA Didactic Lectures

Six educational lectures pertaining to crucial aspects of contemporary epileptology will provide the latest information all delivered by world renowned experts in their respective field.

Debates

The debates have always been popular as two leading opinion leaders with opposing views use the virtual stage to argue the case. Through voting through the congress platform, the audience decide whose argument is the strongest. The subject matter being contested is the pros and cons of telemedicine and then monotherapy versus polytherapy.

ILAE Asia & Oceania Task Force Sessions

Members of ILAE Asia & Oceania have selected their Research Task Force and Global Outreach Task Force to each have an hour of active discussion on prevalent topics in the region in order to highlight the progress being made throughout Asia and Oceania.

Spotlight Sessions

New for 2021! An array of scientific and clinical spotlight sessions highlight important areas of epilepsy in a friendly and relaxed setting with education still being the primary goal. A wealth of experienced speakers will conduct these practical sessions inviting audience questions.

Technical Workshops

New for 2021! These practical technical workshops lasting one hour will feature video and slide demonstrations in a highly informative setting. Suitable for all levels.

AOEC-AOCN Friendship Symposia

New for 2021! Recognising the important partnership between the AOEC and AOCN in the Asian Oceanian region, these sessions will bridge the practice and education between epilepsy and general neurology.

Crosstalk of Epilepsy and Neurology Sessions

New for 2021! The crosstalk of epilepsy and neurology sessions are focused on common and border-zone topics between epilepsy and general neurology. Inflammation, sleep disorders and migraine are the subject matters for these three sessions.

ILAE-YES Sessions

New for 2021! The ILAE-YES AO representatives have organised six highly interactive sessions consisting of three brainstorming sessions, two career development sessions and one data blitz session. These sessions are open for all delegates and primarily are aimed at a post-graduate audience but will be of interest to all.

ASEPA Teaching Programme

Three ASEPA pre-congress teaching courses will take place concurrently on the Thursday morning on “Inflammatory and infective causes of seizures: diagnosis and management”, “Newly diagnosed epilepsy” and “Practical use of EEG”. These teaching courses are included in your registration fee.

Platform Sessions and Poster Presentations

40 abstracts, judged to be of the highest standard, will be selected for oral presentation in platform sessions taking place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Special attention has also been given to poster presentations during the virtual congress with a highly interactive poster platform producing optimum engagement. Additionally selected posters will be included in poster tours organised by ILAE-YES.

JES Sessions

Unique to the 13th AOEC! The Japan Epilepsy Society (JES) are organising a mix of marathon lectures and mentor lectures as well as a VNS certification class all of which will be delivered in Japanese. No translation facilities are provided.

IBE Epilepsy & Society Symposium

An exciting programme that will be of great interest to both individuals living with epilepsy and to staff from community organisations supporting people with epilepsy will take place for a full day on the Sunday; this programme has been developed by local and regional committees of the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE).

Please note that a separate registration is required for this programme; the following fees apply:

Income Classification
Early Up to 14 May 2021
Final 15 May - 13 June 2021
High Income Countries

US$ 30
US$ 45
Upper Middle Income Countries

US$ 20
US$ 30
Low/Lower Middle Income Countries
US$ 15
US$ 20

 

The ILAE uses the World Bank list of economies to categorise the fees above.

Interactive Planner screen image for 13th AOEC June 2021

Full details of the 13th AOEC scientific programme are available in the Interactive Planner (iPlanner). You can browse the entire scientific programme, search for sessions, chairs and speakers, and create your own personal itinerary by selecting your favourite sessions. You can also download the programme for any session. Please note that the congress follows Japan Standard Time (JST).

Start building your own itinerary by adding sessions or presentations. Simply access the iPlanner, click on the session of your choice, and click on “Favourite All” to add the whole session to your itinerary, or click on the star beside a presentation to add just this presentation from the session.

Access the Interactive Planner

ILAE, in conjunction with ILAE Asia & Oceania Research Task Force, are offering for the first time at an AOEC a Mentor Mentee programme where successful applicants will be matched with an experienced mentor.

This programme will involve the allocation of a mentor, an experienced individual in the research/clinical area in which the trainee demonstrates an interest, to a trainee.

Criteria

  1. Trainees must be less than 40 years old
  2. At the time of application, MDs must be within 2 years of start of fellowship or for non-MDs they must be enrolled in a graduate student programme (Masters or PhD)
  3. Submission/acceptance of an abstract for the 13th AOEC
  4. A letter from a supervisor indicating that the applicant fulfils the criteria and also that the work in the abstract submitted is mostly the work of the applicant

The Selection Process and What It Involves

Consideration for selection will be based on the above criteria.

If selected, the trainee will be contacted by the congress secretariat in April 2021. Nearer the time of the congress, the trainee will be allocated a mentor and invited to an online meeting during the congress.

Trainees will have the opportunity to engage with their mentors throughout the congress, as well as having the opportunity to network with other individuals established in their careers. The mentors will arrange to attend the trainees’ abstract presentation be it in as a poster or in a platform session, and are also available for further consultation.

How To Apply

Applications must be made through the 13th AOEC abstract system. Please note that the applicant must submit an abstract to the congress in order to be eligible to apply for the programme.

If you have any queries, please email aoec@epilepsycongress.org.

Advocacy | Career | EEG | Epilepsy + | Genetics | Paediatrics | Psychology | Surgery

Advocacy

Join epilepsy advocates and health professionals in bringing the regional issues to a worldwide audience; it is time to make a change!

Sessions:

  • It’s a small world: Why are ILAE and WHO resolutions important to patients? – Thursday 10 June
  • Regulatory approaches to driving in the region and the roles of drivers, doctors and government – Friday 11 June
  • How to influence policy-makers in Asian LMICs; a top down or bottom up approach? – Saturday 12 June
  • No one size fits all: a review of primary care and community approaches to epilepsy care in Asia – Saturday 12 June
  • The cost implications of community programmes – Saturday 12 June
  • How a chapter organization help people with epilepsy coping with the COVID-19 epidemic – Sunday 13 June

Other:

  • Open discussion group @ Network Tables: Stigma and epilepsy – Friday 11 June
  • Feature of “A Life Electric”; a multimedia documentary exploring epilepsy experiences globally – Ongoing
  • ILAE Exhibition Booth featuring news on the Global Advocacy Council and the latest developments with the intersectoral global action plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders – Ongoing
  • Experience the Global Village allowing you to reach out to epilepsy organizations – Ongoing

Recognising the accomplishments of epilepsy advocates in the region through IBE’s Golden Light awards – Thursday 10 June and Sunday 13 June

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Career

Develop new skills and enjoy opportunities for career development in a friendly environment with no need to leave your home or office.

Sessions:

  • Leadership and professionalism in continuing professional development @ the Seino Memorial Lecture – Thursday 10 June
  • Getting published and getting money – Saturday 12 June
  • Doing research as a junior in the Asian Oceanian region; the challenges for younger researchers – Sunday 13 June

Other:

  • Open discussion group @ Network Tables: Meet ILAE-YES – Friday 11 and Saturday 12 June
  • Career Fair available in the Resource Centre of the Platform – Ongoing
  • Extensive networking opportunities at the Business Matching Centre, Networking Lounge and through gamification – Ongoing

ILAE-YES Exhibition Booth – Ongoing

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EEG

Whether starting out or a highly trained specialist, there are plenty of opportunities to upskill your EEG knowledge including a full teaching course and technical workshop.

Sessions:

  • Practical Use of EEG (ASEPA teaching course) including EEG in neonates, EEG in epilepsy, EEG in dementia and neurodegenerative diseases, and EEG in the critically ill – Thursday 10 June
  • HFOs in scalp EEG in children – Friday 11 June
  • How to record giant SEPs and jerk-locked averaging in Progressive Myoclonic Epilepsy – Friday 11 June
  • DC shifts and HFO in invasive and in scalp EEG – Friday 11 June
  • EEG monitoring in critically ill children and neonates – Saturday 12 June
  • Platform session offering latest research on EEG – Saturday 12 June
  • How to record ECoG – Saturday 12 June
  • Amplitude integrated EEG in paediatric patients – Sunday 13 June
  • Video EEG analysis of epilepsy in the elderly – Sunday 13 June
  • 22 research papers on EEG featured in the interactive poster section – Ongoing

Other:

  • Open discussion group @ Network Tables: The Value of SEEG – Friday 11 June
  • Open discussion group @ Network Tables: EEG reading and interpretation: problems and pitfalls – Saturday 12 June

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Epilepsy +

New sessions introduced for the 13th AOEC such as crosstalk sessions and the AOEC-AOCN sessions explore cutting edge neuroscience.

Sessions:

  • Stroke and epilepsy; mimics and comorbidity – Thursday 10 June
  • Movement disorders versus seizures; how to differentiate? – Thursday 10 June
  • EEG in dementia and neurodegenerative diseases – Thursday 10 June
  • Epilepsy and inflammation – Friday 11 June
  • The patient’s reality in COVID-19 pandemic; treatment strategy considering comorbid conditions – Friday 11 June
  • Sleep disorders and epilepsy – Saturday 12 June
  • Epilepsy and comorbidities: A translational crosstalk – Saturday 12 June
  • Sleep disorders versus seizures; how to differentiate? – Saturday 12 June
  • Migraine and epilepsy: do they share similar properties? – Sunday 13 June

Other:

  • Open discussion group @ Network Tables: The psychiatric comorbidities of epilepsy – Friday 11 June
  • Open discussion group @ Network Tables: Stroke and seizures: its occurrence and management customization – Friday 11 June

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Genetics

In-depth discussions review where the field of epilepsy genetics is moving as it enters a new era in which the genetic architecture of common epilepsies is starting to be unraveled.

Sessions:

  • Genetic complexity in developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and clinical application of new genetic knowledge – Thursday 10 June
  • Comorbidites in genetic epilepsies – Saturday 12 June
  • Future approaches to detection of genetic abnormalities – Saturday 12 June
  • Epilepsy genetic studies in developing countries: the importance, feasibility and challenge – Saturday 12 June
  • Genetic investigation in epilepsy including Update of repeat expansion disease: TTTTA/TTTCA in the intron in BAFME/FCMTE, iPS cell study for epilepsy treatment and Epileptic encephalopathies by gene abnomalities – Sunday 13 June
  • Genetics of epilepsy for precision medicine – Sunday 13 June
  • 17 research papers on Genetics featured in the interactive poster section – Ongoing

Other:

  • Open discussion group @ Network Tables: Genetics in the Asian-Oceanian region; challenges and opportunities – Saturday 12 June

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Paediatrics

Recent advances in childhood epilepsy across aetiology, diagnosis and treatment are examined and together we look ahead as to what the future may hold.

Sessions:

  • Newer treatment options for drug resistant epilepsy in childhood: encouraging developments with a promising future including Newer AEDS with novel mechanisms of action; Ketogenic dietary therapies; Less restrictive ketogenic diet therapies; Neuromodulation in intractable epilepsy – Thursday 10 June
  • TSC; early and preventative treatment – Thursday 10 June
  • Channelopathy in developmental and epileptic encephalopathy – Thursday 10 June
  • Genetic complexity in developmental and epileptic encephalopathy and clinical application of new genetic knowledge – Thursday 10 June
  • EEG in neonates – Thursday 10 June
  • HFOs in scalp EEG in children – Friday 11 June
  • Neurocritical care in pediatric epilepsy including Identification of pediatric status epilepticus; Pathogenesis of FIRES and AERRPS, and Management of status epilepticus in infants and young children – Friday 11 and Saturday 12 June
  • Paediatric psychiatric issues – Saturday 12 June
  • Epilepsy, breastfeeding, infant care and childcare – Saturday 12 June
  • Paediatric sleep disorders vs seizures: how to differentiate? – Saturday 12 June
  • Differential diagnosis and treatment for early-onset pediatric epilepsies – Saturday 12 June
  • Platform session offering latest research – Saturday 12 June
  • Focal versus generalized seizures in children – Sunday 13 June
  • 37 research papers on paediatrics featured in the interactive poster section – Ongoing

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Other:

Open discussion group @ Network Tables: Let’s discuss developmental and epileptic encephalopathies – Saturday 12 June

Psychology

Current topics and future trends in neuropsychology are reviewed with a number of sessions taking into account the psychiatric comorbidities of epilepsy or the growing amount of research on PNES. Saturday is psychology day at the AOEC!

Sessions:

  • Tackling neuropsychiatric comorbidities from the lab – Saturday 12 June
  • The emergence of psychogenic seizures from epilepsy – Saturday 12 June
  • The pitfalls for proper recognition – Saturday 12 June
  • Contemporary therapeutic interventions – Saturday 12 June
  • Psychosis related to epilepsy surgery – Saturday 12 June
  • The mystery of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) including Why do psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) happen?, Clinical features and diagnosis and What are the treatment options? – Saturday 12 June
  • Paediatric psychiatric issues – Saturday 12 June
  • Platform session offering latest research – Saturday 12 June
  • 19 research papers on psychology featured in the interactive poster section – Ongoing

Other:

Open discussion group @ Network Tables: The psychiatric comorbidities of epilepsy – Friday 11 June

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Surgery

While we examine the remarkable advances in epilepsy surgery around the world, we also consider the extent of the treatment gap in Asia too.

Sessions:

  • The past, current and future of epilepsy surgery in the Asian Oceanian region – Thursday 10 June
  • Identifying epileptogenic tubers for epilepsy surgery – Thursday 10 June
  • Platform session offering latest research – Friday 11 June
  • Epilepsy surgery projects in resource-limited countries – Saturday 12 June
  • Psychosis related to epilepsy surgery – Saturday 12 June
  • The current status of treatment gap in epilepsy surgery in the Asian Oceanian region – Sunday 13 June
  • Epilepsy surgery in the elderly – Sunday 13 June
  • Efficacy, risks and cost-effective strategies for epilepsy surgery – Sunday 13 June
  • How to start and develop an epilepsy surgery programme – Sunday 13 June
  • The model for a large, comprehensive epilepsy surgery centre – Sunday 13 June
  • State of the art epilepsy surgery including the paradigm shift from grid to SEEG; AMPA receptor PET study in epilepsy surgery candidates; Corpus callosotomy: reappraisal and Responsive neurostimulator: indication and results – Sunday 13 June
  • 24 research papers on surgery featured in the interactive poster section – Ongoing

Other:

  • Open discussion group @ Network Tables: Simple but reliable pre-surgical investigation for epilepsy surgery in countries with limited resources – Friday 11 June
  • Open discussion group @ Network Tables: Neuromodulation – Saturday 12 June

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