2013 San Servolo Epilepsy Course: Brain Exploration and Epilepsy Surgery

The San Servolo Epilepsy Summer Course has acquired a reputation as one of the most attractive and challenging training experiences in epilepsy for students and faculties. The series of courses started in 2002 under the patronage of the International School of Neurological Sciences of Venice (ISNV) and was held since at the Venice International University didactic facilities located on the San Servolo Island. The Epilepsy Summer School is organized by Giuliano Avanzini (ISNV President and Summer School Director), Francesco Paladin (ISNV Director), Marco de Curtis (co-founder of the Summer School). It has been supported by NATO, European Union, ILAE and by pharmaceutical industries. 552 students from 97 countries attended the Courses since 2002 (see figure at right).

The 11th edition of the Course in 2013, directed by Roberto Spreafico and Tatsuya Tanaka, focused on surgically remediable epilepsies. The faculty, composed of leading experts with International reputation, taught attendees to utilize basic knowledge, imaging and electro-clinical data to recognize and select patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who may benefit of a surgical approach. Fiftyeight trainees from 38 Countries on 5 Continents attended the 2013 Course. Students with clinical expertise in neurology, neuropediatrics, neurosurgery and basic scientists with a CV attesting an active interest in the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of epilepsies were selected. Most students were involved in surgical and research epilepsy programs in their home Countries.

One of the most appreciated peculiar appeals of the Course is the continuous interaction of students and faculty member on San Servolo island premises to run training and social activities for the full period of the Course. Central to the training method is the development of a research project by groups of students under the guidance of tutors. The project is defended in front of the faculty at the end of the Course. This activity strengthens relations between faculties and trainees and in several circumstances fostered scientific collaborations after the end of the Course.

Contributed by Giuliano Avanzini and Marco de Curtis