Recap of our annual psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) virtual conference: Updates on PNES treatments for adults and children
On April 29, the Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group hosted its 7th annual PNES conference after a three-year hiatus due to the global pandemic. There were a few differences from previous years including 1) that it was held virtually, 2) that the focus was solely on treatments, and 3) that it lasted only half a day since we have found that conferences that last all day, can wear everyone down (the presenters and the audience).
Over 200 people registered to hear Drs. Gaston Baslet of Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Julia Doss of Doss Health Psychology and Lorna Myers of the Northeast Regional Epilepsy Group, speak on mindfulness-based treatment for adults with PNES, prolonged exposure treatment for adults diagnosed with PNES and post-traumatic stress disorder, and treatments for children and teens. Silvia Hammer moderated the event and made sure everything ran smoothly. The event closed with a 45-minute question and answer session during which the audience could ask the speakers anything else that had come up. Afterwards, the recording was uploaded to ensure that those who might have missed it, could swing by to watch it. Here is the link: https://nonepilepticseizures.com/epilepsy-psychogenic-NES-reading-materials-webinars6.php
This event was on all levels a success and has motivated the staff at NEREG to start working on next year’s conference which may be held in a hybrid mode (virtual and in-person). Stay tuned.
