A total of 4,000 epileptologists attended the 36th International Epilepsy Congress in Lisbon, organized by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE). Among the attendees was Dr. Nino Gzirishvili, who Medscriptum interviewed about the topics discussed at the congress.
Dr. Nino Gzirishvili, Doctor of Medical Sciences and Head of the Department of Epilepsy and Sleep Disorders at “American Hospital Tbilisi,” stated:
“Among the diverse aspects of epilepsy, particularly interesting sessions were dedicated to the neurosurgery, neurobiology, genetics, and adult and pediatric epileptology of epilepsy, as well as improving patients’ quality of life. The latest and most significant innovations discussed at the congress concerned pharmaceutical advancements, raising public awareness about epilepsy and SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy), and combating epilepsy stigma.
For me, one of the most important sessions on the congress program was dedicated to forms of epilepsy where medications are ineffective and patients cannot undergo neurosurgical intervention. World experts presented on this session:
- Kristl Vonck (Belgium): ‘Neuromodulation Mechanisms’
- Lawrence Hirsch (USA): ‘Biomarkers in Neuromodulation’
- Arthur Cukiert (Brazil): ‘Neuromodulation for Focal Epilepsy’
- Mark Richardson (USA): ‘Neuromodulation for Generalized Epilepsy’
- Linda Dalic (Australia): ‘Future Directions: Is Thalamic Recording Needed for Neuromodulation Management?’
Unfortunately, neuromodulation management has not yet been implemented in our country, but I hope that representatives of Georgia’s healthcare system will soon become interested in this crucial approach to managing epileptic seizures.
The session on the necessity of intracranial electroencephalogram before neuromodulation procedures caused the most intense debate. This debate widely discussed two different positions: Dr. Fabrice Bartolomei categorically argued that intracranial electroencephalogram is essential for determining the epileptogenic zone, even if MRI, clinical symptoms, semiology, and scalp EEG match. On the other hand, my mentor, Dr. Michael Sperling, used specific examples to argue that an intracranial electroencephalogram might not be necessary when all other methods are consistent. Naturally, I fully share the position of my mentor, Dr. Michael Sperling.
The congress ended without the scientists reconciling their positions on this issue, and as a result, a final, agreed-upon guideline still does not exist.”
The 36th International Epilepsy Congress, organized by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the International Bureau for Epilepsy (IBE), featured plenary sessions with keynote speeches. The event also included thematic workshops, educational sessions, and training, as well as poster and oral presentation sessions, during which Ms. Sofio Kasradze, President of the Georgian Chapter of the International League Against Epilepsy, presented a poster.
