Experienced by approximately 10% of people with epilepsy, functional seizures are common yet highly misunderstood. Currently, services solely focused on functional seizures at the community level are largely unavailable in Ontario and that’s what inspired us to develop this new program.

Read below to learn more about functional seizures and the support and services that we can provide for you.

If you require support or have any questions about our Functional Seizures Services, please complete an intake form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Functional seizures are known by many names, such as:

• Non-epileptic seizures (NES)
• Dissociative seizures
• Stress seizures
• And more!

Functional seizures are different from epileptic seizures because they reflect a temporary problem with the functioning of a person’s nervous system. They are classified as a functional neurological disorder, of which there are many types. There are a multitude of factors that we know contribute to the onset functional seizures, but everyone’s experiences with functional seizures are unique and everyone’s story is different.

Our Adult Services Department now offers programming specifically for people living with functional seizures, and their caregivers. Our programming includes:

• Let’s Talk About Functional Seizures
• Support Group for People Living with Functional Seizures
• Neurobehavioural Therapy (NBT)

See below for more information about these services.

These educational sessions are for people who want to learn more about functional seizures. During this session, participants will learn about:

• The difference between epileptic seizures, functional seizures, and physiologic non-epileptic events
• The factors that can lead a person to start experiencing functional seizures
• Functional seizure first aid
• Online resources for people living with functional seizures, and their caregivers
• Steps you can take toward the path to recovery
• Treatment options

Click here to sign up for an upcoming webinar! To see dates for upcoming webinars click here.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Anyone interested in learning more about functional seizures, can attend this education session, as long as they are accessing the session from a place in Ontario

This quarterly, virtual support group is for clients living with functional seizures, who have completed the neurobehavioural therapy program, “Taking Control of Your Seizures.”

Neurobehavioural therapy (NBT) is an evidence-based, psychotherapy program for people diagnosed with functional seizures. The therapy is intended to help people manage the aspects of the condition that they can control, and research has shown that people who undergo NBT may see a decrease in seizure frequency, intensity, and aggravation associated with functional seizures. People who undergo NBT may also see an improvement of other symptoms that can sometimes accompany functional seizures, such as mood issues, and experience an overall improvement in quality of life and functioning.

EPILEPSY TORONTO IS NOW RECRUITING PARTICIPANTS FOR AN EVALUATIVE RESEARCH PROJECT TO ASSESS IF A NEUROBEHAVIOURAL THERAPY GROUP CAN BE EFFECTIVE FOR  PATIENTS WITH FUNCTIONAL SEIZURES

Group therapy approaches are known to be an effective treatment modality for a variety of mental health and other conditions. The awareness that there are others who have similar problems and that one is not alone as well as the opportunity for mutual learning and support are factors known to produce positive treatment outcomes.

We are seeking to evaluate if this NBT group can result in a reduction in seizure frequency and intensity, improvement in psychosocial functioning and reduction in psychological distress associated with this diagnosis.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Lives in Ontario and is 18 or older.
• Diagnosis of clinically established or documented functional seizures by a clinician experienced in the diagnosis of seizure disorders.
• Ongoing functional seizures (at least 1 Functional Seizure in the month prior to accessing psychotherapy).
• Fluent in speaking and writing in English,
• Able to commit and engage with a 7-week group that includes reading, writing and activities between appointments (moderate to severe learning disability may be a barrier).
•  Access to a stable Internet connection and personal device.
• No history of alcohol/drug abuse/misuse in the past year.
• Not currently experiencing epileptic seizures.
• No current suicidality with intent to harm.

Participation requires a referral from a healthcare professional qualified to make the diagnosis of functional seizures. If you have patients/clients who meet the eligibility criteria, you are asked to complete the attached referral form and send it along with documentation confirming a diagnosis of functional seizures by fax to (416) 964-2492.

NOTES:

Clients will be screened using various measures to assess suitability for this program. As such, please note that it is not guaranteed that your patient/client will be admitted to the group.

Each group will consist of a maximum of 8 participants so it is likely that some of your patients/clients will be waitlisted until a spot is available.

The program will be FREE to participants but they will be required to purchase the book ‘Taking Control of Your Seizures’ before starting the program (cost between  $67.95-$76.44 CAN).

Participants will not be compensated for participating.

Group Overview

This seven-week group (90 minutes each session) will be held virtually and is based on a neurobehavioural therapy model using the workbook “Taking Control of Your Seizures.” This approach is based on a biopsychosocial model of understanding functional seizures and seeks to provide participants with the knowledge and skills to help them take control of their seizures. It utilizes insights from trauma-informed, mindfulness-based CBT, motivational interviewing and a psychodynamic approach to helping.

 Length of group: 7 weeks (excluding “Let’s Talk About Functional Seizures” which is a prerequisite)

Length of sessions: 90 minutes

Number of Participants: 6 – 8 participants per group

Venue: Sessions will be virtual via  Zoom

Workbook:  Joel M. Reiter, Donna Andrews, Charlotte Reiter, W. Curt LaFrance Jr.:Taking Control of your Seizures: Workbook, 2015

Facilitators: Registered Psychotherapist and Social Worker

This program is made possible by a research grant from the Ontario Brain Institute’s GEEK program and will last 2 years.

If you have questions feel free to reach out to [email protected] or [email protected]

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