October In Czech Epileptology

Lectures and presentations by physicians from the Brno Epilepsy Center played a key role at these major gatherings of the Czech epileptology community. Whether organizing events or contributing as speakers, Brno experts were prominently represented in the scientific programs.

During the XXVII Postgraduate Epileptology Course “Jiří Dolanský Days,” held on October 4–5, 2024, at the Floret Congress Center in Průhonice near Prague, a launch was held for new publications in epileptology—including the release of Epileptologie, authored by the Brno Epilepsy Center team under the leadership of Prof. Milan Brázdil.

Prof. Brázdil co-chaired the session on “Nonsynaptic Mechanisms in the Pathophysiology of Epilepsy and Comorbidities.” Associate Professor Danhofer spoke on developmental and epileptic encephalopathies. In a session on newly diagnosed epilepsies, chaired by Associate Professors Ošlejšková and Doležalová, Dr. Novotná presented on epilepsy treatment in older adults. Pediatric treatment strategies were discussed by Chief Physician Horák and Dr. Ryzí. Associate Professor Danhofer also addressed the role of genetics in epilepsy diagnostics for both children and adults. Noteworthy case studies were presented by Dr. Španělová and Dr. Macháček.

The 36th Czech and Slovak Epileptology Congress in Brno opened with the presentation of the Jan Marek Marci Awards. Among this year’s honorees was Dr. Vít Všianský, a young physician from the Brno Epilepsy Center.

In the session on seizure semiology, Prof. Brázdil presented on auras, and also spoke in the diagnostics session alongside Dr. Španělová, who lectured on epileptogenetics. Associate Professor Danhofer gave a talk on self-limited epilepsy.

On the second day, during the epilepsy surgery session, Prof. Brázdil presented on ultra-refractory epilepsy, Dr. Ryzí compared callosotomy and VNS, and Associate Professor Doležalová focused on SEEG. She also delivered a presentation on Dravet syndrome. Chief Physician Horák lectured on innovative therapies for Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes, while Dr. Jitka Kočvarová addressed the specifics of epilepsy care in older adults. Dr. Zatloukalová spoke on modern research trends and the hidden link between epilepsy and neurodegeneration.

In parallel with the scientific program, an EEG technician and epilepsy nurse roundtable was held, moderated by Mgr. Zlonický, DiS. In the poster section, contributions were presented by Ing. Nejedlý and Dr. Zatloukalová.

At the 70th Czech and Slovak Congress of Clinical Neurophysiology, Prof. Brázdil and Ing. Mareček gave lectures in the Clinical Neurophysiology School. Additional scientific contributions were presented by Ing. Kojan, Prof. Rektor, Prof. Chrastina, and Associate Professor Doležalová.