The Pediatric Epilepsy Program at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital recognizes the challenges of managing a complex chronic health condition like epilepsy. To help patients and families understand, navigate and cope with these challenges, we are pleased to offer the following education & support services:
Individualized Education & Consultation
Our Pediatric Epilepsy Program Manager, Russ Derry, is available to answer questions, address concerns and discuss resources and strategies related to managing epilepsy. This includes topics like epilepsy and seizure types, causes, diagnosis, safety and first aid, seizure triggers, treatment options, side effects, school issues, cognitive and mental health, transition planning and much more. To access individualized education & consultation services, please call 734-615-1258.
Caregiver Support Group
The Caregiver Support Group is a weekly support and discussion group that provides a safe and reliable forum for sharing of resources, problem solving, and emotional support for parents and other caregivers of children with epilepsy.
- Every Tuesday from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. and on the second Wednesday of each month from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. via Zoom
- To register, please email Russ Derry, Pediatric Epilepsy Program Manager at [email protected]
Recently Diagnosed Pediatric Epilepsy Group
This Zoom-based, quarterly discussion group for caregivers of children with recently diagnosed epilepsy offer tips, strategies, and support to help you navigate and adjust to this new diagnosis. There will also be ample time for questions. Register for one or more of the following sessions today:
- Monday, March 10, 2025 at noon with Dr. Fedak REGISTER
- Thursday, June 19, 2025 at noon with Dr. Benedetti REGISTER
- Monday, September 15, 2025 at noon with Dr. Ziobro REGISTER
- Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 1 p.m. with Dr. Neville REGISTER
Epilepsy Expert Webinars
These quarterly educational sessions explore a wide range of epilepsy-related topics and feature expert speakers from our Pediatric Epilepsy Program and Michigan Medicine.
- Neuromodulation for Epilepsy: Past, Present, & Future – Garnett Smith, MD
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at noon REGISTER - Epilepsy in Adolescence – Eric Armour, MD
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at noon REGISTER - Seizure Identification & Tracking – Laurel Reed, MD
Monday, August 11, 2025 at noon REGISTER - Conditions Associated with Childhood Epilepsy – Sarah Dixon, MD
November date and time TBD
View past webinars
- Seizure Emergencies – Giulia Benedetti, MD Recorded November 20, 2024
- Dietary Therapies for Epilepsy - Christine Varner, RDN Recorded Aug. 27, 2024
- Selecting & Managing Antiseizure Medications - Erin Fedak, DO Recorded May 6, 2024
- The Genetics of Epilepsy - Julie Ziobro, MD, PhD and Mallory Wagner, MS, LCGC Recorded Feb. 14, 2024
- Basic Research in Epilepsy: Unlocking the Future – Louis Dang, MD, PhD Recorded Monday, February 13, 2023
- Understanding EEG: A Practical Guide for Patients and Families – Kerri Neville, MD Recorded May 18, 2023
- Assessing and Addressing Cognitive Function in Pediatric Epilepsy Recorded August 9, 2023
- Supporting Mental Health in Children with Epilepsy – Summer Chahin, PhD Recorded November 15, 2023
- Surgical Treatment Options for Epilepsy – Nancy McNamara, MD Recorded November 14, 2022
Pediatric Epilepsy Program E-Newsletter Sign-Up
If you would like to receive quarterly emails from the Pediatric Epilepsy Program about upcoming education and support opportunities and epilepsy-related news, register on our Newsletter Sign Up page.
Community Resources
- Epilepsy Foundation – extensive and reliable information about all aspects of epilepsy; online seizure first aid training; live and recorded educational webinars; and much more
- Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan – individualized education and consultation; advocacy; conferences; support groups; seizure first aid training; self-management programs; and camping programs
- Rare Epilepsy Network – network of 150 organizations serving people living with rare epilepsies; member organizations include LGS Foundation, Dravet Syndrome Foundation, TSC Alliance, and many more
- The Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs – emotional support, information, and connections to community-based resources for families of children with special health care needs, including epilepsy; also provides assistance with accessing supports through Children’s Special Health Care Services
- Michigan Alliance for Families – statewide agency providing information, workshops and webinars, and guidance from parent mentors to help families of children with disabilities navigate the educational system