5th Advanced Residential Course in Neonatal Epilepsy

Course description

The 5th Advanced Residential Course in Neonatal Epilepsy continues its tradition of addressing the evolving challenges in the early diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy manifesting during the neonatal period. With ongoing advances in neonatology, the interaction with epileptology is becoming increasingly significant—particularly due to the availability of high-resolution genomic tools, refined EEG methodologies, and the emergence of precision medicine.

Neonatal seizures represent a complex clinical and diagnostic challenge, often due to subtle and non-specific clinical presentations that are difficult to interpret, as well as a broad etiological heterogeneity. This course aims to explore the risk factors influencing the early onset of seizures, ranging from maternal conditions to prenatal diagnostic technologies. Special focus will be placed on clinical biomarkers and electroencephalographic features that can guide both diagnosis and therapeutic strategies.

A key focus of this edition is the implementation of metabolic and genomic screening programs, as well as the integration of next-generation sequencing (NGS) into clinical pathways, with the goal of achieving an early and accurate etiological diagnosis.

Neonatal-onset epileptic encephalopathies may serve as a neurobiological model for the development of precision therapies.

The course also addresses the long-term evolution of neonatal epilepsies, reflecting on how early seizure management can positively influence neurodevelopmental outcomes. Furthermore, current strategies for neuromonitoring in neonatal intensive care units will be discussed in depth.

With the participation of international experts and through interdisciplinary dialogue, this course confirms itself as a key educational event for neonatologists, pediatric neurologists, and clinical geneticists. Its goal is to provide up-to-date knowledge and practical tools to enhance diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy in neonates at risk for or affected by neonatal epilepsies.

We are confident in your active participation and look forward to welcoming you in Ferrara.

Course Presidents

Agnese Suppiej

Raffaele Falsaperla