WELCOMING LETTER

It is our pleasure to announce the second conference titled DIFFERENT FACES OF RARE AND COMPLEX EPILEPSIES, that will be held in Split, Croatia from Thursday 17th to Saturday 19th of October 2024.
The organizers of the conference are:

1. Association Dravet Syndrome Croatia, Member of the ePAG ERN EpiCARE
2. Reference centre of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia for epilepsy and convulsive diseases of developmental age
3. Reference centre of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia for epilepsy, Affiliated Member of the ERN EpiCARE
4. Reference centre of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia for preoperative treatment of patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy
5. KBC Sestre Milosrdnice, Clinic for Paediatrics, Department of Paediatric Neurology, Affiliated Member of the ERN EpiCARE

The conference is held under the endorsement of European Reference Network for Rare and Complex Epilepsies, ERN EpiCARE, co-funded by the European Union, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Croatia and the Split-Dalmatia County, and in cooperation with the Croatian League against Epilepsy and the Croatian Association for Epilepsy.

This conference aims to encourage knowledge sharing and productive discussions on rare and complex epilepsies. We are focused on the latest research and advances in long-term treatment methods. Our goal is to contribute to greater visibility of these diseases, and to help patients and their families to come out of the shadows.

The association Dravet Syndrome Croatia celebrates its tenth anniversary with this conference. With our activities, for ten years now, we have been reflecting the voices of parents/caregivers of children and adults with rare and complex epilepsies, advocating for their interests and raising awareness about the issues brought by these diagnoses. As parents/caregivers of patients with rare and complex epilepsies, we insist on an open dialogue between the profession, state institutions and patient associations for the benefit of patients and their families.

Reputable international experts, along with national experts in epilepsy, will lead four panel discussions, providing participants with a comprehensive insight into cooperation with patient associations, the natural history of the disease, comorbidities and the most up-to-date approaches to treatment. This forum encourages open dialogue and exchange of experiences, encouraging growth in the field of neurology.

In addition to scientific contibution, the second day of the conference emphasizes the key role of national cooperation between physicians and patient associations. This spirit of cooperation serves as a vital foundation for achieving our common goals.
Your generous support contributes to our common mission, the successful treatment of epilepsy patients with all other additional benefits. We wholeheartedly appreciate the contributions of our sponsors and speakers and encourage everyone to actively participate in this conference. Together, we can significantly change the lives of patients with rare and complex epilepsies and their families.

Irena Bibić
President of the Association
Dravet syndrome Croatia