“BRAINWeek connects the narrative among specialists and clinicians by underscoring the importance of continuity and collaborative patient care. It is on the vanguard of an inevitable paradigm shift among practitioners treating CNS disorders.”
-Gregory Pontone, University of Florida College of Medicine
Smart clinicians choose smart conferences. Experience a week’s worth of education that is meaningful to your practice and patient care!
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa
6902 E Greenway Pkwy,
Scottsdale, AZ 8525
Industry
Register below if you are affiliated with a pharmaceutical company; device manufacturer; medical, healthcare education, or communications company; screening lab; or other BRAINWeek sponsor or exhibitor.
DO NOT register as a practicing healthcare professional, resident, or student. This information will be verified by BRAINWeek staff prior to confirmation of your registration.
May 9-11, 2024

The current estimated annual cost to American society of just nine of the most common neurological diseases is staggering, totaling $789 billion. These conditions include Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, low back pain, stroke, traumatic brain injury, migraine, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson’s disease.
Gooch CL, Pracht E, Borenstein AR. The burden of neurological disease in the United States: a summary report and call to action. Ann Neurol. 2017;81:479-484.
2024 Conference Faculty
2024 Conference Faculty Coming Soon…
2024 BRAINWeek Planning Committee
2024 Planning Faculty Committee Coming Soon…

Alon Y. Avidan MD, MPH
Director, UCLA Sleep Disorders Center Professor & Vice Chair, UCLA Department of NeurologyPast Chair, Faculty Executive Committee David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Department of Neurology Los Angeles, CA

Gregory Pontone MD, MHS
Division Chief, Aging, Behavioral, and Cognitive Neurology
Co-Director of the Fixel Neuropsychiatry Program
University of Florida College of Medicine

Jay Salpekar MD, FANPA, FAES, DFAACAP
Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Neurology
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore, MD

Lindsey Wooliscroft MD, MSC, MCR
Assistant Professor of Neurology
Oregon Health Sciences University School of Medicine
Associate Director of Research for the VA Multiple Sclerosis Center of Excellence
VA Portland Health Care System
Portland, OR
2024 Conference Agenda
2024 Conference Agenda Coming Soon…
-
Wednesday, September 6
-
7:30a - Tourette's Syndrome: Is It More Than Just the Tics?
End Time: 8:20a
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: SIS-01
Faculty: Tracey Mallick-Searle, MS, PMGT-BC, ANP-BC
Course Description:
What do Dan Aykroyd, Billie Eilish, Howie Mandel, and about 1% (appx 70 million lives) of the world’s population have in common? They all suffer with a condition known as Tourette syndrome. Researchers have been working to find a cause and cure for Tourette syndrome since the neurological disorder was first documented in 1885, and until recently most symptoms have been chalked up to psychosomatic causes. With the open recognition of celebrity exposure and newer understanding of the interaction of multiple gene variations and current research identifying abnormalities in certain brain regions, a broader understanding of this elusive and misunderstood diagnosis continues to propel research. This lecture will focus on what is known about the pathophysiology, diagnosis, available treatments for Tourette syndrome and what is on the horizon. 8:30a - Sponsored BreakfastEnd Time: 9:30a
Room: Nolita 1-2
Pres Number: PDM-01
9:40a - Prognostication After Severe Neurologic InjuryEnd Time: 10:30a
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: SIS-02
Faculty: Asher Albertson, MD, PhD
Course Description:
One of the most challenging aspects of caring for patients after severe brain injury is discussing prognosis with families and loved ones. This lecture will summarize existing data and recent literature surrounding prognosis and outcomes for patients who have experienced severe neurologic injuries, including subarachnoid hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and hypoxic injury. The goal will be to provide a framework for discussing potential long-term outcomes as providers help guide families through these difficult moments. 10:40a - Gender Differences in AddictionEnd Time: 11:30a
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: ADT-01
Faculty: Lantie Jorandby, MD, DFAPA
Course Description:
In this presentation we will discuss why gender differences matter in addiction diagnosis and treatment.
1. We will review the definition of gender and sex and why this is important to recognize in addiction treatment.
2. We will review how culture plays a role in substance use and outline how special populations are affected by substance use.
3. The biology of sex differences in addiction and treatment will be reviewed to include hormones and neurobiology.
4. We will review the risk factors for addiction and how to develop a substance use treatment plan addressing gender and sex differences.11:35a - Update on Migraine Specific TherapiesEnd Time: 12:25p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: MGR-01
Faculty: Lindsay Frerichs, MD
Course Description:
The field of migraine treatment is fast moving. Are you keeping up? This course reviews the use of recently FDA approved acute and preventive migraine specific medications including anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies, gepants, and ditans. 12:30p - Sponsored LunchEnd Time: 1:30p
Room: Nolita 1-2
Pres Number: PDM-02
1:40p - Back on Track: Inpatient and Outpatient Approaches for Intractable MigraineEnd Time: 2:30p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: MGR-02
Faculty: Merle Diamond, MD
Course Description:
Despite the progress made in the management of migraine, a subgroup of patients continues to experience disabling migraine symptoms that are intolerant or unresponsive to evidence-based therapies. These patients have a “refractory” or “intractable” form of migraine. Individuals who experience refractory migraine are more likely to experience high levels of disability and impaired quality of life, despite receiving optimal treatment.
Understanding how refractory migraine is defined is important to determining the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the disease, identifying treatment options, determining individualized treatment selection, and substantiating the need for multidisciplinary and specialized care. At the end of this presentation, learners will be better able to understand the importance of establishing criteria for refractory migraine, understand the challenges in creating criteria for the condition, identify critical features of refractory migraine, and recognize refractory migraine in clinical practice.
2:40p - The Brain Can Change? Neurobiology of AddictionEnd Time: 3:30p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: ADT-02
Faculty:
Hannah Cawoski, PharmDJillian DiClemente, PharmDNathan Menke, MD, PhD, FASAM, FAAEMCourse Description:Opioid addiction is a complex disorder that involves changes in the brain’s structure and function. Understanding neurobiology is a crucial part of understanding addiction. This presentation will describe the key neural structures, neurotransmitters, and neural pathways involved in opioid use and addiction. Understanding the neurobiology of addiction is essential for developing effective treatments and prevention strategies. 3:30p - BreakEnd Time: 4:00p
4:00p - Demystifying Multiple SclerosisEnd Time: 4:50p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: ND-01
Faculty: Lindsey Wooliscroft, MD, MSc, MCR
Course Description:
During this 1-hour session we will review the basics of multiple sclerosis (MS) epidemiology, disease modifying therapies and medications for MS relapses, and symptom management. We will counter common misconceptions to help learners provide better care for patients with MS.
5:00p - (KEYNOTE) One Size Does Not Fit All: Exploring Interventional Procedures for the Treatment of Refractory MigrainesEnd Time: 5:50p
Room: Mont Royal
Pres Number: KEY
Faculty: Nick Knezevic, MD, PhD
Course Description:
Migraines constitute a complex disorder with a strong genetic component, characterized by episodes of moderate-to-severe headaches which may unfold over hours to days. Migraine presentation is most often unilateral and generally associated with nausea and increased sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines are a highly prevalent condition, affecting 12% of the population, affecting up to 17% of women and 6% of men each year. In this session, besides defining refractory migraines, we will show results of different interventional modalities for treating refractory migraines from non-invasive techniques such as remote electrical stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, true nerve blocks (such as occipital nerve blocks and sphenopalatine ganglion blocks), steroid injections, and radiofrequency techniques (pulses and ablation). We will discuss the use of peripheral nerve stimulation and other neuromodulation techniques in treating refractory migraines.
Interventional treatment options which target the inhibition of painful nerves constitute a promising avenue for patients with refractory headache disorders, and large randomized trials are needed to clearly demonstrate their efficacy.6:00p - Welcome ReceptionEnd Time: 8:00p
Room: Belmont Ballroom
-
Thursday, September 7
-
7:30a - Caring and Coping: Clinical Updates in Parkinson's Disease
End Time: 8:20a
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: ND-02
Faculty: Gregory Pontone, MD, MHS
Course Description:
Parkinson’s disease is a moving target both for patients suffering from the disease and the providers who treat them. Providers need to be aware of ‘stage’ specific therapies when treating Parkinson’s in order to deliver optimal care. An evolving understanding of prodromal disease and new technologies that help detect and confirm Parkinson’s at an earlier stage than ever before present both exciting opportunities and challenges. This course provides an update and recommendations for providing the best care for people with Parkinson’s.
This session is supported by an educational grant from GE Healthcare Inc.8:30a - Sponsored BreakfastEnd Time: 9:30a
Room: Nolita 1-2
Pres Number: PDM-03
9:40a - Treatment for Depression and AnxietyEnd Time: 10:30a
Room: Nolita 3
Press Number: PP-01
Faculty: Gregory Pontone, MD, MHS
Course Description:
The course “Treatment of Depression and Anxiety” will describe the general mechanism of action for antidepressant medications when used for the treatment of anxiety and depression. The talk will explore the differences in mechanism between existing antidepressant classes and describe a leading hypothesis explaining the rapid onset of action and antidepressant response seen in ketamine. Major side effects, mode of elimination, and potential drug-drug interactions will be reviewed comparing and contrasting features that are shared between classes or are distinctive by class. Finally, the second segment of the talk will discuss approaches to treating anxiety using antidepressants and other types of pharmacotherapy. 10:30a - BreakEnd Time: 11:00a
11:00a - Exhibit HallEnd Time: 1:00p
Room: Belmont Ballroom
Course Description:
Exhibit Hall 12:30p - Sponsored LunchEnd Time: 1:30p
Room: Nolita 1-2
Pres Number: PDM-04
1:40p - Huntington's DiseaseEnd Time: 2:30p
Room: Nolita 3
Faculty: Jee Bang, MD, MPH
2:40p - FOMO: Differentiating Anxiety and ADHDEnd Time: 3:30p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: PP-02
Faculty: Jay Salpekar, MD, FANPA, FAES, DFAACAP
Course Description:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is ubiquitous in pediatrics. It may be both over-diagnosed and under-diagnosed depending upon the symptom presentation. The co-occurrence of ADHD with anxiety is very common and may lead to difficulties discerning symptoms and could also make treatment decisions more complex. Even for people without primary anxiety disorders, many people with ADHD also have anxiety resulting from the fear of missing out on important details in school or work, or even in social encounters. Anxiety may be very common in this population but is underrecognized. This session will provide an overview of how to identify and manage the co-occurrence of ADHD and anxiety. 3:30p - BreakEnd Time: 4:00p
4:30p - As the Pendulum Swings: Addressing Medication Adherence and Health Disparities in SchizophreniaEnd Time: 5:20p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: PP-03
Faculty: Sanjai Rao, MD DFAPA
Course Description:
Medication nonadherence is a significant cause of relapse in patients with schizophrenia, and is often precipitated by medication side effects. This presentation will summarize the data on side-effects and long-term impacts of antipsychotic nonadherence in schizophrenia, examine the advantages of Long Acting Injectable (LAI) antipsychotics for adherence and improved outcomes, and describe new and emerging oral antipsychotics that can be used for treating schizophrenia. It will also identify gender, racial, and socioeconomic disparities that affect schizophrenia diagnosis and care. 5:30p - Exhibit Hall/Poster ReceptionEnd Time: 6:30p
Room: Belmont Ballroom
Course Description:
Exhibit Hall/Poster Reception -
Friday, September 8
-
7:30a - The Top 10 Sleep Disorders to Know
End Time: 8:20a
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: SLP-01
Faculty: Alon Avidan, MD, MPH, HAAN, FAASM
Course Description:
Physicians in all areas of medicine encounter patients who complain of disturbed sleep. The purpose of this lecture is to provide clinicians with the knowledge needed to recognize and treat major sleep disorders encountered in clinical practice. The course will also review the function of sleep and sleep disorders commonly encountered in clinical practice. The lecture will review assessment and evaluation strategies of excessive sleepiness, sleep-disordered breathing, narcolepsy, chronic insomnia disorder, parasomnias, and abnormal behaviors at night. 8:30a - Sponsored BreakfastEnd Time: 9:30a
Room: Nolita 1-2
Pres Number: PDM-05
9:40a - Higher Education: A Review of Cannabis and CannabinoidsEnd Time: 10:30a
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: SIS-03
Faculty: Mark Garofoli, PharmD, MBA, BCGP, CPE, CTTS
Course Description:
“Medical” Marijuana, Recreational Marijuana, Weed, Hemp, Cannabis, Cannabinoids, CBD, THC, when will the madness end, or begin? Cannabis has been around for centuries, and debates continue as to its usefulness and legality. Almost every U.S. state has had a legal shift in regards to Cannabis in some form or fashion. Bring any “budding” questions as we provide a “higher education” of clinically practical knowledge, with a dash of entertainment, for all things Cannabis. It’s time to dive deeper into the weeds. 9:40a- Scientific Abstracts (Oral Presentations)End Time: 10:30a
Room: Gracia 5-7
Faculty:
Jay Salpekar, MD, FANPA, FAES, DFAACAPGregory Pontone, MD, MHSCourse Description:This session will highlight posters selected for oral presentation. 10:30a - BreakEnd Time: 11:00a
Course Description:
Break 11:00a - Exhibit HallEnd Time: 1:00p
Room: Belmont Ballroom
Course Description:
Exhibit Hall 12:30p - Sponsored LunchEnd Time: 1:30p
Room: Nolita 1-2
Pres Number: PDM-06
1:40p - Decoding Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEE): An Overview of Diagnosis, Treatment, and DisparitiesEnd Time: 2:30p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: EPL-01
Faculty: Jay Salpekar, MD, FANPA, FAES, DFAACAP
Course Description:
Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies are among the most challenging conditions faced by neurologists and neuropsychiatrists. Development is often hampered by neurologic disruption, which may include frequent seizures, thought processing difficulties and a range of cognitive challenges. Immune disorders and metabolic problems may also be present. Common syndromes such as Lennox Gastaut and Dravet’s syndromes will be addressed. Strategies to identify treatment targets will be discussed, especially as symptom presentations may vary in this population. 2:40p -Alzheimer's From Cradle to Grave: What is New?End Time: 3:30p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: ND-04
Faculty: Allison Lindauer, PhD, NP
Course Description:
Alzheimer’s disease is a common concern for older adults. Here we discuss risk factors and preventative measures. The talk will address new medications of Alzheimer’s disease. 3:30p - BreakEnd Time: 3:45p
Course Description:
Break 3:45p - Neurostimulation Therapy for EpilepsyEnd Time: 4:45p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: EPL-02
Faculty: David Spencer, MD
Course Description:
This course will provide an overview of the rapidly developing and changing field of neurostimulation for the treatment of epilepsy. It is expected that many in the audience will not be doing the hands-on programming of these devices, so the course will focus on patient selection (which patients are candidates for neurostimulation therapy, and which device should be selected for which patient). We will cover the scientific data that led to the approval of VNS, RNS and DBS therapy for the treatment of epilepsy and the long-term data for their safety and efficacy. Practical consideration will be addressed (e.g. “can I get an MRI with one of these devices?”) and we will consider future developments in the field. 4:45p - Integrative Approaches to Sleep DysfunctionEnd Time: 5:35p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: SLP-02
Faculty: David Leopold, MD
Course Description:
Recognize anxiety and insomnia as multifactorial medical conditions that result in decreased QOL and increased adverse health outcomes
Critically evaluate the evidence for efficacy for various non pharmacological approaches to anxiety & sleep problems
Examine safety and applicability of nonpharmacologic options for symptoms commonly associated within the management of anxiety & sleep problems
Formulate effective evidenced based implementation plans to reduce or eliminate need for medications for the treatment of anxiety & sleep problems
Identify reasonable options for patients with anxiety & sleep problems who are unable to utilize or decline conventional medication5:45p - Low Pressure Headaches: What Are You Missing?End Time: 6:35p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: MGR-03
Faculty:
Ian Carroll, MDAndrew Callen, MDCourse Description:The understanding of Low Pressure Headaches has advanced dramatically in the last decade, and each new discovery calls our previous assumptions into further doubt. We will cover advances in the understanding of the limitations of opening pressure, the importance of the discovery of CSF- venous fistulas, and the use of the Bern Score of brain imaging findings to stratify probability of spinal CSF leak in patients with refractory headaches.
End Time: 8:20a
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: SIS-01
Faculty: Tracey Mallick-Searle, MS, PMGT-BC, ANP-BC
Course Description:
What do Dan Aykroyd, Billie Eilish, Howie Mandel, and about 1% (appx 70 million lives) of the world’s population have in common? They all suffer with a condition known as Tourette syndrome. Researchers have been working to find a cause and cure for Tourette syndrome since the neurological disorder was first documented in 1885, and until recently most symptoms have been chalked up to psychosomatic causes. With the open recognition of celebrity exposure and newer understanding of the interaction of multiple gene variations and current research identifying abnormalities in certain brain regions, a broader understanding of this elusive and misunderstood diagnosis continues to propel research. This lecture will focus on what is known about the pathophysiology, diagnosis, available treatments for Tourette syndrome and what is on the horizon. |
End Time: 9:30a
Room: Nolita 1-2
Pres Number: PDM-01
End Time: 10:30a
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: SIS-02
Faculty: Asher Albertson, MD, PhD
Course Description:
One of the most challenging aspects of caring for patients after severe brain injury is discussing prognosis with families and loved ones. This lecture will summarize existing data and recent literature surrounding prognosis and outcomes for patients who have experienced severe neurologic injuries, including subarachnoid hemorrhage, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, and hypoxic injury. The goal will be to provide a framework for discussing potential long-term outcomes as providers help guide families through these difficult moments. |
End Time: 11:30a
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: ADT-01
Faculty: Lantie Jorandby, MD, DFAPA
Course Description:
In this presentation we will discuss why gender differences matter in addiction diagnosis and treatment. 1. We will review the definition of gender and sex and why this is important to recognize in addiction treatment. 2. We will review how culture plays a role in substance use and outline how special populations are affected by substance use. 3. The biology of sex differences in addiction and treatment will be reviewed to include hormones and neurobiology. 4. We will review the risk factors for addiction and how to develop a substance use treatment plan addressing gender and sex differences. |
End Time: 12:25p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: MGR-01
Faculty: Lindsay Frerichs, MD
Course Description:
The field of migraine treatment is fast moving. Are you keeping up? This course reviews the use of recently FDA approved acute and preventive migraine specific medications including anti-CGRP monoclonal antibodies, gepants, and ditans. |
End Time: 1:30p
Room: Nolita 1-2
Pres Number: PDM-02
End Time: 2:30p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: MGR-02
Faculty: Merle Diamond, MD
Course Description:
Despite the progress made in the management of migraine, a subgroup of patients continues to experience disabling migraine symptoms that are intolerant or unresponsive to evidence-based therapies. These patients have a “refractory” or “intractable” form of migraine. Individuals who experience refractory migraine are more likely to experience high levels of disability and impaired quality of life, despite receiving optimal treatment. Understanding how refractory migraine is defined is important to determining the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the disease, identifying treatment options, determining individualized treatment selection, and substantiating the need for multidisciplinary and specialized care. At the end of this presentation, learners will be better able to understand the importance of establishing criteria for refractory migraine, understand the challenges in creating criteria for the condition, identify critical features of refractory migraine, and recognize refractory migraine in clinical practice. |
End Time: 3:30p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: ADT-02
Faculty:
Opioid addiction is a complex disorder that involves changes in the brain’s structure and function. Understanding neurobiology is a crucial part of understanding addiction. This presentation will describe the key neural structures, neurotransmitters, and neural pathways involved in opioid use and addiction. Understanding the neurobiology of addiction is essential for developing effective treatments and prevention strategies. |
End Time: 4:00p
End Time: 4:50p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: ND-01
Faculty: Lindsey Wooliscroft, MD, MSc, MCR
Course Description:
During this 1-hour session we will review the basics of multiple sclerosis (MS) epidemiology, disease modifying therapies and medications for MS relapses, and symptom management. We will counter common misconceptions to help learners provide better care for patients with MS.
|
End Time: 5:50p
Room: Mont Royal
Pres Number: KEY
Faculty: Nick Knezevic, MD, PhD
Course Description:
Migraines constitute a complex disorder with a strong genetic component, characterized by episodes of moderate-to-severe headaches which may unfold over hours to days. Migraine presentation is most often unilateral and generally associated with nausea and increased sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines are a highly prevalent condition, affecting 12% of the population, affecting up to 17% of women and 6% of men each year. In this session, besides defining refractory migraines, we will show results of different interventional modalities for treating refractory migraines from non-invasive techniques such as remote electrical stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, true nerve blocks (such as occipital nerve blocks and sphenopalatine ganglion blocks), steroid injections, and radiofrequency techniques (pulses and ablation). We will discuss the use of peripheral nerve stimulation and other neuromodulation techniques in treating refractory migraines. Interventional treatment options which target the inhibition of painful nerves constitute a promising avenue for patients with refractory headache disorders, and large randomized trials are needed to clearly demonstrate their efficacy. |
End Time: 8:00p
Room: Belmont Ballroom
End Time: 8:20a
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: ND-02
Faculty: Gregory Pontone, MD, MHS
Course Description:
Parkinson’s disease is a moving target both for patients suffering from the disease and the providers who treat them. Providers need to be aware of ‘stage’ specific therapies when treating Parkinson’s in order to deliver optimal care. An evolving understanding of prodromal disease and new technologies that help detect and confirm Parkinson’s at an earlier stage than ever before present both exciting opportunities and challenges. This course provides an update and recommendations for providing the best care for people with Parkinson’s. This session is supported by an educational grant from GE Healthcare Inc. |
End Time: 9:30a
Room: Nolita 1-2
Pres Number: PDM-03
End Time: 10:30a
Room: Nolita 3
Press Number: PP-01
Faculty: Gregory Pontone, MD, MHS
Course Description:
The course “Treatment of Depression and Anxiety” will describe the general mechanism of action for antidepressant medications when used for the treatment of anxiety and depression. The talk will explore the differences in mechanism between existing antidepressant classes and describe a leading hypothesis explaining the rapid onset of action and antidepressant response seen in ketamine. Major side effects, mode of elimination, and potential drug-drug interactions will be reviewed comparing and contrasting features that are shared between classes or are distinctive by class. Finally, the second segment of the talk will discuss approaches to treating anxiety using antidepressants and other types of pharmacotherapy. |
End Time: 11:00a
End Time: 1:00p
Room: Belmont Ballroom
Course Description:
Exhibit Hall |
End Time: 1:30p
Room: Nolita 1-2
Pres Number: PDM-04
End Time: 2:30p
Room: Nolita 3
Faculty: Jee Bang, MD, MPH
End Time: 3:30p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: PP-02
Faculty: Jay Salpekar, MD, FANPA, FAES, DFAACAP
Course Description:
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is ubiquitous in pediatrics. It may be both over-diagnosed and under-diagnosed depending upon the symptom presentation. The co-occurrence of ADHD with anxiety is very common and may lead to difficulties discerning symptoms and could also make treatment decisions more complex. Even for people without primary anxiety disorders, many people with ADHD also have anxiety resulting from the fear of missing out on important details in school or work, or even in social encounters. Anxiety may be very common in this population but is underrecognized. This session will provide an overview of how to identify and manage the co-occurrence of ADHD and anxiety. |
End Time: 4:00p
End Time: 5:20p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: PP-03
Faculty: Sanjai Rao, MD DFAPA
Course Description:
Medication nonadherence is a significant cause of relapse in patients with schizophrenia, and is often precipitated by medication side effects. This presentation will summarize the data on side-effects and long-term impacts of antipsychotic nonadherence in schizophrenia, examine the advantages of Long Acting Injectable (LAI) antipsychotics for adherence and improved outcomes, and describe new and emerging oral antipsychotics that can be used for treating schizophrenia. It will also identify gender, racial, and socioeconomic disparities that affect schizophrenia diagnosis and care. |
End Time: 6:30p
Room: Belmont Ballroom
Course Description:
Exhibit Hall/Poster Reception |
End Time: 8:20a
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: SLP-01
Faculty: Alon Avidan, MD, MPH, HAAN, FAASM
Course Description:
Physicians in all areas of medicine encounter patients who complain of disturbed sleep. The purpose of this lecture is to provide clinicians with the knowledge needed to recognize and treat major sleep disorders encountered in clinical practice. The course will also review the function of sleep and sleep disorders commonly encountered in clinical practice. The lecture will review assessment and evaluation strategies of excessive sleepiness, sleep-disordered breathing, narcolepsy, chronic insomnia disorder, parasomnias, and abnormal behaviors at night. |
End Time: 9:30a
Room: Nolita 1-2
Pres Number: PDM-05
End Time: 10:30a
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: SIS-03
Faculty: Mark Garofoli, PharmD, MBA, BCGP, CPE, CTTS
Course Description:
“Medical” Marijuana, Recreational Marijuana, Weed, Hemp, Cannabis, Cannabinoids, CBD, THC, when will the madness end, or begin? Cannabis has been around for centuries, and debates continue as to its usefulness and legality. Almost every U.S. state has had a legal shift in regards to Cannabis in some form or fashion. Bring any “budding” questions as we provide a “higher education” of clinically practical knowledge, with a dash of entertainment, for all things Cannabis. It’s time to dive deeper into the weeds. |
End Time: 10:30a
Room: Gracia 5-7
Faculty:
This session will highlight posters selected for oral presentation. |
End Time: 11:00a
Course Description:
Break |
End Time: 1:00p
Room: Belmont Ballroom
Course Description:
Exhibit Hall |
End Time: 1:30p
Room: Nolita 1-2
Pres Number: PDM-06
End Time: 2:30p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: EPL-01
Faculty: Jay Salpekar, MD, FANPA, FAES, DFAACAP
Course Description:
Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies are among the most challenging conditions faced by neurologists and neuropsychiatrists. Development is often hampered by neurologic disruption, which may include frequent seizures, thought processing difficulties and a range of cognitive challenges. Immune disorders and metabolic problems may also be present. Common syndromes such as Lennox Gastaut and Dravet’s syndromes will be addressed. Strategies to identify treatment targets will be discussed, especially as symptom presentations may vary in this population. |
End Time: 3:30p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: ND-04
Faculty: Allison Lindauer, PhD, NP
Course Description:
Alzheimer’s disease is a common concern for older adults. Here we discuss risk factors and preventative measures. The talk will address new medications of Alzheimer’s disease. |
End Time: 3:45p
Course Description:
Break |
End Time: 4:45p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: EPL-02
Faculty: David Spencer, MD
Course Description:
This course will provide an overview of the rapidly developing and changing field of neurostimulation for the treatment of epilepsy. It is expected that many in the audience will not be doing the hands-on programming of these devices, so the course will focus on patient selection (which patients are candidates for neurostimulation therapy, and which device should be selected for which patient). We will cover the scientific data that led to the approval of VNS, RNS and DBS therapy for the treatment of epilepsy and the long-term data for their safety and efficacy. Practical consideration will be addressed (e.g. “can I get an MRI with one of these devices?”) and we will consider future developments in the field. |
End Time: 5:35p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: SLP-02
Faculty: David Leopold, MD
Course Description:
Recognize anxiety and insomnia as multifactorial medical conditions that result in decreased QOL and increased adverse health outcomes Critically evaluate the evidence for efficacy for various non pharmacological approaches to anxiety & sleep problems Examine safety and applicability of nonpharmacologic options for symptoms commonly associated within the management of anxiety & sleep problems Formulate effective evidenced based implementation plans to reduce or eliminate need for medications for the treatment of anxiety & sleep problems Identify reasonable options for patients with anxiety & sleep problems who are unable to utilize or decline conventional medication |
End Time: 6:35p
Room: Nolita 3
Pres Number: MGR-03
Faculty:
The understanding of Low Pressure Headaches has advanced dramatically in the last decade, and each new discovery calls our previous assumptions into further doubt. We will cover advances in the understanding of the limitations of opening pressure, the importance of the discovery of CSF- venous fistulas, and the use of the Bern Score of brain imaging findings to stratify probability of spinal CSF leak in patients with refractory headaches. |
Event Registration
Call for Abstracts
DEADLINE for submission is 11:59p ET, Friday, July 14, 2023. All authors will be notified via email on or by August 11, 2023.
BRAINWeek invites you to submit abstracts for posters to be presented at the 2023 BRAINWeek National Conference. Please review the guidelines below.
Abstracts may be research oriented, or evidence based, and relevant to specialists and frontline practitioners who manage CNS disorders. They may include medication management, devices, and digital therapeutics. Abstracts may be a summary of research findings or a review of current evidence-based recommendations for clinical applications that are pertinent to frontline practitioners and specialists who treat CNS patients.
Abstract Guidelines
- At least one presenting author or presenter of accepted abstracts must register at the current registration rate to attend the BRAINWeek National Conference. Submission of an abstract does not automatically register you for the conference.
- BRAINWeek will accept abstracts that have already been presented at other medical conferences.
- Abstracts should be 750 words or less, with maximums as defined below. (Titles, author names, references, and affiliations are not included in that word count)
- Background: 150 words
- Purpose: 150 words
- Methods: 150 words
- Results: 100 words
- Conclusions: 200 words
- List affiliations for all authors, such as universities and other institutions.
- List names of all authors, in the order in which you wish them to appear in printed text. At least one listed author must attend BRAINWeek to present.
- List disclosures (financial and/or in-kind support). If none, state “Nothing to disclose by any author(s)”.
- Please indicate whether you are interested in being considered to present orally.
- Do not use tables, charts, or graphs in your abstract submission (they can be included in the actual poster).
- There is no limit to the number of abstracts one author may submit for consideration.
- The first author is responsible for communicating all these policies to all involved parties.
- Student authors are permitted to submit.
Disclosures
BRAINWeek requires faculty and poster authors/presenters who have an interest in selling a technology, program, product, and/or service to healthcare professionals to disclose this information in order to be considered for and/or present at any BRAINWeek educational session.
Poster Set-up
Authors should arrive onsite to have their posters up by 3:00p on Wednesday, September 6 (day 1 of the conference). BRAINWeek will provide a poster board, pushpins, and poster number. If you would like to provide reprints of your posters for handouts, you may leave them under your assigned poster board.
Public Viewing Dates/Times for Posters:
Wednesday, Sept 6 – 6:00p-8:00p (Welcome Reception)
Thursday, Sept 7 – 10:30a-6:30p (Poster Reception from 5:30-6:30p)
Friday, Sept 8 – 10:30a-1:30p
Poster Reception
Due to the enormity of requests for posters to have longer onsite accessibility, we ask that all posters be set up by 3:00p on Wednesday, September 6. All authors and/or presenters should be by their posters for the Poster Reception, which will be held on Thursday, September 7, 5:30p-6:30p. BRAINWeek name badges will be required for entry. Refreshments will be available.
Publication
If your abstract is accepted, you will be notified on or by August 11, and the abstract will be posted online by August 30. Only accepted abstracts will be posted online. Posters will not be published online.
BRAINWeek Scholarship
Convening September 6-8, BRAINWeek was developed by the PAINWeek organization—now in its 17th year of exceptional pain management education—and will provide live activities addressing the most frequently diagnosed conditions encountered in clinical practice, with an emphasis on collaborative care among specialists and frontline practitioners.
You can be one of 10 frontline practitioners to receive a complimentary registration for this year’s conference. We ask that you compose a compelling essay explaining why BRAINWeek would be beneficial for your professional area of focus.
Submission Deadline
All essays must be received by 11:59p ET on July 7, 2023.
Scholarship winners will be notified via email and/or phone no later than August 4, 2023. Winners must respond by
August 19, 2023.
Rules and Regulations
Scholarship applicants must be:
- At least 21 years of age
- Actively involved in healthcare or healthcare education
- Willing to be interviewed by BRAINWeek
Scholarship applicants may NOT be:
- Industry-employed
- A past scholarship winner
Essay requirements:
- No more than 750 words, and must be copy and pasted into the text box on the submission form on our website
- Must include the applicant’s full name, email address, job title, contact phone number, mailing address, degree, clinical affiliation, academic affiliation, practice specialty, essay title, essay submission, and photo
- A description of the practice setting, patient population, and applicant role in the organization
- A description of how BRAINWeek can enhance pain management skills and knowledge, and how this knowledge can be used in a clinical setting
- A description of the barriers to pain management education/training that exist for the applicant
- Essays must address why a scholarship to BRAINWeek would be a benefit
- Any other relevant points concerning the applicant’s educational and professional goals
Conference Venue
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona

Conference Venue
Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona.
6902 E Greenway Pkwy, Scottsdale, AZ 85254
Phone Number: (480) 624-1000
Excitement is building for BRAINWeek coming to Scottsdale, Arizona in May! As such, we encourage you to complete your room reservation as early as possible, as the room block will fill up quickly. Please note the following information and proceed as directed.
Exhibitors and Sponsors
BRAINWeek 2023 Exhibit Floor Plan

Join this year’s illustrious lineup of brand partners and take your 2023 goals to next level.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be submitted in writing. If you are calling to cancel, for verification we will still require you to send an email to info@brainweek.org with your intent to cancel. You will receive confirmation of your cancellation via email.
We will offer a 100% refund within 72 hours from the time of purchase less $100 credit card processing fee.