Meet Dr. Julien Hebert
August 13, 2024
Dr. Julien Hebert (University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada) was awarded a 2024 AEA Community Seed Grant for the investigation of Postacute Management of Anti-Seizure Medications in Autoimmune Encephalitis-Associated Epilepsy. Learn more about his research and how it impacts those affected with autoimmune encephalitis. The start date for the award is September 1, 2024.
You have been awarded an AEA Community Seed Grant, can you tell us more about the study you plan to do?
Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) can result in a range of neurological symptoms, including
seizures, which are usually treated with a combination of anti-seizure medications
and immunotherapy. Despite receiving early and appropriate treatment, not all patients with
AE achieve seizure freedom; many instead go on to develop epilepsy (i.e., a chronic
predisposition to seizures). The aims of this study are therefore to: 1) investigate if ongoing
anomalies on electroencephalogram (EEG) or MRI after the acute phase of AE predict the risk of
developing epilepsy, and 2) evaluate the safety of weaning antiseizure medications at different
time points in the post-acute phase of AE. The study will utilize statistical modeling on a large
multicenter cohort to personalize antiseizure medication management in patients with AE,
potentially reducing unnecessary medication use and its side effects while ensuring adequate
protection against seizure recurrence.
How will your study help patients and families affected by AE?
This study aims to significantly improve the lives of patients and families affected by AE by
providing a clearer understanding of who can safely discontinue anti-seizure medications (ASM)
and when. More specifically, a more detailed risk stratification will enable healthcare providers
to offer personalized counseling and management plans during the postacute phase of AE.
Understanding the risks of ASM withdrawal will help patients and their families make informed
decisions about treatment plans.
Tell us more about yourself and your affiliation?
I am a neurologist and epilepsy-specialist based at the Toronto Western Hospital and an
Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto Department of Medicine. I obtained my medical
degree from McGill University, completed a residency in Adult Neurology at the University of
Toronto, Clinical Fellowship in Epilepsy at Columbia University, and a Master of Epidemiology at
Sorbonne University. I approach research questions from a Clinical Epidemiology perspective,
with a focus on autoimmunity in epilepsy.
Thank you to the entire AE Alliance community for the commitment to changing the course of AE. Thank you to the researchers applying for the AEA Edward Arditte Community Seed Grant program and to the AE Alliance community, friends and family members for donating to the AEA Research Network. It is your donations that allow us to fund research focused on improving the lives of people living with AE.
Together, we are changing the course of AE.
