Dr. Joe Tafur and Natasha Pentin spoke with Canadian adult and pediatric neurologist Dr. Evan Cole Lewis to explore how epilepsy, trauma, and brain networks intertwine. We discuss pediatric epilepsy, cannabis for seizures, Functional Neurological Disorders (FND), and emerging psychedelic-assisted therapy treatments. Dr. Lewis talks about the differences between structural brain injury and brain “software” disruption, shining light on the world of trauma-based neurological symptoms. 

Dr. Lewis holds a clinical appointment as Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Hospital for Sick Children and at the University of Toronto. Currently practicing at North Toronto Neurology and Homeward Therapy, Dr. Lewis focuses on epilepsy, brain injury, concussion and post-concussion symptoms, functional neurological disorders, and the therapeutic use of cannabis and psychedelics in these conditions.

You can see more of Dr. Lewis’s work here: 

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Timestamps: 

(00:00) Introduction and Dr. Lewis’s Background

(01:57) WeCann Conference Meeting

(04:16) Cannabis for Pediatric Epilepsy

(05:47) Success Stories with Cannabis

(9:30) Harm-Reduction Approach & Opening a Clinic

(12:40) Medication for Different Types of Seizures 

(15:33) Psychedelics Treatment & Brain Networks

(18:58) Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) & Non-Epileptic Seizures 

(22:19) The Brain’s Structure vs Software 

(23:44) Diagnosing FND

(29:19) Concussion and FND

(33:55) Psychedelics and Brain Network Disruption

(36:01) FND Also Rooted in Trauma Rather Than Physical Injury

(39:44) Bridging Neurology and Psychology

(45:08) Challenges and Risks of Psychedelic Treatments

(54:54) Importance of Medical Education in Psychedelics

(01:01:57) Future Projects and Research Initiatives