6th Edition of Neurology World Conference 2026

Abstract

Ann Marie O’Connor is an Education Assistant, where she primarily works with students who live with FAS/ADHD, Autism and Down Syndrome. She is also a Canadian Advocate for Epilepsy and the former Vice President of the Edmonton and Northern Alberta Epilepsy Association, where she served on the Board of Directors for more than 11 years. Ann Marie is a published author and has been featured in several publications, including CIO Mogul, Surgical Neurology International and Your Health Magazine. She has also shared her story on Global TV Edmonton and Breakfast Television in Edmonton, Alberta, speaking about her journey of overcoming epilepsy. She is the proud mother of three sons — Mathew (31), Cameron (27), and Nathan (18) — who remain her biggest supporters in her advocacy work. Her speaking topics include: Women and Epilepsy, Sex and Seizures, Depression, Side Effects of Medication, Her Surgery, Living with Epilepsy, Coping with Neurological Disorders, and her published books. Ann Marie's Story In Canada, an average of 42 people each day learn that they have epilepsy. Worldwide, more than 50 million people live with this disorder. I am grateful to say: I beat epilepsy. On December 3, 2002, at 6:30 a.m I was being wheeled down a silent hallway at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton. It felt as though we were the only ones in the building — you could hear a pin drop. After nearly 20 years of living with epilepsy, everything was about to change. I was about to undergo a Left Selective Amygdalohippocampectomy — the surgery that cured me of my seizures. Surgeons removed the left parahippocampal gyrus, left amygdala, and left hippocampus, all located within the left temporal lobe. Just two days before surgery, I had experienced six grand mal seizures. Since the procedure, I have not had a single one. I was cured. Since my surgery, I have accomplished incredible milestones. I have written books, become a Canadian Advocate for Epilepsy (2012), and have been a motivational speaker for more than 19 years. Helping others is not only my passion — it is my calling. I aim to educate internationally from a patient’s perspective, reminding others that they are not alone in living with epilepsy. Speaking at medical conferences, seminars, and local events has become my mission. I believe it is crucial for medical professionals to hear firsthand what surgery is like from a patient’s perspective. One of my challenges was not being informed about the side effects of brain surgery, although I would have chosen the surgery regardless. Just being better prepared would have helped me cope with what came afterward. Over the past 19 years, I have had the honor of speaking at conferences around the world, including New York (USA), Cape Town (South Africa), Baltimore (USA), Chicago (USA), Toronto (Canada), Madrid (Spain) and London (UK). Serving as a Keynote Speaker at several of these events has been both humbling and deeply rewarding. In 2021 I received the Award of Excellence from the City of Spruce Grove for my International Speaking on Epilepsy, that is where I resided for almost 40 years and have nothing but great memories. I am proud to say that my first children's book on Epilepsy came out February 2026. The UNSTOPPABLE Girl Who BEAT Epilepsy! Thank you for having me speak at this conference and allowing me to share my story.