The Epilepsy Center is equipped with the state-of-the-art technologies. Testing is tailored to the needs of individual patients.
1. Imaging- Brain Computed tomography
- 1.5 Tesla brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- High-quality 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (3T-MRI)
- Functional MRI, which analyzes blood flow to map language and motor function in the brain
- Magnetic resonance angiography
- Magnetic resonance spectroscopy
- Magnetic resonance tractography
- Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (Ictal SPECT), which helps to localize the area of the brain where seizures originate
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET), which measures brain metabolism to identify abnormalities
2. Electroencephalography (EEG)
- We perform standard EEG with provocative tests, additional electrodes, with cognitive tests or with sleep deprivation
3. Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
- At the forefront of our diagnostic capabilities is our Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, designed for a detailed evaluation, diagnostic testing, and patient monitoring 24 hours a day. Patients undergo continuous electroencephalography (EEG) and simultaneous video monitoring under the supervision of our epileptologists working together with trained technicians and nurses. The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit serves several purposes:
- to confirm the diagnosis of epilepsy,
- to classify the epilepsy syndrome,
- to make antiepileptic drug adjustments,
- to diagnose non-epileptic events,
- to perform pre-surgical evaluations in patients who continue to have disabling seizures in spite of the optimal medical therapy.
4. Other electrodiagnostic tests (electroneurography (ENG), electromyography (EMG)
5. Ultrasound examinations of extracranial and transcranial blood vessels
6. Laboratory tests
- Clinical
- Biochemistry
- Immunologic tests
- Genetic Studies
- Antiepileptic drug concentrations
- Cerebrospinal fluid tests
7. Neuropsychological testing, to assess language, memory, and cognitive function
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by seizures. Epilepsy can begin at any age, and has several causes. A seizure is a transient electrical disturbance in the brain. Seizures affect people in different ways. During a seizure, a person may experience feelings of confusion, or a loss of consciousness, or involuntary movements in their arms, legs, or body. Any symptom that might be suggestive of a seizure should be evaluated by a physician experienced in diagnosing and treating seizures.
How is epilepsy diagnosed?
At our center, patients who have had a seizure or who have already been diagnosed with epilepsy may be referred to an epileptologist. An epileptologist is a neurologist with training in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. The physician will obtain a medical history, perform a neurological exam, and order appropriate testing which may include a brain MRI (Magnetic Resonance Image) and an EEG (Electroencephalogram). Some patients may require additional Video EEG Monitoring for diagnosis.
How is epilepsy treated?
Our goal with each individual patient is to achieve seizure freedom and improve quality of life. Success can often be achieved by obtaining an accurate diagnosis and selecting an appropriate anti-seizure medication(s). In patients who do not achieve seizure freedom with medication, additional treatment options may include epilepsy surgery or neuromodulation in selected cases.
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)
AED is used to stabilize the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures to occur. Most patients with epilepsy — between 60 and 70 percent — will achieve seizure freedom by taking AEds. Today, there are several AEDs available to choose from, and our doctors help guide patients in choosing an appropriate one for them. The aim of taking AED is to achieve seizure freedom without any side effects.
Epilepsy Surgery
Approximately 30% of patients who suffer from epilepsy have seizures that are difficult to control with AEDs. This form of epilepsy is described as medically refractory (or intractable or pharmaco-resistant). In carefully selected patients with medically refractory epilepsy, treatment with epilepsy surgery can be performed safely and effectively to help patients achieve seizure freedom. Potential candidates for epilepsy surgery are discussed at a Patient Management to determine if epilepsy surgery should be considered.
Neuromodulation
When seizures are difficult to control with anti-seizure medication, and epilepsy surgery is not an appropriate treatment option, neuromodulation may be offered as an alternative treatment strategy. Neuromodulation can be employed using Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS).
