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Understanding Epilepsy  Dr. James Ling Neurologist The Methodist Hospital Epilepsy is very treatable, and the majority of patients can control their symptoms with medication. But social stigmas and misunderstanding about the condition lead many sufferers to keep epilepsy undisclosed or, worse yet, untreated. "People are very private about the condition," says Amit Verma, M.D., director of neurophysiology at the Methodist Neurological Institute. "Unlike diseases such as Parkinson's or diabetes, there are few celebrities who will come out and publicly discuss having epilepsy." 
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, epilepsy and seizures affect more than 3 million Americans of all ages. Approximately 200,000 new cases of seizures and epilepsy occur each year, and an estimated 50 million people are affected worldwide.The key to success often lies in seeking specialized care soon after the onset of symptoms, Verma explains. "There are many treatment options available, but the only way to find the right one is to see a specialist," he says. The Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at The Methodist Hospital offers epilepsy patients the highest level of individualized care available. As a Level 4 epilepsy center, designated by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers, the hospital offers the most sophisticated diagnostic and treatment options available, including complete evaluation, medical management, access to clinical trials and, if necessary, advanced surgical procedures. What Is Epilepsy? Epilepsy is characterized by a brief, strong surge of electrical activity that affects brain function. This can last a few seconds or be as long as a few minutes. An estimated 10 percent of adults will experience a seizure sometime in their life, but having a single episode does not mean a person has epilepsy. The most common type of seizure is a convulsion, which consists of the person losing consciousness and shaking. During less easily recognizable seizures, the person may exhibit a blank stare, lip smacking or jerking movement of arms and legs. Living with Epilepsy The seizures and stigma associated with epilepsy have many social and emotional implications for sufferers. Because the seizures are fairly unpredictable, some patients do not venture out in public for fear of embarrassment or hurting themselves. They also may have difficulty maintaining a job or may be unable to drive. What's more, 40 to 50 percent of patients with epilepsy also battle depression. Women with epilepsy may also have to contend with misconceptions about pregnancy. Many epilepsy medications are linked to birth defects, so in the past, women with the disease were discouraged from having children, or worse, were forced to have hysterectomies. "The chances of having a normal pregnancy are 90 percent or higher," Verma explains. "Women should consult with their physician to make sure they are on the appropriate medications. As long as the condition is managed appropriately, there is no reason for women to consider not having children." Help Is at Hand Methodist's epilepsy program helps patients manage all aspects of the disease, thanks to a diverse team of health care professionals including physicians from neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry, neuropsychology, nuclear medicine and rehab medicine. The first step after diagnosis is to appropriately classify the seizures as partial (affecting just one area of the brain) or generalized (affecting the entire brain). Classification helps determine the cause, appropriate medications and if a patient is a candidate for epilepsy surgery. Doctors start with a medical history and eyewitness accounts as well as imaging studies, such as a high-resolution MRI scan and EEG monitoring. The program's advanced imaging capabilities make it one of the strongest epilepsy centers in the country.  To make an appointment or for more information about Methodist's Epilepsy Program, please call 1-888-828-3249 or visit tmhni.org. |
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