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Comprehensive
Epilepsy Services
Patient Information | Physician
Information
The First Step
Neurological
Testing
Anti
Epileptic Medication
Surgical
Treatment
Neuropsychological
Assessments
With Treatment there
is Hope
Appointments
Location and Directions
The lives of many children and adults are limited
by the unpredictable nature of recurring seizures.
As many families know, the emotional consequences
can be devastating. The Methodist Hospital offers one of a kind Comprehensive Eplilepsy Services to improve the daily lives of people with seizure disorder or epilepsy, by helping alleviate the debilitating effects of seizures.
Our services are designed to attempt to improve the
overall functioning of patients through a varied
approach. This includes extensive diagnostic evaluations,
medication, advanced monitoring techniques, and teamwork.
We develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored
specifically for each patient. This personalized
plan is implemented through a coordinated effort
of the patient, family member, the referring physician,
and Epilepsy Services specialists. This is your team!
"The Comprehensive Epilepsy Services at Methodist
Hospital were established to serve as a specialized
resource for the assessment, evaluation, and treatment
of individuals with seizure disorders or epilepsy.
We are dedicated to improving their day-to-day functional
capabilities with focus and attention on minimizing
potential side-effects of treatment interventions."
J. Scott Luther, M.D.
Medical Director
THE FIRST STEP
We welcome
active participation throughout the treatment process.
Your firsthand experience is an invaluable diagnostic
tool in developing an effective treatment program.
In addition to your input, Dr. J. Scott Luther,
Medical Director of Comprehensive Epilepsy Services,
will also conduct an initial in-depth interview with
your family and your referring physician. We will
then begin an extensive physical examination to further
identify the nature and degree of your seizure disorder.
After a thorough examination and review of your
medical records, our medical specialists will develop
your comprehensive treatment plan. Recommendations
may include some or all of the following:
Comprehensive Neurological Diagnostic Evaluations
Anti Epileptic Medication
Evaluation for Possible Surgical Treatment
Neuropsychological Assessment
Following a review of the recommended treatment
plan and with your approval, as well as that of your
referring physician, your treatment at the Comprehensive
Epilepsy Care will begin.
NEUROLOGICAL TESTING
One of the most important evaluations we use for
Comprehensive Epilepsy Services is monitoring and
recording your seizures. This information helps us
determine with greater accuracy the type, pattern,
and location of your recurring seizures. If you and
your physicians decide that this type of neurological
diagnostic evaluation is needed, you will be admitted
to Methodist Hospital and assigned a private room
for monitoring.
Your family will be encouraged to participate in
your evaluation and diagnostic process, including
decisions concerning your further treatment. Accommodations
for overnight guests in private patient rooms will
facilitate your family’s involvement throughout
your evaluation.
During this monitoring period, we may recommend
reducing or discontinuing your medication. Although
this may shorten the length of time required to record
and evaluate recurring seizures, the final decision
is yours to make.
ANTI EPILEPTIC MEDICATION
For many people with seizure disorders, medication
is an effective treatment for controlling seizures.
After diagnostic testing is completed, our team of
specialists will consult with your physician. Changes
or adjustments to your current anti epileptic medication
might be recommended.
SURGICAL TREATMENT
For selected patients, there is a good chance that
epilepsy may be controlled completely or significantly
improved through surgery. With early surgical treatment,
many children and adults with epilepsy can begin
to experience life more fully - without the frustrating
limitations attributed to the unpredictable nature
of poorly controlled seizures.
Surgery for epilepsy is considered when other treatments
have failed to significantly reduce the frequency
or severity of your seizures. After comprehensive
testing and evaluation to determine specific features
of your seizures, our epileptologist would present
the findings and explain the specific surgical option.
Any surgery recommended would be performed by our
team of neurosurgical specialists at a time convenient
for you and your family.
NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS
Certain physical, emotional, and social issues are
common individuals with seizure disorders. We do
thorough testing (called neuropsychological testing)
to establish your current capabilities; for example,
memory and speech functions. This is an important
aspect of our diagnostic evaluation for patients,
particularly for those considering surgical intervention.
A team comprised of a neurologist, neurosurgeon,
and a neuropsychologist would participate in your
evaluation.
WITH TREATMENT THERE IS HOPE
At Methodist Healthcare, we believe
there is hope for all individuals with seizure disorders,
particularly severe seizure disorders. We believe,
through the collaborative efforts of our team of
specialists, family members, your physician, and
our advanced treatment technologies, that patients
with epilepsy may experience a sustained, improved
quality of life.
APPOINTMENTS
Patients, family members, or referring physicians
may schedule intake evaluations by calling the Comprehensive
Epilepsy Services Line at
(210) 615-8070. We recommend a
family member familiar with the patient’s medical
history attend the initial interview. Additionally,
all pertinent medical records, including laboratory
results and x-rays, should be received for our review
at least one week prior to the patient’s initial
evaluation.
LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS
The Epilepsy Services are located on
the 4th floor of the South Tower of Methodist Hospital.
Additional diagnostic tests may be performed in
the Texas Neurosciences Institute Building, located
on the corner of Ewing Halsell and Medical Drive.
Visitors can access the Texas Neurosciences Institute
by a walkway and sky bridge that connect to Methodist
Hospital.
Visitor parking is also available adjacent to the
Texas Neurosciences Institute Building.
Physicians practicing at Methodist Hospital are independent
doctors and are not employees or agents of the Methodist
Healthcare System.
Comprehensive Epilepsy Services - Physician Information
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