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Medical Services
The UF neurologists at the Shands Jacksonville Neuroscience Institute offer a wide array of diagnostic procedures to evaluate patients for epilepsy, including:
Ambulatory EEG Services - Through the use of ambulatory EEG recording, patients can undergo continuous EEG recording while at home or at work. This technique is useful in helping diagnose seizures while allowing patients to continue their everyday activities. Digital Video-EEG Monitoring - Using the latest computerized software programs this technology allows physicians to observe actual seizures and correlate them into EEG changes. This procedure is useful in helping to identify more precisely the patient's seizure type, either as part of a presurgical evaluation or for purposes of improving drug therapy. Electrocorticography (ECoG) - Through this procedure, physicians are able to record electrical activity directly from the brain surface. Usually performed in conjunction with epilepsy surgery, this procedure is one of many we offer to more accurately identify the region of the brain responsible for the seizure activity. Electroencephalographic (EEG) Investigation - The EEG remains the most important test for studying electrical brain activity. It is used in evaluating patients with suspected seizures, by helping to determine precisely the patient's seizure type and as part of testing for individuals undergoing presurgical evaluation.
[More about electroencephalography »] Functional Brain Mapping - Functional brain mapping allows physicians to identify the function of different brain centers. This technique is available only at leading medical centers throughout the country and is performed by highly trained neuroscientists either in the course of epilepsy surgery or during video-EEG monitoring. Intra-Arterial Brevital Test - Also known as the WADA test, this is an advanced neuropsychological testing procedure performed by highly trained individuals as part of a presurgical evaluation. By "putting half the brain to sleep," physicians gain a deeper understanding of how each part of the brain works and use this knowledge to plan surgical strategies that produce optimum results. Neuroimaging - Using the latest techniques in magnetic nuclear imaging (MRI), highly skilled neuroradiologists are able to identify minute abnormalities in MRI images that allow physicians to identify the brain area of seizure activity.
[More about Neuroradiology »] PET Scan - This technique measures regional brain metabolism and is helpful in identifying the area of seizure activity. Shands Jacksonville is one of few local hospitals with this technology, which is performed by highly trained nuclear medicine physicians.
[More about PET scans »] Psychological Evaluation - A board-certified neuropsychologist performs detailed psychological testing to help identify the areas of the brain prone to seizure activity and assess the effects of treatment on cognition. This type of evaluation is also useful in helping patients deal with the emotional aspects of their disease and improve their quality of life.
[More about Neuropsychology »] Single Photon Emission Coherence Tomography (SPECT) Scan - Using gamma emitting radioisotopes, SPECT scanning measures blood flow to the brain and is helpful in identifying the area of seizure onset in epileptic patients.
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Intervention & Treatment Options
The Comprehensive Epilepsy Program provides intervention and treatment options to stabilize patients and minimize the risk of permanent disability, while enhancing their quality of life. The center provides state-of-the-art inpatient and outpatient services for the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with epilepsy. Our comprehensive approach features:
Outpatient Care - The Comprehensive Epilepsy Program has daily epilepsy clinics at the Shands Jacksonville Neuroscience Institute, the UF Neuroscience Institute at Emerson and the UF St. Marys Multispecialty Center in St. Marys, Ga. Staffed by fellowship-trained epileptologists, these clinics allow patients to receive individual care tailored to their specific conditions. Inpatient Consultation - Our staff epileptologists are available for inpatient consultation at Shands Jacksonville, St. Vincent's Medical Center, Baptist Medical Center, Memorial Medical Center, Brooks Rehabilitation Hospital and Camden Medical Center, Ga. Clinical Drug Trials - Through clinical drug trials, patients who meet the appropriate criteria are able to receive the latest in epilepsy medication research. Epilepsy Surgery - This technique is reserved for those patients with difficult-to-control seizures despite medications. Patients who undergo surgery have a very good chance of successfully controlling seizures. The ability to perform this procedure requires a team of highly skilled professionals. Shands Jacksonville is proud to be able to offer this sophisticated service. Vagus Nerve Stimulation - This is another treatment option for patients with difficult-to-control seizures. This involves implanting a "brain pacemaker" at the side of the neck and may be a useful treatment option in a select group of medically refractory patients. Rehabilitation and Life Management Skills Vocational Therapies Patients are assessed by the epilepsy program coordinator from a psychological and social standpoint for rehabilitation needs, such as vocational therapy. Patients are trained or rehabilitated for work opportunities based on their functional ability. Education and Support Groups - A support group and education series on epilepsy is held each month at Shands Jacksonville. Speakers include physicians, nurses, therapists and other health professionals. The support group for patients and caregivers is open to the public. Periodic courses and symposiums on epilepsy are offered to the public and medical community. The program offers a resource library with brochures, books and videos, and is open to patients and families during regular business hours.
[View available support groups »]
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