Author: Luca
Traveling with Epilepsy
Traveling with Epilepsy Traveling and taking vacations is often a source of great excitement but can bring anxiety and concerns for people with epilepsy. In most cases people with epilepsy can still travel, however certain considerations and precautions should be in place. One should consider the type, frequency, and triggers for their seizures prior to…
What is an Epileptologist and why should I see one?
What is an Epileptologist and why should I see one? An epileptologist is a type of neurologist that has special interest and training in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes repeated seizures. Most epileptologists receive an additional 1-2 years of subspecialty training in treatment of epilepsy and interpretation of electroencephalograms…
I Have Epilepsy, Can I Drive?
I Have Epilepsy, Can I Drive? One of the biggest challenges patients with seizures face is the impact on driving and their independence. Because seizures are unpredictable, driving can pose a great danger to the patient and the public. Even if seizures are not convulsive, a momentary lapse in awareness can affect judgment and response…
Understanding Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures
Understanding Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are a common and often challenging diagnosis. These events present as symptoms that mimic and often on the surface look like epileptic seizures. They can involve symptoms such as convulsions, limb shaking, loss of consciousness, uncontrolled body movements, and falls. From the outside it can often be…
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: Should I Be Concerned?
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: Should I Be Concerned? ALTHOUGH MOST PATIENTS WITH epilepsy live long, healthy lives, sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a serious concern affecting one in 1,000 adults and one in 4,500 children with epilepsy. The exact cause of SUDEP is unclear. Most people are found dead in bed, often…
When to consider surgery
When to consider surgery Epilepsy is a common medical condition estimated to affect 2.6 million americans every year. In 2018, the CDC estimates that among those taking medication, only 44% report having their seizures completely controlled1. Epilepsy surgery is a viable alternative to patients who are unable to control their seizures through medications. Before deciding…
Transition of Care from Pediatric to Adult Neurology
Transition of Care from Pediatric to Adult Neurology Seizure is one of the neurological conditions that causes fears to many patients and their families. Their fear stems from all the unknowns associated with the condition and all possible complications it brings in the long term. Upon receiving this diagnosis from a physician, the news is…
I’m Seizure Free!… Can I stop my meds now?
I’m Seizure Free!… Can I stop my meds now? One of the most common questions asked by patients with a history of epilepsy is when they can stop their medications. This can be a complex question because some patients may require medication for their lifetimes while others may be able to safely stop their medication….
The COVID-19 Vaccine and Epilepsy
The COVID-19 Vaccine and Epilepsy Scott Scheuermann, Nurse Practitioner, has been working with Dr. Ahmed Sadek at Orlando Epilepsy Center (OEC) for over 2-years. He is originally from Alabama where he worked in a large Medical Center in multiple specialties as a nurse for about 10 years. He relocated to Arizona for training in neurology…
Dementia: Five Positive Ways to Approach Someone Living With the Condition
Dementia: Five Positive Ways to Approach Someone Living With the Condition Dementia is a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Dementia is not a single disease; it is an overall term that covers a wide range of specific medical…