While epilepsy is a complex medical condition, patients now have resources, guidance and support in the Greater Austin area to help them navigate the chronic condition. A specialized team at Baylor Scott & White’s NeuroHealth Institute takes an individualized approach to help patients manage symptoms like seizures and improve their quality of life.
“Nearly three million people have epilepsy in the United States. It's one of the most common neurological disorders, a category which includes Alzheimer’s and strokes,” said Diego Tovar, MD, a neurologist and epileptologist on the medical staff at the Baylor Scott & White NeuroHealth Institute Epilepsy Center in Lakeway. “Epilepsy patients are at increased risk of recurrent seizures, which can cause loss of awareness, loss of consciousness and convulsions.”
Epilepsy patients may experience burdens such as impaired cognitive ability and memory. Recurrent seizures can also affect alertness, which can impact the ability to drive.
“It curbs all of your chances in life to succeed to your full potential,” said Victor Montoya, MD, a neurologist and epileptologist on the medical staff at the Baylor Scott & White NeuroHealth Institute Epilepsy Center.
To help these patients, as part of the NeuroHealth Institute, Baylor Scott & White Health recently launched the comprehensive Epilepsy Center.
“We are excited about having this resource for the Greater Austin community. We have a full team of experts who are passionate about providing quality care,” said Michael Weston, director for the Baylor Scott & White NeuroHealth Institute.
The Baylor Scott & White Epilepsy Center at the NeuroHealth Institute helps patients live better lives by providing comprehensive treatment options in one convenient location. Its integrated care helps patients achieve quality outcomes.
Epilepsy Center providers understand the nuances and complexities of brain health and can create customized treatment options.
“Each patient who experiences recurrent seizures has a condition very unique to them, like a fingerprint.” Dr. Montoya said. “The idea is for us to identify those features and adapt the treatments to them. After a comprehensive evaluation, they can decide based on that information.”
One unique aspect of the new center is that physicians can monitor brain activity and gain insight into the patient’s condition in the institute’s Epilepsy Monitoring Unit located at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lakeway.
“The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit is a physical space in the hospital, but what makes the unit special is the staff,” Weston said. “The nurses and EEG technologists in the unit are trained to help us in evaluation to care for the unique needs of these patients. They are the ones who are monitoring the patients 24/7.”
The team at Baylor Scott & White NeuroHealth Institute is committed to improving local epilepsy patients’ lives.
You can learn more about the Baylor Scott & White NeuroHealth Institute Epilepsy Center here. To schedule an appointment, call 1-866-330-3060 or 512- 654-1234
The above story was produced by Multi-platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
Physicians provide clinical services as members of the medical staff at one of Baylor Scott & White Health’s subsidiary, community or affiliated medical centers and do not provide clinical services as employees or agents of those medical centers or Baylor Scott & White Health.
