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- Questions About Raises, Shuttle Fees Top Administrators Forum
A UAMS Update article about Meet Your Administrator”
- Gruenwald Is New U.S. Citizen
Michael Gruenwald becomes U.S. citizen
- Gruenwald Is New U.S. Citizen
Michael Gruenwald becomes U.S. citizen
- Doughnut Sale to Help UAMS Psychiatry Youth Program
A UAMS Update article about a bake sale
- Call-in Announcements, Forums Will Give Employees More Information
A UAMS Update article about plans to improve communication between administration and employees of UAMS Medical Center
- IT Help Desk 400,000th Call Sweepstakes
IT Help Desk 400,000th Call Sweepstates
- The UAMS Help Desk Today - Ten Years Later
The UAMS Help Desk Today - Ten Years Later
- Free Tickets for UAMS Nights at Ray Winder Field
A UAMS Update article about UAMS Night with the Travelers
- ARIA Training Sessions May 19 - June 27 at UAMS
A UAMS Update article about May 19 - June 27 training sessions
- Human Research Forum Is May 21
A UAMS Update article about human research Q & A
- Accolades, May 2003
Accolades to UAMS faculty and staff
- GCRC Deadline Changed to July 1 for Grant Proposals
A UAMS Update article about GCRC pilot grants
- History of the Help Desk
- Watch, Look & Listen: Preview of New UAMS Public Service Campaign
- Forum to Discuss Impact of HIPAA on Research
Update article about HIPAA and research at UAMS
- Human Research Q and A Forum June 27
A UAMS Update article about the human research forum
- Emailed Version of UAMS Notice of Privacy Practices
UAMS Notice of Privacy Practices
- Free UAF Symposium Aug. 14-15 on Evolution of Human Diet
A UAMS Update article about a diet symposium at UAF
- Tom Butler is Arkansas Administrator of the Year
Tom Butler of UAMS Is Arkansas Administrator of the Year
- Join the Prostate Cancer Race Walk. Click Here for Registration Form.*
Join the Prostate Cancer Race Walk. Click Here for Registration Form.
- Join the Prostate Cancer Race Walk. Click Here for Registration Form.*
Join the Prostate Cancer Race Walk. Click Here for Registration Form.
- Defense Department Funds Possible Therapeutic Vaccine for Ovarian Cancer at UAMS
Defense Department Funds Possible Therapeutic Vaccine for Ovarian Cancer at UAMS
- Defense Department Funds Possible Therapeutic Vaccine for Ovarian Cancer at UAMS
Defense Department Funds Possible Therapeutic Vaccine for Ovarian Cancer at UAMS
- Join UAMS/ACRC Team in Race for the Cure®!
Join UAMS/ACRC Team in Race for the Cure!
- Join UAMS/ACRC Team in Race for the Cure®!
Join UAMS/ACRC Team in Race for the Cure!
- UAMS Scientist Receives $272,000 Grant for Tailoring Cancer Treatments with Laser Test
UAMS Scientist Receives $272,000 Grant for Tailoring Cancer Treatments with Laser Test
- UAMS Scientist Receives $272,000 Grant for Tailoring Cancer Treatments with Laser Test
UAMS Scientist Receives $272,000 Grant for Tailoring Cancer Treatments with Laser Test
- Photo Album: Stephens Institute Was a Highlight of Medicine Alumni Reunion
Photo Album: Stephens Institute Was a Highlight of Medicine Alumni Reunion
- Kids First in Fort Smith Celebrated Fourth in Style
Kids First in Fort Smith Celebrated Fourth in Style
- Class of 1948 Dedicates Endowment to Excellence in Education
Class of 1948 Dedicates Endowment to Excellence in Education
- Pharmacy Professor Elected to American College of Clinical Pharmacy
Pharmacy Professor Elected to American College of Clinical Pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical Scientists, Graduate Students Meet at UAMS
Pharmaceutical Scientists, Graduate Students Meet at UAMS
- Stephanie Gardner, Pharm.D., Ed.D., Is Interim Dean of College of Pharmacy
Stephanie Gardner, Pharm.D., Ed.D., Is Interim Dean of College of Pharmacy
- New COPH Survey Research Expert Eager to Develop New Ways of Measuring Public Health
New COPH Survey Research Expert Eager to Develop New Ways of Measuring Public Health
- Ready, Set, Go! UAMS, KATV Launch Get Healthy Arkansas™
UAMS, KATV Launch Get Healthy Arkansas™
- New Director of Cardiovascular Medicine Envisions Excellent Patient Care and Training Initiatives
New Chairman J.L. Mehta presents his vision for Division of Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine Department Has New Chair
Barry E. Brenner is new chair of Department of Emergency Medicine, UAMS College of Medicine
- Emergency Medicine Department Has New Chair
Barry E. Brenner is new chair of Department of Emergency Medicine, UAMS College of Medicine
- Emergency Medicine Department Has New Chair
Barry E. Brenner is new chair of Department of Emergency Medicine, UAMS College of Medicine
- PARADE Reports Research on Warts by UAMS Dermatologists
PARADE magazine reports on research leading to a cure for warts by UAMS dematologists; article creates many e-mails anbd phone calls
- PARADE Reports Research on Warts by UAMS Dermatologists
PARADE magazine reports on research leading to a cure for warts by UAMS dematologists; article creates many e-mails anbd phone calls
- PARADE Reports Research on Warts by UAMS Dermatologists
PARADE magazine reports on research leading to a cure for warts by UAMS dematologists; article creates many e-mails anbd phone calls
- Physician Referrals Now Available Online
Physicians can arrange referrals to UAMS Medical Center in online environment
- Physician Referrals Now Available Online
Physicians can arrange referrals to UAMS Medical Center in online environment
- UAMS Welcomes New Physicians
New physicians join UAMS Medical Center
- UAMS Welcomes New Physicians
New physicians join UAMS Medical Center
- UAMS Welcomes New Physicians
New physicians join UAMS Medical Center
- "Annals of Surgery" Reports UAMS Breast Biopsy Technique
ANNALS OF SURGERY reports new technique developed at UAMS Medical Center for breast cancer biopsy
- "Annals of Surgery" Reports UAMS Breast Biopsy Technique
ANNALS OF SURGERY reports new technique developed at UAMS Medical Center for breast cancer biopsy
- "Annals of Surgery" Reports UAMS Breast Biopsy Technique
ANNALS OF SURGERY reports new technique developed at UAMS Medical Center for breast cancer biopsy
- Cancer Care at ACRC of UAMS Ranked High by U.S. News & World Report
Cancer Care at UAMS ranked high with USN&WR
- Cancer Care at ACRC of UAMS Ranked High by U.S. News & World Report
Cancer Care at UAMS ranked high with USN&WR
- Cancer Care at ACRC of UAMS Ranked High by U.S. News & World Report
Cancer Care at UAMS ranked high with USN&WR
- Mohs Surgery is Highly Effective Treatment for Skin Cancer
Mohs Surgery is Highly Effective Treatment for Skin Cancer
- UAMS Promises Cancer Treatment with Loving Care, Devotion
UAMS physicians and leaders stress patient care with caring and compassion
- UAMS Promises Cancer Treatment with Loving Care, Devotion
UAMS physicians and leaders stress patient care with caring and compassion
- UAMS Promises Cancer Treatment with Loving Care, Devotion
UAMS physicians and leaders stress patient care with caring and compassion
- Heart Health Care at University Hospital Among Top Four in Nationwide Survey
UAMS Medical Center heart health care ranked among top four in survey by University HealthSystem Consortium.
- Heart Health Care at University Hospital Among Top Four in Nationwide Survey
UAMS Medical Center heart health care ranked among top four in survey by University HealthSystem Consortium.
- Psychiatric Care at UAMS To Expand (audio)
New chairman of psychiatry at UAMS envisions comprehensive outpatient services and perhaps an inpatient facility for Arkansans with psychiatric illnesses.
- Psychiatric Care at UAMS To Expand (audio)
New chairman of psychiatry at UAMS envisions comprehensive outpatient services and perhaps an inpatient facility for Arkansans with psychiatric illnesses.
- G. Richard Smith, M.D., Is New Chair of Psychiatry
Smith appointed chair of Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
- G. Richard Smith, M.D., Is New Chair of Psychiatry
Smith appointed chair of Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
- G. Richard Smith, M.D., Is New Chair of Psychiatry
Smith appointed chair of Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
- G. Richard Smith, M.D., Is New Chair of Psychiatry
Smith appointed chair of Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
- UAMS Welcomes Seven New Faculty
Seven new faculty members recently joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).
- UAMS Welcomes Seven New Faculty
Seven new faculty members recently joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).
- University Hospital Is Ready in an Emergency
University Hospital at UAMS is ready for large disasters or emergencies when they occur.
- University Hospital Is Ready in an Emergency
University Hospital at UAMS is ready for large disasters or emergencies when they occur.
- University Hospital Is Ready in an Emergency
University Hospital at UAMS is ready for large disasters or emergencies when they occur.
- Where Medicine Lives and Babies are Born
Where Medicine Lives and Babies are Born - Katrina R. Davis, M.D.
- One-of-a-Kind Program Cares for High-Risk Pregnancies
The Arkansas High-Risk Pregnancy Program at UAMS Medical Center is the only one of its kind in the state.
- One-of-a-Kind Program Cares for High-Risk Pregnancies
The Arkansas High-Risk Pregnancy Program at UAMS Medical Center is the only one of its kind in the state.
- One-of-a-Kind Program Cares for High-Risk Pregnancies
The Arkansas High-Risk Pregnancy Program at UAMS Medical Center is the only one of its kind in the state.
- Redbook Recognizes UAMS Breast Cancer Specialists
Two breast cancer specialists at Arkansas Cancer Research Center at UAMS recently appeared in a list of “Top Breast Doctors in America” in the October issue of the popular women’s magazine, Redbook.
- Redbook Recognizes UAMS Breast Cancer Specialists
Two breast cancer specialists at Arkansas Cancer Research Center at UAMS recently appeared in a list of “Top Breast Doctors in America” in the October issue of the popular women’s magazine, Redbook.
- Redbook Recognizes UAMS Breast Cancer Specialists
Two breast cancer specialists at Arkansas Cancer Research Center at UAMS recently appeared in a list of “Top Breast Doctors in America” in the October issue of the popular women’s magazine, Redbook.
- Alzheimer’s Disease Center Opens at UAMS
UAMS has established an Alzheimer’s Disease Center to focus research and education on this debilitating form of dementia.
- Alzheimer’s Disease Center Opens at UAMS
UAMS has established an Alzheimer’s Disease Center to focus research and education on this debilitating form of dementia.
- 50 Years of People, Progress and Promise
In its 50-year history, the Department of Psychiatry within the UAMS College of Medicine has had three chairmen. William Reese, M.D., held the title from 1951-1985; Frederick Guggenheim, M.D., chaired from 1985-2000; and in 2001, UAMS College of Medicine alum G. Richard Smith, M.D., was appointed to lead the department.
- 50 Years of People, Progress and Promise
In its 50-year history, the Department of Psychiatry within the UAMS College of Medicine has had three chairmen. William Reese, M.D., held the title from 1951-1985; Frederick Guggenheim, M.D., chaired from 1985-2000; and in 2001, UAMS College of Medicine alum G. Richard Smith, M.D., was appointed to lead the department.
- 50 Years of People, Progress and Promise
In its 50-year history, the Department of Psychiatry within the UAMS College of Medicine has had three chairmen. William Reese, M.D., held the title from 1951-1985; Frederick Guggenheim, M.D., chaired from 1985-2000; and in 2001, UAMS College of Medicine alum G. Richard Smith, M.D., was appointed to lead the department.
- 50 Years of People, Progress and Promise
In its 50-year history, the Department of Psychiatry within the UAMS College of Medicine has had three chairmen. William Reese, M.D., held the title from 1951-1985; Frederick Guggenheim, M.D., chaired from 1985-2000; and in 2001, UAMS College of Medicine alum G. Richard Smith, M.D., was appointed to lead the department.
- 50 Years of People, Progress and Promise
In its 50-year history, the Department of Psychiatry within the UAMS College of Medicine has had three chairmen. William Reese, M.D., held the title from 1951-1985; Frederick Guggenheim, M.D., chaired from 1985-2000; and in 2001, UAMS College of Medicine alum G. Richard Smith, M.D., was appointed to lead the department.
- 50 Years of People, Progress and Promise
In its 50-year history, the Department of Psychiatry within the UAMS College of Medicine has had three chairmen. William Reese, M.D., held the title from 1951-1985; Frederick Guggenheim, M.D., chaired from 1985-2000; and in 2001, UAMS College of Medicine alum G. Richard Smith, M.D., was appointed to lead the department.
- Schmieding Center Plans Are Great News for Northwest Arkansas, UA
UAMS Chancellor I. Dodd Wilson, M.D., praised Springdale philanthropist Lawrence H. Schmieding for his vision and generosity in creating a center for geriatric care and health care education.
- Schmieding Center Plans Are Great News for Northwest Arkansas, UA
UAMS Chancellor I. Dodd Wilson, M.D., praised Springdale philanthropist Lawrence H. Schmieding for his vision and generosity in creating a center for geriatric care and health care education.
- Schmieding Center Plans Are Great News for Northwest Arkansas, UA
UAMS Chancellor I. Dodd Wilson, M.D., praised Springdale philanthropist Lawrence H. Schmieding for his vision and generosity in creating a center for geriatric care and health care education.
- Don’t Let Bladder Control Problems Control You.
Don’t Let Bladder Control Problems Control You.
- A Guide for Understanding TomoTherapy®
A Guide for Understanding TomoTherapy
- I AM...Powerful, Innovative TeamTreatmentTM of Cancer
I AM...Powerful, Innovative TeamTreatment of Cancer
- Childbirth Doesn't Have to Mean Incontinence and Pelvic Disorders
Childbirth Doesn't Have to Mean Incontinence and Pelvic Disorders
- Cancer Can Be Cured
Cancer Can Be Cured
- Leading a Comprehensive Cancer Team
Leading a Comprehensive Cancer Team
- Couples Have Many Options to Address Infertility Problems
Couples have many options to address infertility problems
- Orthopaedic Excellence
Orthopaedic Excellence
- Is There a Way to Prevent Growing Senile?
Is There a Way to Prevent Going Senile?
- Where Medicine Lives and Babies are Born.
Where Medicine Lives and Babies are Born - Wendell
- Where Medicine Lives and Babies are Born.
Where Medicine Lives and Babies are Born - Dr. Kay
- Where Medicine Lives and Babies are Born.
Where Medicine Lives and Babies are Born - Lowery
- Low Carbohydrate Diets May Not Help Your New Year's Resolution
Low
- High-Risk Pregnancies are High Priority for Maternal-fetal Medicine at UAMS
Through a statewide network using the latest technology and the only board-certified high-risk pregnancy doctors in Arkansas, UAMS is giving women with high-risk pregnancies the extra attention they need and deserve. Maternal-fetal medicine is a subspecialty of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the UAMS College of Medicine. Because UAMS is the state’s only comprehensive academic health center, moms-to-be are surrounded by some of the best clinicians, researchers and technicians in Arkansas. The clinical program also collaborates with Arkansas Children’s Hospital, an affiliate hospital where the UAMS Department of Pediatrics faculty is housed and is on staff. The program deals with higher risk of complications, due to the mother’s age, medical conditions or history. The MFM team works closely with genetic counselors in the Arkansas Genetics Program to screen for genetic disorders or hereditary risks, such as spina bifida or Down’s syndrome.
- Osteoporosis is Not Just a Woman’s Problem
Osteoporosis is not just a woman’s problem
- UAMS is First in State to Offer Advanced Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
UAMS is First in State to Offer Advanced Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
- Melanoma Monday Stresses Awareness, Early Detection and Prevention of Skin Cancer
Just in time for swimsuit weather, Melanoma Monday and National Skin Examination Day (May 2) reminds Americans to enjoy the sunshine – with limitations.
- Jason's Deli to Donate 10 Percent of Sales to the College of Nursing Student Nurses
Jason's Deli to Donate 10 Percent of Sales to the College of Nursing Student Nurses
- Cancer Institute Gift Shop to Hold 20 Percent Off Sale
Cancer Institute Gift Shop to Hold 20 Percent Off Sale
- Cancer Institute Gift Shop to Hold 20 Percent Off Sale
Cancer Institute Gift Shop to Hold 20 Percent Off Sale
- SAP and ESS Portal Upgrade
SAP and ESS Portal Upgrade
- Overcoming Adversity All Worth It, Says UAMS Researcher
Nov. 9, 2009 | A summer research internship hooked Lee Ann MacMillan-Crow, Ph.D., on science. Even almost failing a neuroscience course her first semester of graduate school did not deter her.
- College of Nursing Faculty, Students Host Bake Sale
College of Nursing Faculty, Students Host Bake Sale
- College of Nursing Faculty, Students Host Bake Sale
College of Nursing Faculty, Students Host Bake Sale
- Additional Employee and Student Parking -- No Waiting List
Additional Employee and Student Parking -- No Waiting List
- Additional Employee and Student Parking -- No Waiting List
Additional Employee and Student Parking -- No Waiting List
- Collier Drug Stores donates $50,000 to UAMS-Northwest
Nov. 12, 2009 | A fourth-generation family drug store chain with roots in Fayetteville has donated $50,000 to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) – Northwest.
- UAMS Allied Health College Dean Receives ‘Legacy of Excellence’ Award
LITTLE ROCK – The Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions recently recognized Ronald Winters, Ph.D., dean of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) College of Health Related Professions, for his contributions to the field throughout his career.
- Have Your Baby at UAMS and Save up to $1,000
Have Your Baby at UAMS and Save up to $1,000
- Have Your Baby at UAMS and Save up to $1,000
Have Your Baby at UAMS and Save up to $1,000
- Documentum (ApplicationXtender Desktop and Application Web Access) Upgrade
Documentum (ApplicationXtender Desktop and Application Web Access) Upgrade
- Visiting Professor to Give Lecture on Complex Regional Pain Syndrome on Nov. 19
Visiting Professor to Give Lecture on Complex Regional Pain Syndrome on Nov. 19
- Visiting Professor to Give Lecture on Complex Regional Pain Syndrome on Nov. 19
Visiting Professor to Give Lecture on Complex Regional Pain Syndrome on Nov. 19
- November 24, Science Café – ‘Obesity: Young & Old’
November 24, Science Café – ‘Obesity: Young & Old’
- November 24, Science Café – ‘Obesity: Young & Old’
November 24, Science Café – ‘Obesity: Young & Old’
- Sunrise Downtime
Sunrise Downtime
- UAMS Grad Becomes First Clinical Pharmacy Resident at WRMC
Erin Beth Davis Hays returned to Batesville and White River Medical Center to become the first clinical pharmacy resident at the hospital. The residency program, only the fifth in Arkansas, is a joint effort between WRMC, the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy and the North Central Arkansas Area Health Education Center.
- Annual Tree Lights Program Benefits UAMS Auxiliary
Annual Tree Lights Program Benefits UAMS Auxiliary
- Annual Tree Lights Program Benefits UAMS Auxiliary
Annual Tree Lights Program Benefits UAMS Auxiliary
- UAMS Chat System Server Upgrade
UAMS Chat System Server Upgrade
- Honor a Loved One with a Miracle Star at the Cancer Institute this Holiday Season
Honor a Loved One with a Miracle Star at the Cancer Institute this Holiday Season
- Honor a Loved One with a Miracle Star at the Cancer Institute this Holiday Season
Honor a Loved One with a Miracle Star at the Cancer Institute this Holiday Season
- UAMS Bookstore Offers No Waiting for Specialty Coffees and Homemade Fudge
UAMS Bookstore Offers No Waiting for Specialty Coffees and Homemade Fudge
- UAMS Bookstore Offers No Waiting for Specialty Coffees and Homemade Fudge
UAMS Bookstore Offers No Waiting for Specialty Coffees and Homemade Fudge
- Continuing Medical Education Newsletter
Continuing Medical Education Newsletter
- Continuing Medical Education Newsletter
Continuing Medical Education Newsletter
- Logician EMR to Undergo Emergency Maintenance
Logician EMR to Undergo Emergency Maintenance
- Educational Technology Excellence Award Announced
Educational Technology Excellence Award Announced
- Educational Technology Excellence Award Announced
Educational Technology Excellence Award Announced
- Local Church Invites UAMS Employees, Students to Thanksgiving Dinner
Local Church Invites UAMS Employees, Students to Thanksgiving Dinner
- Local Church Invites UAMS Employees, Students to Thanksgiving Dinner
Local Church Invites UAMS Employees, Students to Thanksgiving Dinner
- Campus Wireless Network Downtime
Campus Wireless Network Downtime
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OCT. 18, 2001 | The Epilepsy Clinic at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Medical Center is a comprehensive program for diagnosing and treating epilepsy. Its clinical staff includes Naim I. Haddad, M.D., and Bashir S. Shihabuddin, M.D., neurologists who have undergone specialized medical training to deal with epilepsy.
“Normal brain function involves millions of tiny electrical charges passing between nerve cells in the brain and to all parts of the body,” Dr. Haddad explains. “In people with epilepsy, this normal pattern is periodically interrupted by sudden and very intense bursts of electrical energy – causing seizures that temporarily affect awareness, movement and/or sensation. About 10 percent of the U.S. population will have one seizure at some point in their lifetime, but that doesn’t mean they have epilepsy. When seizures continue to occur, it’s diagnosed as epilepsy.” |
 Registered E.E.G. technician Dawn Johnson prepares a patient for an electroencephalogram. This test is an important component in diagnosing epilepsy. (Johnpaul Jones, UAMS Media Services)
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 UAMS Medical Center Epilepsy Clinic 501-686-8000 1-800-942-8267
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See more information from Dr. Haddad at Today's KTHV-11.
Known causes for seizures are head trauma; serious infection, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord); brain tumors; stroke; Alzheimer’s disease; lead poisoning; genetic/congenital problems with brain development before birth; and many other conditions. However, in seven out of 10 seizure cases, the cause is unknown.
The two primary categories of seizures are generalized and partial. Generalized, or grand mal, seizures occur when the electrical disturbance sweeps through the entire brain at once and causes loss of consciousness, falls and convulsions. In partial seizures – the most common form of seizure in adults – the electrical disturbance hits only one part of the brain, thereby affecting only the physical and mental activities that area controls. Partial seizures are classified as either simple or complex.
“When having a simple partial seizure, the person remains awake, aware and able to talk normally to others, but he experiences changes in movement, emotions and sensations,” Dr. Shihabuddin explains. “The person’s hand or foot might start shaking, then the shaking spreads to his arm, leg or one entire side of his body. He may have sudden feelings of fear or anger. He might hear imaginary voices or unusual buzzing or ringing sounds, experience strange and unpleasant tastes and smells, or have distorted vision. Nausea and other abdominal discomfort, sweating, flushing and paleness may also occur. After the seizure, the person can usually remember exactly what happened.
“During a complex partial seizure, the person loses control of his speech and actions. The seizure starts with a blank stare and loss of contact with surroundings. Frequently, the person then mumbles and chews, picks at his clothing and performs simple, unorganized movements repeatedly. In severe cases, he tries to undress or becomes agitated and starts screaming and flailing his arms and legs. After the seizure, he’s confused and can’t remember what happened.”
Other types of seizures include absence (or petit mal) seizures and atonic seizures (drop attacks), which are most commonly seen in children, and myoclonic seizures (including infantile spasms).
At the UAMS Medical Center Epilepsy Clinic, seizure diagnosis begins with obtaining a detailed medical history of the patient. Blood tests are usually performed also to determine if the patient’s liver, kidneys and blood cells are functioning normally and if there are any infections, vitamin deficiencies or exposure to poisons. If infection or bleeding in the brain is suspected, a spinal tap is done to analyze fluid from the spinal canal. Diagnosis also includes electroencephalography (EEG), video monitoring and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
“We perform an EEG to confirm the diagnosis and to classify the epilepsy,” Dr. Haddad says. “This painless outpatient procedure translates the brain’s electrical activity into a series of wavy lines. The abnormal patterns on the patient’s EEG not only show us the part of the brain where the seizures start, but also may suggest the best medicine for treating the seizures. Oftentimes, we hook the patient up to the EEG equipment for an extended time period and video-monitor him, so we can view the tape and correlate the changes in his brain waves with the clinical symptoms he experiences during a seizure. Another important diagnostic tool we use is brain imaging – usually MRI – to look for brain tumors, blood clots, malformations and scar tissue that might be producing seizures.”
More than a dozen seizure-preventing medications are available. Physicians may prescribe them individually or in combination for best effect. If medicines are unsuccessful, surgery is an option for some patients. Surgery involves either interrupting the spread of electrical energy in the brain or removing a small portion of the brain where seizures always begin. For patients who have partial seizures that resist control by other methods, there is vagus nerve stimulation. This therapy prevents seizures by implanting a small battery in the chest wall and programming the battery to send tiny pulses of electrical energy to the brain every few minutes via the vagus nerve in the neck.
Links on This Page
Free seminar: http://www.uams.edu/today/101101/epilepsy.htm Medical Center: http://www.uams.edu/medcenter/ Today's KTHV-11: http://www.kthv.com/askthedoctor/default.asp
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