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Epilepsy Center

At a Glance: Our Epilepsy Center

A worry we hear frequently from our epilepsy patients is feeling scared, or even trapped, as they anticipate their next seizure; not knowing the circumstances that will surround it. At the Barrow Epilepsy Center, we understand that the first step to alleviating these fears is finding concrete answers, starting with the root cause of you or your loved one’s epilepsy.

This is only the first step in creating a tailor-made treatment plan: at the core of our clinical Epilepsy Center is a collaborative team of epileptologists and an advanced epilepsy monitoring unit where our patients have access to advanced diagnostics and a swath of specialists—all on one campus. Together, we monitor seizures as they happen using specialized equipment, then create a custom treatment plan that can include epilepsy medication, surgical procedures, or a combination of both.

We realize the process of finding the optimal treatment for epilepsy can take longer than most patients would like. To stay the course, we commit to weekly meetings with every one of our epilepsy specialists make sure your treatment plan is being appropriately tracked and discussed. Here, you’ll rest assured you’re receiving the right treatment at the right time.

For more information about the Epilepsy Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, please call (602) 406-6262.

The Barrow Difference

The Epilepsy Center at Barrow Neurological Institute is an internationally recognized leader in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.

In fact, our Epilepsy Center has received accreditation as a Level 4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Center from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. This designation recognizes epilepsy centers with the professional expertise and facilities necessary to provide the highest level of medical and surgical evaluation, as well as treatment, for patients with complex epilepsy.

pediatrician using stethoscope on patient

Interconnected Expertise

Patients of our Epilepsy Center have access to a truly integrated team of specialists, including:

  • EEG/MEG Technologists
  • Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) Coordinator
  • Epilepsy Fellows
  • Medical Assistants
  • Neurologists (Epileptologists)
  • Neuropsychologists
  • Neuroradiologists
  • Neurosurgeons
  • Nurse Educators
  • Nurse Specialists
  • Nurse Practitioner
  • Social Worker

It’s not uncommon that those experiencing epilepsy often have another neurological disorder, such as brain tumor, traumatic brain injury, stroke, or Alzheimer’s disease. Consequently, we’re also home to specialists in those same neurological disorder subspecialities who can work closely with our epilepsy team when needed.

Full-Circle Diagnostics

Did you know that the type of seizure a person experiences depends on where the seizure begins in the brain? That’s why more than 30 different types of epileptic seizures have been identified thus far.

While a physical examination and medical history can indicate epilepsy, specialty diagnostic tests provide a more complete diagnosis. Diagnostic testing at our Epilepsy Center includes:

  • Computed tomography (CT)
  • Electroencephalography (EEG)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
  • Neuropsychological Examinations

We also have an epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU), where epilepsy specialists perform in-depth evaluations over an extended period of time. Here, our experts monitor brain wave patterns and physical activity of patients 24 hours a day using simultaneous EEG and audio/video recording. Next, they use the collective information for diagnosis, crafting a treatment plan, and coordinating care.

Nurse caring for senior woman in wheelchair

Part of a Next-Level Network

Our Epilepsy Center strives to be at the forefront of new diagnostic techniques, treatments, and surgical advancements. This is why we’re proud to be a part of the Epilepsy Learning Healthcare System, a robust network of hospitals, advocacy organizations, researchers, patients, and families. This large network aims to improve outcomes for people with epilepsy and their families through quality of life, better seizure control, and ultimately seizure freedom. 

What’s more, our Epilepsy Center is a member of the Critical Care EEG Monitoring Research Consortium; a collaborative research forum that promotes improvements and standardization of the clinical practice of critical care EEG monitoring.

To learn more about our Epilepsy Center, please give us a call at (602) 406-6262.

Portrait of Anna Costina in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

"I want to be the place where everyone clamors to be employed and all the patients travel from far and wide to get their neurodiagnostics needs met."

Anna Costina Manager, Barrow Electroneurodiagnostics

Location

Barrow Neurological Institute campus in 3D

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