EEG / EPILEPSY | Neurology

Our Epilepsy Center is accredited at the highest level, a level 4 Epilepsy Center.  We are the only level 4 center in the Tri-State area. 

   

The diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy is a major interest of the LSU Health Shreveport Neurology department. A specialty clinic designed to meet the needs of patients with epilepsy meets once a week. This clinic is especially suited for management of the patient with seizures that are not fully controlled. While medical management of epilepsy and seizures is the rule for most patients, other treatments such as surgery, vagus nerve stimulation and special diets may have to be considered. Our epilepsy monitoring unit is helpful in identifying persons who may respond to surgical intervention. Long-term video and electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring in our epilepsy monitoring unit is essential in the initial evaluation of those with intractable epilepsy. Monitoring is also helpful in identifying patients whose clinical symptoms may not be related to epilepsy.

 

EDUCATION

Our neurology residents must be able to diagnose and care for patients with epilepsy, including those with complications and diagnostic uncertainties. Instruction in the interpretation of EEG recordings and various epileptic syndromes helps in the management of seizure disorders.

The resident is expected to understand the epidemiology, genetics, classification, prognosis and treatment of epilepsy. The trainee is expected to manage conditions such as convulsive and non-convulsive status epilepticus and refractory epilepsy. Further instruction in the pharmacology of various anti-epileptic drugs will enable the resident to choose medications that are appropriate for the type of seizure that an individual patient has. Our hospital has excellent neuro-imaging facilities, including computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission imaging (PET) and single photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT). Our clinical neurophysiology laboratories offer routine EEG as well as long-term video/EEG monitoring.

We also emphasize consideration of the quality of life in the epileptic patient. Problems such as employment, educational opportunities, driving, gender issues and medication side-effects must all be considered in successful management of patients with epilepsy.

The neurology epilepsy academic program has been built-up over last two decades. It has unconditionally supported the epilepsy care in this region assisted by local healthcare systems. Along with neurosurgeons Dr. Sun and Dr. Notarianni, the epilepsy surgery program has been certified as level IV center (NAEC), the highest level of epilepsy care nationwide.

Learn more about our Neurology Residency Program

 

CONTACT US

Pediatric Epilepsy Patient Referral
Please ask your Primary Care Physician or primary neurologist to call 318-675-8182 or Fax request to 318-675-7805.

Adult Epilepsy Patient Referral

• Referral to Ochsner: please ask Primary Care Physician or primary neurologist to
  PHONE: 318-675-4613 
  FAX: 318-675-6382.
• Referral to Tri-State Neurosurgery: (Dr. Wilden's office, part of Willis-Knighton Physician Network), please ask PCP or primary neurologist to call 318-675-8176 or Fax request to 318-675-8186. For general questions, please call 318-675-2482, the neurology clinic.

LSU Health Shreveport Neurophysiology Division
Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
The department offers routine EEG testing and long-term video monitoring on patients of all ages.
PHONE: Alena Stevens, R.EEG.T. at 318-626-1833 
FAX: 318-626-3485.