Epilepsy

The Illinois Neurological Institute Epilepsy Program was established in 1995 and provides service to patients in the surrounding 28 counties.  Epilepsy is a collection of different brain disorders that produces symptoms such as spontaneous seizures, sparked by a misfiring of neurons in the brain. Causes for seizures could be congenital (malformation of the brain), head trauma, stroke or brain infection.  Those who suffer epilepsy may have feelings of dizziness or de'ja'vu, or something like an out-of-body experience.

Treatment continues to evolve as does our understanding of epilepsy.  The EEG department performs both inpatient and outpatient EEG's, as well as, video EEG monitoring.  The video EEG monitoring makes it possible to observe brain waves and physical activity at the same time.  This allows the physician a better view of the source of the problem and how to best treat it.

Once testing is done, the epilepsy team prepares a treatment plan.  If the seizures are not controlled with medications, surgery may be an option.  Another form of treatment developed recently has been the vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) implant, which sends electrical current to the vagus nerve.

The Epilepsy Team believes that even one seizure is too many.  Our goal is to completely control seizures with no side effects from medication or surgery.  When complete control is not possible, we work to reduce the number and severity of seizures. Early and appropriate referral can improve quality of life.  Someone who may benefit from the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program is someone who has:

• Episodes of neurological impairment of unknown type, loss of consciousness, "funny spells"
• New onset seizures or uncontrolled seizures
• Possible noncompliance
• Inability to work or drive
• Seizures and considering pregnancy
• Stress from living with seizures

To schedule an appointment, call (309) 624-8750.  Appointments are by physician referral only.

For additional information:

E-mail us at ini@osfhealthcare.org.