Comprehensive Epilepsy Care at Burjeel Medical City
Understanding Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures that affect approximately 50 million people worldwide. These seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and levels of consciousness. At Burjeel Medical City’s Epilepsy Clinic, we offer state-of-the-art diagnosis, treatment, and management for patients with all forms of epilepsy.
Our Comprehensive Approach
Our Epilepsy Clinic brings together a multidisciplinary team of specialists dedicated to providing personalized care for patients with epilepsy. We understand that epilepsy affects each person differently and can impact many aspects of daily life. Our comprehensive approach addresses not only the seizures themselves but also the psychological, social, and educational challenges that may accompany this condition.
Advanced Diagnostic Services
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective epilepsy management. Our clinic utilizes cutting-edge technology and diagnostic tools:
EEG Monitoring
- Routine Electroencephalography (EEG)
- Ambulatory EEG monitoring (24-48 hours)
- Video EEG monitoring (long-term)
- Sleep-deprived EEG studies
Advanced Neuroimaging
- High-resolution MRI with epilepsy protocol
- Functional MRI (fMRI)
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
- Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)
Neuropsychological Assessment
- Comprehensive cognitive evaluations
- Memory and language testing
- Psychological assessment for comorbid conditions
Genetic Testing
- Screening for genetic forms of epilepsy
- Pharmacogenetic testing to guide medication selection
Epilepsy Treatment Options
We offer a full spectrum of treatment options tailored to each patient’s specific type of epilepsy, lifestyle, and goals:
Medication Management
- Customized antiepileptic drug regimens
- Monitoring for medication efficacy and side effects
- Management of drug-resistant epilepsy
- Access to clinical trials for novel therapies
Dietary Therapies
- Ketogenic diet program
- Modified Atkins diet
- Low glycemic index treatment
- Nutritional counseling and support
Neurostimulation Therapies
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
- Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS)
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
Surgical Interventions
- Comprehensive pre-surgical evaluation
- Epilepsy resective surgery
- Laser interstitial thermal therapy
- Corpus callosotomy
- Functional hemispherectomy
Specialized Care Programs
Pediatric Epilepsy Program Our pediatric epilepsy specialists provide expert care for children with seizure disorders, from neonates to adolescents. We emphasize developmental monitoring, school performance support, and family-centered care approaches.
Women’s Epilepsy Program We address the unique challenges faced by women with epilepsy, including hormonal influences on seizures, contraception counseling, pre-conception planning, pregnancy management, and menopause-related issues.
Geriatric Epilepsy Care Our specialized approach for elderly patients considers age-related factors, medication interactions, and management of comorbid conditions common in older adults with epilepsy.
Refractory Epilepsy Clinic For patients whose seizures don’t respond to standard treatments, our refractory epilepsy specialists explore advanced options, including innovative therapies, clinical trials, and surgical evaluations.
First Seizure Clinic Prompt, comprehensive evaluation of first-time seizures to determine causes, risk of recurrence, and appropriate treatment plans.
Our Multidisciplinary Team
Our epilepsy center brings together experts from various disciplines:
- Epileptologists: Neurologists with specialized training in epilepsy
- Neurosurgeons: Specialized in epilepsy surgery
- Neuropsychologists: Evaluate cognitive function and psychological aspects
- Neuroradiologists: Experts in neuroimaging interpretation
- EEG Technologists: Specialized in epilepsy monitoring
- Epilepsy Nurse Specialists: Coordinate care and provide education
- Dietitians: Support dietary therapy implementation
- Social Workers: Address psychosocial aspects of living with epilepsy
- Psychiatric Consultants: Manage co-occurring mental health conditions
Patient Support Services
Patient Education
- Seizure recognition and first aid
- Medication management
- Lifestyle modifications for seizure control
- Safety precautions and risk reduction
Psychological Support
- Individual and family counseling
- Stress management techniques
- Support groups for patients and caregivers
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
Vocational and Educational Support
- School/workplace accommodations guidance
- Driving and transportation concerns
- Disability benefits navigation
- Vocational rehabilitation referrals
Emergency Care Planning
- Personalized seizure action plans
- Emergency medication protocols
- Caregiver training
- Medical alert systems
When to Seek Care at Our Epilepsy Clinic
Consider consulting our epilepsy specialists if you or a loved one:
- Have experienced a first seizure
- Have recurrent seizures despite medication
- Experience side effects from current epilepsy treatments
- Need pre-conception counseling with epilepsy
- Require surgical evaluation for refractory epilepsy
- Need a second opinion on diagnosis or treatment
- Have co-existing neurological or psychiatric conditions
