M edical F ocus Every second of life, brain cells are communicating with each other. The brain waves come in frequencies and create patterns that can be monitored by an electroencephalogram or EEG. There are three important scenarios in which the utilization of EEG can make a huge impact in the clinical outcome. A-Video EEG monitoring: Epileptic seizures are caused by sudden abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. Psychogenic or non-epileptic seizures are attacks that look like epileptic seizures, but are not caused by abnormal electrical discharges. They are stressrelated or emotional and usually occur in those who have been abused sexually, emotionally or physically. These spells, which may occur decades later, are called psychogenic non-epileptic seizures or PNES. “PNES are the most common condition misdiagnosed as epilepsy. In general, one in five patients sent to epilepsy centers for seizures actually have PNES. These spells resemble epilepsy with the blank stares, shaking or a full seizure – brought on by stress and repressed memories,” said Dr. M. Faisal Khan, Board Certified neurologist and fellowship trained in Neurophysiology (EEG)/ Sleep at Duke University. Triumph-Kindred Hospital-Sugar Land can offer Video EEG monitoring (the
Community Hospitals in Fort Bend Continue to Raise the Bar in Patient Care Impact of EEG on improving Health care gold standard to diagnose in mental status. The only PNES) to Fort Bend Counway to detect this is to do ty residents. extended EEG monitoring. B- Application of hy“This advanced technolpothermia along with ogy is being used to help EEG for cardiac arrest improve outcomes for critipatients: cally ill patients” Dr. Khan “When someone has said. a heart attack, the brain “These techniques procan convulse due to lack of vide additional patient blood. Even if CPR is adcare to help return them to ministered in time to save Randy Briones, director, Triumph- health,” said Randy BrioKindred Hospital-Sugar Land and the patient, the brain can Dr. M. Faisal Khan, Board Certified nes, director, Triumphbe affected to the extent neurologist, Triumph-Kindred Hospital- Kindred Hospital-Sugar the patient becomes brain Sugar Land. Land. dead even if their heart is revived,” Dr. Triumph-Kindred Hospital - Sugar Khan said. Land has changed the face of long term “Using an EEG, we can monitor brainacute care by bringing this technology to waves and with the proper application of Fort Bend County as they continue leadhypothermia techniques to cool the hot ing the way, as part of their campaign to brain down, so the person’s brain can be raise the bar in patient care. salvaged.” Dr. Khan said. Combining our Strengths C- Long –term EEG monitoring Kindred Healthcare and Triumph in Critically sick patients: Healthcare are pleased to announce that This is a very common scenario in ICU we are now working together to provide where patients are dealing with multiple aggressive, specialized, interdisciplinary organ dysfunctions (MODS). The brain is extended acute care hospital services in the most sensitive organ in our body. It is 118 locations in 21 states. With our comfirst to get affected and the last to recover. bined expertise we are in a better position The brain can be seizing in response to to serve the patients more effectively than MODS but the body is not which we call ever before as non-convulsive seizures and the preFor more information, contact Dr. M. sentation can be as subtle as alteration Faisal Khan, M.D., 281-494-6387. H
Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic Names Director of Clinical Research Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic is excited to announce Dr. Christina Hannah as the Director of Clinical Research for its newly established RBJC Department of Clinical Research and Education. The RBJC Department of Clinical Research and Education has been created to provide for a collaborative effort between the RBJC orthopedic team, encompassing orthopedic surgeons, pain medicine physicians as well as rheumatologists, athletic trainers, and rehabilitation therapists. This effort is geared towards improved treatments, delivery of services, and advancement of less invasive but more effec-
tive technology and medication. Research conducted by the Department will be disseminated to further educate medical professionals and the public through publications, presentations and continuing education programs. “The research branch was the next natural step for Richmond Bone & Joint Clinic which has historically gone beyond standard of care,” said Dr. Hannah. Dr. Hannah, who received her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, stated that “we are very excited about conducting clinical trials for lupus patients as well as a trial for ankle fort bend
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sprains and a disc injection trial for early lumbar back pain.” With additional training during her residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the University of Dr. Christina Texas Medical School, Hannah where she was Chief Resident, and fellowships in Anatomic Pathology and Molecular Genetic Pathology from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Hannah is uniquely qualified to lead the Center’s research efforts. The RBJC Center for Research and Education is based at the Sugar Land location but will access patients from all three locations. H