Case for support epilepsy

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CASE FOR SUPPORT: EPILEPSY CENTER

EPILEPSY CENTER

Epilepsy is a condition caused by abnormal electrical impulses within the brain, more commonly known as seizures. Having seizures and epilepsy affects one’s safety, relationships, work, driving, and more. How epilepsy is perceived or how people are treated (stigma) is often a bigger problem than the seizures. Epilepsy is common and often not recognized, diagnosed, or properly treated.

There is a great need for epilepsy specialty care, as once properly diagnosed, simple approaches can have the biggest impact on individuals and populations.

It is estimated that more than 11,000 individuals in western North Carolina have epilepsy.

At Mission Neuroscience, we have specialists dedicated to comprehensive treatment of epileptic patients. A variety of treatment options are available and provided on an outpatient basis. Options for surgical intervention are also available as needed.

To meet the increasing needs of patients throughout western North Carolina, there is a necessity for the creation of a comprehensive epilepsy program. To fulfill this need, Mission Health will create the Epilepsy Center. A regional center of excellence, the Epilepsy Center will increase outpatient access, provide education for patients and providers, and offer additional treatment options for medically refractory patients.

EPILEPSY CENTER

The current epilepsy program at Mission Health consists of epileptologists, EEG technologists, and a four-bed Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. Mission is the only hospital in all of western North Carolina that can provide EEG monitoring. Due to increasing need for our services, there is often a wait time of four to six weeks to schedule a new patient appointment. Support through this program will fund a five-year program aimed at expanding resources, education, equipment, the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, and regional satellite clinics, including the utilization of telemedicine to best serve patients throughout our region.

Increased education in the region will provide physicians and patients with the tools they need to better manage these conditions. For physicians, it is important to understand seizures and learn to identify epilepsy for referral purposes, as well as prevent recurrent Emergency Department visits for patients. Appropriate education for the patient and their family can also increase compliance and self-management, leading to a decrease in seizures and side effects.

Epilepsy places strain on patients and families due to a patient’s restrictions on driving. If the diagnosis is not made correctly, the expenses of emergency department visits and repeat physician visits may become a financial strain. With a comprehensive epilepsy program at Mission, we can provide high-quality care for patients in our own community rather than referring patients to bigger regional centers. The expanded program will also attract patients from outlying counties, thus increasing the volume of patients.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Funding to provide new equipment is needed to expand the current program as described, and create a regional center of excellence to serve over 11,000 individuals in need of specialty epilepsy care. This includes: • New reclining chairs for the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit: $8,000 each These specialty chairs will enhance the patient-family experience while in the hospital.Time spent in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit is highly stressful, as individuals are waiting for the patient to have a seizure. This is frightening for all, even in the controlled hospital setting.

• Additional EEG monitoring machines: $50,000 each Additional EEG machines are needed to meet the increasing need for services and provide timely care to patients.

• Ambulatory EEG machines: $15,000 each Ambulatory EEG machines are needed for patients that are not able to stay in the hospital for EEG monitoring due to factors such as family responsibilities at home or work.

“Creation of a comprehensive, regional Epilepsy Center is critical for improving the lives of patients and their families so they no longer have to suffer from this disease.”

– Dr. Suzette LaRoche