Patients with refractory epilepsy face a greater risk of accidents, injuries, cognitive issues, mood disorders, social difficulties and unemployment. Norton Neuroscience Institute offers a variety of treatments that can vastly improve quality of life for these patients, including surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, dietary therapy and experimental trials.

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, 3 million Americans are affected by epilepsy, and one in 26 will develop the disorder at some point. About 30 percent of people with epilepsy live with uncontrollable seizures for which no drug treatment is effective, yet many are not referred to a specialist. If a patient has been placed on regimens of two different seizure medications with no relief, it may be time to refer the patient to a neurologist or specialty epilepsy center for evaluation.

“My main hope is that patients who may have refractory epilepsy can be evaluated for the condition in a timely manner,” said Gabriel U. Martz, M.D., director of Norton Neuroscience Institute Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.

Dr. Martz said treatment plans are based on a patient’s age at the onset of seizures and clinical history, among other considerations.

The Comprehensive Epilepsy Center is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of physicians with subspecialty training in epilepsy neurology, epilepsy neurosurgery and epilepsy neuropsychology. The center is designated by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers as a Level 4 center, the highest level of distinction, making it a regional leader for diagnosis and treatment of this neurological disorder.

For more information, contact Kristen Brazel, practice manager, Norton Neurology Services – Brownsboro at kristen.brazel@nortonhealthcare.org. To refer a patient, call (502) 629-1234 or (888) 4-U-NORTON/(888) 486-6786.

Patients interested in learning more about treatments for refractory epilepsy should contact their physician.