Epilepsy and seizure care

Neurologists at Ascension Saint Thomas deliver advanced care for seizures and epilepsy.

Epilepsy and seizure care in Nashville

Neurologists at Ascension Saint Thomas deliver advanced care for seizures and epilepsy.

Epilepsy care at Ascension Saint Thomas

At Ascension Saint Thomas in Nashville, our neurologists are experienced in diagnosing and managing epilepsy. Advanced imaging is used to diagnose seizures and epilepsy. Your neurologist works with a team of specialists from across the country to deliver advanced treatment options — bringing the best of our national network of care close to home.

When you choose Ascension Saint Thomas, you get doctors and care teams who listen to you. We start each appointment with a complete evaluation. Tell us your concerns and your history with seizures. Your doctor may recommend a series of tests to better understand your seizures, such as electroencephalogram (EEG), or blood tests. Then, we create a care plan that’s right for you. Our goal is to help reduce the number of seizures you have — and in some cases, prevent them.

Epilepsy monitoring unit for diagnosing seizures

Your neurologist may recommend a stay in our epilepsy monitoring unit (sometimes called the EMU) if you’re having new or unusual seizures, if you’re being evaluated for epilepsy surgery or if you’re starting or withdrawing from medication.

The EMUs at Ascension Saint Thomas West Hospital and Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital have private, comfortable suites with their own bathroom and a sleeper sofa for someone to stay with you overnight.

While you’re in the EMU, you’ll have electrodes that record your electrical brain activity attached to your head during your entire stay. Video and audio will also be recorded. Most people stay in the EMU for 3-5 days. You’ll be able to get up and move around the room, but are required to stay in the room during your entire stay so we can continuously monitor your brain activity.

How to prepare for your stay in the EMU:

Before you come in, shampoo your hair. Avoid applying any conditioner, gels, mousse or hair spray.
Bring loose fitting clothing to wear during the stay. Tops should be button down, not pull over.
You can bring extra clothing to change into and personal care items from home.
Bring all medications you’re currently taking.
If you use a CPAP or BiPAP, please bring your equipment from home.
Bring books to read or things to do. If there’s something that triggers an event, bring that as well.

Epilepsy treatment options

Depending on the type and cause of your seizures, your care plan may include medication, surgery or a combination of both.

Medication: Whenever possible, neurologists start with nonsurgical treatment options. Many people are able to manage seizures with anti-seizure or anti-epileptic medications. Your doctor works with you to find the right medication and dosage, adjust your medications as needed and help manage side effects.

Surgery: If medications aren’t effectively managing your seizures, your doctor may recommend surgery. Ascension Saint Thomas’ neurosurgeons use advanced robotic-assisted technology to target the source of seizures. Robotic surgery is more precise than traditional surgery and can lead to less pain and a shorter recovery.

Epilepsy often requires long-term management. Your care team provides follow-up care to help you manage your epilepsy and adjust treatment as needed throughout your life.

Providers: Refer a patient

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Referring your patients is simple and hassle-free. Send your patient’s medical records, and we'll take it from there — keeping you in the loop throughout the process while ensuring your patient gets the advanced care they need.

Franklin

Murfreesboro

Nashville/Hermitage