Care for Epilepsy at University of Colorado Hospital
Why Choose Treatment for Epilepsy at University of Colorado Hospital?
Using advanced technology and the latest in treatment options, University of Colorado Hospital has an exceptional epilepsy program with:
- Four full-time epileptologists
- Two neurosurgeons with special expertise and considerable experience in epileptic surgery
- A team of neuropshychiatrists and neuropsychologists with a special interest in epilepsy
- A fourth-level designation from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers, the highest rating available
- Access to the latest in medication, with several clinical drug trials underway
- Use of the latest in technology for diagnosis and treatment, including magnetoencephalography, PET scanners and vagus nerve stimulation
- Support groups that give patients a caring environment in which to share their experiences living with epilepsy
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain. The brain sends out abnormal signals that result in seizures. The severity of seizures may be different in each person with epilepsy. Some seizures are severe and involve convulsions of the body while others alter consciousness but don’t involve bodily jerking and movement.
People with a family history of epilepsy are at an increased risk of 2.5 times of developing a seizure disorder. Other risk factors for epilepsy include head injuries, brain infections and stroke.
People who have epilepsy may find that seizures occur in a pattern with identifiable triggers. Some examples of common seizure triggers include:
- Sleep deprivation
- Stress
- Flashing bright lights
- Alcohol use
- Specific foods
- Certain medications
Epilepsy: Featured Doctors
Dr. Mark Spitz focuses on epilepsy in the elderly and physical injuries that occur from seizures.
Dr. Archana Shrestha is a board-certified neurologist whose clinical interests include women’s issues in epilepsy and the relationship between women’s hormones and epileptic seizures.
Dr. Laura Strom focuses on women’s issues in epilepsy and is on the Professional Advisory Board at the Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado.
Dr. Ken Winston has published numerous articles on epilepsy surgery and specializes in craniofacial disorders, pediatric brain tumors and epilepsy surgery, including the cosmetic aspects of surgery.
Dr. Lauren Frey specializes in the prediction of epilepsy after traumatic brain injury.
Dr. Jacquelyn Bainbridge, Doctor of Pharmacology is a member of the professional advisory board of the Epilepsy Foundation of America.
Dr. Steven Ojemann is a neurosurgeon specializing in epilepsy surgery.
Epilepsy Research
University of Colorado Hospital is engaged in several studies of experimental drugs that are likely to be approved by the Federal Drug Administration for treatment of epilepsy.
Technology and Epilepsy
The Epilepsy program at University of Colorado Hospital offers a full spectrum of care for epilepsy patients with access to the most advanced medical equipment and technology in the world, including:
Video electroencephalogram (EEG) – Monitoring the brain with the use of electrodes to diagnose patients with intermittent or infrequent disturbances
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) – Metabolic studies to locate areas of the brain that are not functioning normally
Magnetoencephalography (MEG) – A technique used to measure magnetic brain activity in the brain
Vagus Nerve Stimulation – A type of treatment in which electrical impulses are directed into the brain through the vagus nerve in the neck. The impulses are sent by an electrode that is surgically implanted