Epilepsy Education & Research Program
"Improving the quality of patient care & health outcomes through research & education."
The primary goal of the Epilepsy Program is to demystify epilepsy by teaching patients and their family members and friends about this neurological disorder. Staff provides information about what it means to have epilepsy, medical testing and diagnosis, seizure recognition and first aid, medications and side effects, practical tips on reducing the frequency of seizures, and pregnancy and epilepsy. This free service, provided since 1988, is funded by the Bob and Vivian Smith Foundation. The Epilepsy Program responds to approximately 50 phone calls and patient visits each month as well as handling special needs such as referrals to seizure surgery and medication assistance programs.
The second goal of this program is to develop and conduct research to improve the clinical management of epilepsy. Study topics to date include drug clinical trials, the cost of epilepsy in the U.S., seizure incidence, seizure-related depression, antiepileptic drug allergies, and seizures in the elderly. The program collaborates with St. Lukeís Episcopal Hospital, Texas Childrenís Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, The University of Texas School of Public Health, and the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN).
