MUSC Epilepsy Program Offers Team Approach to Awareness, Treatment

CHARLESTON -- There is no denying that epilepsy presents a significant health problem in the United States, as more than three million Americans have the condition. According to the Epilepsy Foundation of South Carolina, the 55,000 to 65,000 South Carolinians with this seizure disorder represent an above average incidence when compared to national averages.

Annually, health care costs related to epilepsy are estimated at $15.5 billion in the United States and approximately $220 million in South Carolina.

While a handful of epilepsy experts can be found in various parts of the state, access to specialized care can be difficult. The Medical University of South Carolinaís (MUSC) epilepsy treatment program is the only one in South Carolina recognized by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. The comprehensive program includes specialized nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, social workers, epileptologists, neuroradiologists, neurosurgeons; and ongoing research programs and clinical trials. In addition, the programís plan is to better coordinate care throughout the state with primary care and subspecialty care practitioners, as well as other agencies serving people with epilepsy and their families.

As the prevalence of epilepsy is expected to increase with the aging population and the return of head-injured veterans, the coordination of statewide epilepsy experts is imperative in order to provide the diverse and needed resources for people with epilepsy to enable them to maintain or regain the best possible quality of life and level of productivity.

Jonathan Edwards, M.D., associate professor of neurology and director of the MUSC Comprehensive Epilepsy Program, said that most patients with epilepsy have a treatable form of the condition, and some can even be cured. He emphasized how having such a wide range of services available at MUSC will assist in providing seamless care throughout the age spectrum of patients living with epilepsy.

"Our goal is to work hand-in-hand with physicians in the community and across the state to be a resource for patients to come to MUSC for tertiary issues like formal testing and treatment," he said.

Most people with epilepsy can live relatively normal and productive lives, provided they obtain adequate treatment for their epilepsy. Many medications and other therapies have been developed in recent years to drastically improve the health status of those with epilepsy, though a cure for epilepsy is not available at the current time. Treatments offered include antiepileptic medication, epilepsy surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, and the ketogenic diet for children.

Epilepsy affects people of all ages and races and presents significant issues to those with the condition. Challenges in employment, financial costs, transportation, social interaction, and education are often encountered by those with epilepsy. Compared to healthy persons or those with other chronic illnesses, patients with epilepsy are significantly higher users of health care resources. For more information about epilepsy, visit: www.epilepsyfoundation.org.

About MUSC

Founded in 1824 in Charleston, The Medical University of South Carolina is the oldest medical school in the South. Today, MUSC continues the tradition of excellence in education, research, and patient care. MUSC educates and trains more than 3,000 students and residents, and has nearly 10,000 employees, including 1,300 faculty members. As the largest non-federal employer in Charleston, the university and its affiliates have collective annual budgets in excess of $1.3 billion. MUSC operates a 600-bed medical center, which includes a nationally recognized Children's Hospital and a leading Institute of Psychiatry. For more information on academic information or clinical services, visit www.musc.edu or www.muschealth.com.

#####