VNS Therapy stimulates the Vagus Nerve to help lessen the chance of seizure.
Epilepsy is a disorder involving repeated seizures, or episodes of disturbed brain function that cause changes in attention and/or behavior. Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical excitation in the brain. Seizures can be related to a temporary condition such as exposure to drugs, withdrawal from certain drugs or abnormal levels of sodium or glucose in the blood. In these cases repeated seizures may be prevented when the underlying problems are corrected.
The Epilepsy Program at NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) provides advanced knowledge and treatment options in an academic medical center setting. We work to develop a tailored treatment plan for every patient, and offer the latest approaches including epilepsy clinical trials.
Most importantly, our patients and their loved ones are attended by a cohesive team of experts from a variety of disciplines, which combine their best knowledge to provide comprehensive care. We aim to provide superior access, service, and care coordination through integration and collaboration.
Comprehensive Clinical Care
Epilepsy is a complex disease that affects each patient differently. Some patients may respond well to the first anti-epileptic medication they’re ever prescribed, while some may require more complex medical management or additional intervention such as surgery.
At NorthShore Neurological Institute, we’ve designed an Epilepsy Program to assess each patient’s needs and develop the best possible treatment plan. We offer access to a comprehensive set of services for patients, including:
- Specially trained epilepsy staff
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring
- Surgery
- Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
- Patient and community education
- Clinical research
- Care coordination through our award-winning Electronic Medical Record system
Your Care Team
NorthShore Neurological Institute takes a multidisciplinary approach to treating epilepsy. Our integrated team puts patients and families at the center of a complete and compassionate healthcare plan. We collaborate with each other personally and through one of the most advanced electronic medical records systems in the country to ensure a seamless patient experience.
Your Epilepsy Program care team may include:
- Staff epileptologist
- Neurosurgeon
- Nurse specialist
- Neuropsychologist
- Interventional neuroradiologist
- Neurophysiologist
- Technologist
EEG Monitoring Services
EEG monitoring has proven to be a crucial analytical tool for epilepsy management. NorthShore utilizes four functions of EEG monitoring:
Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU): The EMU is a specialized, state-of-the-art inpatient unit designed to characterize epileptic patterns and localize seizures to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Patients discontinue their anti-epileptic medication and are monitored day and night in an attempt to record seizures. The Command Center is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week by EEG techs. The length of stay typically ranges from five to seven days.
Intracranial Electrocorticographic Monitoring (ECoG): During ECoG, electrodes are placed directly on the exposed surface of the brain to record electrical activity and localize epileptogenic zones. This is typically used for pre-surgical planning in patients whose seizures could not be localized by EEG.
ICU monitoring: Patients are monitored at the bedside with continuous EEG in the ICU. The study lasts from 24 hours to a few days, and is done in patients who have unexplained altered mental status and in whom clinically undetected seizures need to be ruled out.
Ambulatory EEG monitoring: Patients are monitored up to 72 hours at home with a special recorder. Ambulatory EEGs are used to see longer recordings during prolonged periods of awake and asleep to diagnose epilepsy and determine what type of seizures are occurring.
Surgical Treatment
NorthShore offers several innovative surgical alternatives for patients whose seizures cannot be controlled by medications. Advances in surgical techniques have reduced the amount of time some patients have to live with uncontrolled seizures before considering surgery. Our multidisciplinary team will coordinate preparation and care to strive for the best possible outcomes for you and your family.
Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
NorthShore’s physicians are experts in Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS). VNS is a unique treatment that is delivered through an implanted device similar to a pacemaker that gives periodic stimulation to the brain that helps prevent or interrupt seizures. The device is implanted through a minimally invasive procedure and does not involve brain surgery.
NorthShore’s VNS program includes comprehensive care management, including support from a dedicated nurse coordinator.
Patient and Community Support
NorthShore collaborates with Epilepsy Foundation of America and provides a support group meeting as well as patient educational programs. For more information, please contact the Nurse Specialist for the Epilepsy Program at 847.570.2574.
Clinical Research
Research is an integral part of the NorthShore Epilepsy program and includes methods to predict and modify outcomes in Epilepsy; pharmacogenomics and mechanisms of drug resistance; alternate treatments; and various drug trials. View a full list of all available neurological clinical trials.
For More Information
Please call 877.570.7020 for more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.