MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich.—McLaren Macomb, the 288-bed acute care facility serving all of Macomb County, has expanded its treatment of neurological conditions to include epilepsy and seizures through its Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU), part of the McLaren Macomb Neurosciences Institute. The EMU has the capability to record continuous video electroencephalogram (EEG), thereby monitoring the electrical activity of the patient’s brain in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best treatment options for their epileptic seizures.
Dr. Nikesh Ardeshna Directing treatment in the EMU will be board certified epileptologist (a neurologist who specializes in the treatment of seizures) Dr. Nikesh Ardeshna, one of approximately 250 specialists of his kind in the country.
“No two individuals with epilepsy or seizures are exactly the same – each requires an individualized approach to treatment,” Dr. Ardeshna said. “But there will always be the same goal for each patient – to have no seizures with no side effects and maintain quality of life. We want to achieve this goal as soon as possible in order to prevent the long-term consequences seen with epilepsy."
There are approximately 2 million diagnosed epileptic individuals in the United States (and more than 200,000 new cases each year). One in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. Recurrent unprovoked seizures, epilepsy, which is caused by an electrical disturbance in the brain, can take many forms and begin at any age regardless of family history.
Equipped to monitor patients 24/7 over multiple nights with EEG, video and audio, Dr. Ardeshna and the specially trained EMU staff will be able to determine where in the brain the seizure originates, what might trigger it and how it manifests. This will allow Dr. Ardeshna to determine which course of treatment will best benefit the patient. This may include medications or other procedures.
“Epilepsy requires a clinical diagnosis, which we can confirm in the EMU,” Dr. Ardeshna said. “If needed, we can induce a seizure in this hospital setting. All of this will allow us to create and optimize a treatment plan and benefit the patient with an increased quality of life.”
McLaren Macomb’s new epilepsy services also includes critical care ICU EEG monitoring and an outpatient clinic in which Dr. Ardeshna can consult and follow up with his patients.
For more information on the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit and epilepsy services at McLaren Macomb, visit mclaren.org/macombepilepsy or call (586) 493-3297.
About McLaren Macomb:
In January 2012, Mount Clemens Regional Medical Center became McLaren Macomb.
McLaren Macomb is a 288-bed acute care hospital located in Mount Clemens, Mich. More than 400 physicians and nearly 2,000 employees work at McLaren Macomb making it one of Macomb County’s top employers. McLaren Macomb provides a full range of services, including cancer and cardiovascular care. As Macomb County’s first verified trauma center, the hospital operates the busiest emergency department in Macomb County and is also an accredited chest pain center. McLaren Macomb has a rich history of providing high quality, compassionate health care and holds a strong position in the community it serves. To learn more, visit mclaren.org/macomb or subscribe to our blog mclaren.org/macombblog.