EPILEPSY IN ADULTS
Epilepsy affects 1% of the general population and 3% of the elderly. Patients with epilepsy face great challenges: limited driving privileges, less opportunities for employment, and high rates of anxiety and depression. Even today, some patients and families believe epilepsy leads to mental retardation. New research studies have shown that patients with uncontrolled seizures have an alarmingly high lifetime risk of sudden unexpected death.
Fullerton Neurology and Headache Center is experienced in diagnosing and treating all types of seizures. A new generation of medications is more effective and better tolerated. Our goal is “zero tolerance” for seizures and medication side effects.
EPILEPSY IN ADOLESCENTS
Seizures are more common in children than in adults. Our center is experienced in diagnosis and treatment. EEG and 48-hour ambulatory EEG are available on site. Research in epilepsy has led to new and better tolerated medications. We can determine if a teen has uncontrollable epilepsy despite medications and can arrange referral to an epilepsy surgery center.
DEMENTIA AND ALZHEIMER DISEASE
As the population ages, Alzheimer has reached epidemic proportions. Incredibly, it affects up to 50% of people 85 years and older. If we live long enough, will we all develop dementia? Hundreds of billions of dollars of our health care resources go to the care of Alzheimer disease patients.
We at Fullerton Neurology and Headache Center assist patients with memory disorders. It is critical to determine which complaints are normal for age and which are precursors of Alzheimer disease. Newer therapies are more effective with early diagnosis. Recent research has also shed light on preventative measures, which include reducing risk factors, lifestyle changes, medications and supplements. We have experience in Alzheimer’s clinical trials involving monoclonal antibodies that target both amyloid and tau.
Functional Neurological Disorders
These disorders are sometimes referred to as medically unexplained symptoms and comprise a surprisingly large number of referrals to our center. Common symptoms are “brain fog,” non-epileptic attacks, tremor, pain, fatigue, muscle weakness, and numbness. The cause is unknown. For some, overwhelming stress and unresolvable conflicts are triggers.
Think of these as a software crash. Imaging studies such as MRI are normal. The brain is not sending and receiving signals correctly from the body. But there is hope.
Making the diagnosis leads to “validation,” a critical first step. This stops doctor-shopping and unneeded and potentially harmful tests and treatments. The brain’s faulty connections can then be reset. Rehabilitation is the key, but it must be personalized and based on a biological framework.
These are not frivolous or feigned disorders and deserve to be taken seriously.
PARKINSON DISEASE
Parkinson disease affects 1% of the population over age 65, but is increasingly recognized in younger patients as well. Current research targets effective treatment of symptoms, approaches to limit progression, and imaging methods that lead to an earlier and more confident diagnosis. Deep brain stimulation is very effective for some patients, and the techniques are continuously being refined.
Parkinson disease challenging to live with and to treat. Our goal is to help patients maintain independence and good quality of life.
STROKE
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States after heart disease and cancer. Primary and secondary prevention of stroke is critical and has been proven to reduce risks and improve outcomes. New “clot busters” have revolutionized treatment.
Fullerton Neurology and Headache Center can help patients address risk factors and recognize the warning signs. We are committed to assisting stroke patients with recovery and prevention of another stroke.
BOTULINUM TOXIN (BOTOX, DYSPORT, XEOMIN, MYOBLOC)
There are now botulinum toxin preparations available to patients. Each has its place. We have experience treating the following conditions:
-Chronic migraine
-Cervical dystonia (torticollis)
-Spasticity (caused by stroke, MS, traumatic brain injury)
-Blepharospasm (excessive blinking)
-Hemifacial spasm (facial muscle spasms)
Before botulinum toxin was available, there was limited success in treating these disorders. These injections have improved the quality of life for many patients and are covered by most health insurance plans. Typically, primary care physicians can refer patients for consultations, but many patients seek care directly.