What do you call a doctor who specializes in epilepsy?
Generally speaking, an epileptologist is a neurologist who has a specific interest in, and focuses on, epilepsy. To become a neurologit in the US, one must graduate from medical (or osteopathic medicine) school, and then complete a neurology residency (training) for 4 years.
What professionals can help with epilepsy?
Professionals found at epilepsy centers may include: epilepsy nurses, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, pharmacists, dieticians, and neurosurgeons in addition to their epileptologist.
Is epilepsy part of Neurology?
We wish you well. Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness.
Do neurologists treat epilepsy?
A neurologist, a doctor who specializes in the brain and nervous system, is best able to diagnose and treat epilepsy. Some neurologists take advanced training and become epileptologists, specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. Many internists and family practice doctors also treat epilepsy.
Do all neurologists treat epilepsy?
Find A Doctor Who Specializes in Epilepsy For some people, seizures may be easy to diagnose and control. In that case, primary care doctors can help with the initial diagnosis. However, you should seek out specialized care. You’ll want work with an epileptologist—a neurologist who focuses on epilepsy treatment.
What does a neurologist do for epilepsy?
It is the neurologist who will generally diagnose epilepsy, and prescribe and start any treatment, such as medication. You might continue to see a neurologist while trying to get your seizures controlled, and you might also have ongoing regular reviews of your epilepsy with a neurologist.
Is epilepsy treated by psychiatrist?
Psychiatric services are a vital part of epilepsy treatment. A psychiatrist can help people manage emotional problems that commonly occur with seizures.
Is epilepsy a mental illness?
Epilepsy is not a mental illness. In fact, the vast majority of people living with epilepsy have no cognitive or psychological problem. For the most part, psychological issues in epilepsy are limited to people with severe and uncontrolled epilepsy.
Can you see epilepsy on MRI?
Structural imaging is used to look for a potential structural cause of someone’s epilepsy, such as a scar on the brain. However, for many people with epilepsy, no structural cause for their epilepsy can be found, and so their MRI results are said to be ‘normal’.
When should you see an epileptologist?
Most people with epilepsy can control their seizures with medication under the supervision of a primary care doctor or general neurologist. However, you may need to see an epileptologist if your seizures are not under control, if you have certain medical considerations, or if you want a second opinion.
Can epilepsy cause mental disorders?
Between 30 and 50 percent of children with epilepsy will develop a behavioral or mental health problem. The types of behavioral problems associated with epilepsy include attention deficit, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, aggression, and autism spectrum disorder.