Serving Michigan
Epilepsy
Epilepsy causes seizure episodes that temporarily disrupt brain function. You may experience changes in behavior, loss of consciousness and uncontrolled movements. But care at Trinity Health Michigan is helping more people live life to the fullest.
We offer an exceptional level of care, including advanced seizure testing and a large team of experts. Even if previous epilepsy treatments were unsuccessful, we can help you achieve better seizure control. Our services help free your mind and body so you can participate in the activities that matter most to you.
Epilepsy Care at Trinity Health Michigan: Why Choose Us?
Board-certified epilepsy specialists (epileptologists) guide your care. They work alongside neurologists, neurosurgeons, nurses, neuropsychologists and others to deliver comprehensive services that help you heal.
You can count on Trinity Health Michigan to meet nearly any care need. We offer leading tests and treatments along with supportive services that ease the burden of living with epilepsy. Our team’s active participation in research gives eligible patients access to innovative new therapies and care methods.
Nationally Recognized Epilepsy Care
Some of our locations maintain Level 4 (the highest possible) designation from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. We have the expertise, facilities and experience to successfully treat common and complex types of epilepsy.
When inpatient seizure monitoring is necessary, you have access to facilities with the latest equipment and specially trained staff. Some of our inpatient epilepsy monitoring units maintain ABRET® accreditation, a sign of high-quality diagnostic services.
Epilepsy Diagnosis
Diagnosing seizures involves a series of tests. Some help us rule out other causes of seizure activity, while others make it possible to diagnose a specific type of epilepsy. Read more about neurodiagnostics.
Epilepsy Treatments and Support
Epileptologists and other specialists work together to deliver personalized care that may include:
Seizure Medication (Anticonvulsants)
Medications help many people maintain seizure control. There are numerous options, and we offer nearly all of them, including newly approved drugs. Anticonvulsants can cause unpleasant side effects. We want you to be as comfortable as possible, which is why we monitor your response and make adjustments as necessary.
Ketogenic Diet
A medically supervised, high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet can help you get the most out of epilepsy treatment. We use a team approach that combines the recommendations of neurologists and dietitians to give you the best chances for success.
Epilepsy Surgery
For epilepsy that does not respond to medications, or if side effects are intolerable, you may be eligible for surgery. We perform a high volume of epilepsy surgeries, so you can count on us for exceptional care. Some of our locations use robotic surgical technologies that offer the highest level of safety and precision. Find out more about neurosurgery.
Support
Our team is with you throughout your care journey. Nurse practitioners answer questions between appointments and coordinate next steps. Social workers connect you with numerous services, including art therapy support groups in some locations. Our team also includes neuro-palliative care physicians who help you cope with life changes and provide an extra layer of coordination.
Explore specialized neurology services and support.
Types of Seizures We Treat
We deliver exceptional care for nearly all types of seizures, including:
Generalized Onset Seizures
These seizures affect both sides of the brain:
- Absence: Blank stare or rapid breathing
- Atonic: Sudden lack of muscle tone, causing parts of the body to go limp
- Tonic-clonic (grand mal): Severe seizure that may involve stiffening, jerking and a loss of consciousness
Focal Seizures
These seizures start in one area and on one side of the brain:
- Aware: Does not affect alertness during the seizure
- Impaired awareness: Causes confusion or other changes in cognition
Unknown Onset Seizure
The starting point of the seizure is not known. This term also applies to seizures that occur without a witness, such as during sleep.