What is an epileptologist?
Do you know what an epileptologist is?
82 votes
Yes 61%
No 39%
Almost 40 percent of respondents did not know what an epileptologist is.
Read below to learn more about epileptologists:
What is an epileptologist? How is their training different than a general neurologist?
An epileptologist is a neurologist who specializes in the treatment of seizures and epilepsy.
An epileptologist has acquired expertise in seizures and seizure disorers, anticonvulsants, and advanced treatment options such as epilepsy surgery. Her/his training typically extends from one to several years through post graduate work with a unique focus on epilepsy. An epileptologist is mainly consulted when an epilepsy case has not responded to the first rounds of treatment (poorly controlled epilepsy).
Should all patients who have seizures be treated by an epileptologist?
Not all patients necessarily should be treated by an epileptologist. But certainly if patients are seeking a second opinion or are in some way concerned about the treatment they are receiving for their seizure disorder, it would be appropriate to make a consultation appointment with this type of specialist to discuss the current treatment being used and other options.
What are the benefits of being treated by one?
An epileptologist is an expert in seizures and epilepsy and may be better equipped to determine treatment options including newer available (including experimental) treatment options. If more advanced testing is needed epileptologists have extensive experience with these procedures. If surgery is required, of course an epileptologist would be the primary doctor on the case and would work closely together with the neurosurgeon
Where can someone find an epileptologist? Websites?
The Epilepsy Foundation has a page called Find a Doctor in which you can enter a zip code or state and it will produce all the epileptologists in that region for you to look through.
http://www.aesnet.org/find-a-dr/find-a-doctor
Are there any subspecialisties epileptologists can have?
Yes, some epileptologists have obtained even further training or are actively involved in researching specific populations of patients. Pediatric and geriatic epileptologists or specialists in women with epilepsy are examples of these subspecialties.
