New Onset Seizure Clinic

New Onset Seizure Clinic

Timely Care from the Region s Experts The New Onset Seizure Clinic at UH Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospital provides expert diagnostic services, referrals, treatment and follow-up care for children who experience a first seizure. The outpatient program offers rapid access to care, and was developed as part of the hospital s increased focus on pediatric neurology and epilepsy. It is the first program in the Cleveland area to provide coordinated, in-depth and timely care to children who suffer a first seizure. New Onset Seizure Clinic At the Epilepsy Center of University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospital, we believe that the key to effectively treating children with seizures starts with an accurate diagnosis. By using state-of-the-art technologies and the latest brain mapping techniques, we can pinpoint the source of seizure activity. This allows us to treat the needs of each patient using a variety of treatment options including minimally invasive surgery. The results? We are now able to not only reduce seizures but possibly eliminate them altogether. Staff members at the clinic develop individualized plans for children based on the cause of their seizure and their risk for future seizures. Antiseizure medication works well in many patients, and surgery is an option for others where medications have been ineffective. Parents can make an appointment at the New Onset Seizure Clinic for a child who has experienced a first seizure to be seen by a specialist within just one to two days following the seizure. About Seizures Seizures occur when abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes changes in attention or behavior. Most seizures last from 30 seconds to two minutes and generally cause no lasting problems. Symptoms can vary widely and may include: Jerky movements Shaking Muscle twitching or tightening Loss of muscle control Vision changes (such as seeing flashing lights) Confusion Loss of consciousness 2 UH Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospitals RainbowBabies.org/epilepsy 216-UH4-KIDS UH Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospital 3

There are four general classifications of seizures: Symptomatic seizures are those that have a recognizable cause (for example, head injury or brain tumor), and can be acute, or caused by a recent or current event; or remote, meaning caused by a chronic abnormality. Idiopathic seizures are those for which no abnormality or cause is found. Provoked seizures are caused by a temporary disturbance which can be identified. Febrile seizures are commonly seen in children up to 5 years of age. New onset seizures may be a sign that epilepsy is developing, which can be confirmed with diagnostic testing and treated with appropriate medications. However, not all seizure-like behavior is epilepsy. Some seizures are precipitated by high fevers, particularly in young children up to age 5. Seizures can be a sign of more serious illnesses, such as brain tumors, infections, strokes, scar tissue and brain trauma. In adolescents, anxiety may cause spells that have the appearance of seizures. Our Services Following a first seizure, children treated at the New Onset Seizure Clinic undergo a detailed and complete medical history, along with a physical exam to assess the type of seizure the child has experienced. As part of this process, specialized tests may be conducted to determine the cause of the seizure including: High Resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test to give physicians a clear view of the brain to determine if an abnormality exists A video electroencephalogram (EEG) test that records and measures brain activity PET and SPECT imaging technologies to accurately diagnose first seizures that start from a focus in the brain An interdisciplinary team of experts is available at UH Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospital for other evaluations that may be needed. Some children may need cardiac workups or further laboratory tests. During these evaluations, the team: Confirms that the child has had a seizure and not another condition that may mimic a seizure Works to identify the cause of the seizures Refers patients to appropriate specialists to treat underlying brain conditions that caused the seizures Determines child s risk for future seizures and epilepsy Initiates appropriate medical treatment if needed Counsels the family on how to handle a seizure, including appropriate behaviors to reduce injury risk and maintain safety at home and in school Counsels adolescents on safety, including driving issues and behaviors that can reduce seizure risks, such as sleep regulation Schedules neuropsychological testing to assess attention, memory and other cognitive functions and to screen for possible academic and behavior problems 4 UH Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospitals RainbowBabies.org/epilepsy 216-UH4-KIDS UH Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospital 5

Our Staff Located at UH Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospital in University Circle, the New Onset Seizure Clinic s multidisciplinary team includes physicians who specialize in pediatric epilepsy, pediatric neurology, an epilepsy nurse coordinator, pediatric nurse practitioners, social workers and child life specialists. In addition, patients have access to neuropsychological testing and counseling on behavioral and school performance concerns. Ingrid Tuxhorn, MD, Chief, Division of Pediatric Epilepsy, UH Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospital, Professor of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Mark Scher, MD, Chief, Division of Pediatric Neurology, UH Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospital, Professor of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Philip Fastenau, MD, Director of Clinical Neuropsychology, UH Case Medical Center, Professor of Neurology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Adina Chirla, RN, BSN, Clinical Nurse Coordinator, New Onset Epilepsy Clinic Brenda Kidder, RN, CNS Neurology Nurse Specialist Locations UH Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospital 11100 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44106 UH Landerbrook Health Center 5850 Landerbrook Drive Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 UH Medina Health Center 4001 Carrick Drive Medina, OH 44256 UH Mentor Health Center 9000 Mentor Avenue Mentor, OH 44060 UH Westlake Health Center 960 Clague Road Westlake, OH 44145 Firelands Regional Medical Center 1912 Hayes Avenue Sandusky, OH 44870 For more information, call the Division of Pediatric Epilepsy at 216-286-6644. To schedule an appointment, call 216-UH4-KIDS (216-844-5437) or request an appointment online at RainbowBabies.org. UH Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospital New Onset Seizure Clinic 11100 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44106 6 UH Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospitals RainbowBabies.org/epilepsy 216-UH4-KIDS UH Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospital 7

About University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospital Located on the campus of University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospital is a 244-bed, full-service pediatric hospital and academic medical center, solely dedicated to the health care needs of children. A trusted leader in children s health care for more than 125 years, UH Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospital consistently ranks among the top children s hospitals in the nation. As the region s premier resource for pediatric referrals, UH Rainbow Babies & Children s Hospital s dedicated team of more than 1,300 pediatric specialists uses the most advanced treatments and latest innovations to deliver the complete range of pediatric specialty services for more than 700,000 patient encounters each year. Learn more at RainbowBabies.org. Among the nation s leading academic medical centers, University Hospitals Case Medical Center is the primary affiliate of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, a nationally recognized leader in medical research and education. There s only one Rainbow. 216-UH4-KIDS 216-844-5437 RainbowBabies.org Facebook.com/UHRainbowBabies Twitter.com/UHRainbowBabies 2012 University Hospitals RBC 00492