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What is Epileptology?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Epileptology is a branch of neurology which focuses specifically on the study and treatment of epilepsy. Practitioners in this specialty have completed a neurology residency, and taken a fellowship in epilepsy to gain additional knowledge in the field. Patients with epilepsy can benefit from the specialized training and skills of an epileptologist if they are having difficulty managing their condition, are suffering from a rare form of epilepsy, or are experiencing debilitating side effects from epilepsy medications.

Epilepsy is an ancient condition which was recognized and described by a number of human cultures historically, with various explanations being ascribed to the condition, including demonic possession. As the workings of the brain and body began to be more understood, the causes of epilepsy were identified, with medical practitioners working on the development of treatments. Like many medical subspecialties, epileptology started with a few physicians who were especially interested in epilepsy and pursued training on their own, and gradually grew into an area of focus complete with recognized epilepsy fellowships.

There is a pediatric focus within the specialty of epileptology.
There is a pediatric focus within the specialty of epileptology.

People who work in the field of epileptology may be involved directly in patient care. Epileptologists work exclusively with patients who have epilepsy, providing monitoring, ongoing care, and treatment options. They have access to the latest information about epilepsy, and can work with patients who want to change medications, try a new treatment approach, or get more expert advice. Ideally, the treatment of epilepsy should result in few to no seizures, with low side effects from medication. Sometimes this can require weeks or months of treatment adjustments, with an epileptologist supervising.

Those who specialize in epileptology focus on the study of the brain, and its electrical impulses.
Those who specialize in epileptology focus on the study of the brain, and its electrical impulses.

In addition to general epileptology, there is also a pediatric focus within this medical specialty. A pediatric epileptologist works specifically with children who suffer from epilepsy. Treating children can be very different from treating adults, as children may require different medications or have unique needs which a general epileptologist cannot address. Both pediatric and general epileptologists can be found working in hospitals, private epilepsy clinics, and their own medical practices. Visiting a specialist can be costly, but the results can be highly beneficial for the patient.

An aspiring epileptologist must complete a neurology residency.
An aspiring epileptologist must complete a neurology residency.

Epileptology researchers are also important. These medical researchers advance the cause of general medical knowledge, studying epilepsy and conducting controlled studies which are designed to help develop new treatments. The more the medical community knows about epilepsy, the better the available treatment options. Researchers can work for private foundations which fund epilepsy research, along with pharmaceutical companies working on new medications.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

geekish

@bluespirit - I have not had firsthand contact with these associations but I know of other private foundations that have helped my friends who have known people with rare disorders.

For example I have a friend who has a loved one with Batten's disease and they have actually started a foundation built around a doctor that has dedicated his life to researching Batten's disease, so for that reason I love to support foundations that have such people as an epileptologist who dedicates their life to epelepsy.

Some of the foundations I have heard of are EFMNY - Epilepsy Foundation of Metropolitan New York, and CURE : Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy. And there are often foundations for a state so that it is easy for people to find a branch of the foundation that they can have a firsthand experience with such as the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota or the Epilepsy Foundation Of Florida.

bluespirit

Because I work in a school with children who have epilepsy and see how epilepsy effects them every day and how it effects their learning it is great to know that their are epileptologist doctors who are specializing in this field!

I can only imagine how rewarding it must be as I have heard stories about epilepsy being significantly reduced and the change in makes in people who are then able to drive and live quite typical lives secondary to the advances in their medication.

What are the names of some of the foundations these specialists might work for?

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    • There is a pediatric focus within the specialty of epileptology.
      By: Darren Baker
      There is a pediatric focus within the specialty of epileptology.
    • Those who specialize in epileptology focus on the study of the brain, and its electrical impulses.
      By: Mikhail Basov
      Those who specialize in epileptology focus on the study of the brain, and its electrical impulses.
    • An aspiring epileptologist must complete a neurology residency.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      An aspiring epileptologist must complete a neurology residency.
    • Ideally, the treatment of epilepsy should result in few to no seizures, with low side effects from medication.
      By: elenarostunova
      Ideally, the treatment of epilepsy should result in few to no seizures, with low side effects from medication.
    • An epileptic patient may undergo frequent CT scans to determine the cause of her seizures.
      By: Monkey Business
      An epileptic patient may undergo frequent CT scans to determine the cause of her seizures.
    • People who are epileptic may not be allowed to drive out of the concern that they might have a seizure while operating a vehicle.
      By: 00Ffilip
      People who are epileptic may not be allowed to drive out of the concern that they might have a seizure while operating a vehicle.
    • Epileptic seizures can occur with no warning.
      By: wellphoto
      Epileptic seizures can occur with no warning.