Q: What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes recurrent, unprovoked seizures . Seizures can vary widely — from brief staring spells to convulsions — and affect each person differently. With the right care, many people with epilepsy can control seizures and live full, active lives.

Q: What epilepsy treatments are available at OhioHealth?

Epilepsy treatment at OhioHealth is personalized and may include: Medication management Advanced diagnostic testing Surgical evaluation for eligible patients Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) Coordinated specialty and behavioral health care Your team works with you to find the safest and most effective approach for your seizures and goals.

Q: What does a multidisciplinary approach to epilepsy care mean?

At OhioHealth, epilepsy care is delivered by a team . Epileptologists work alongside neurologists, neurosurgeons and neuropsychologists to evaluate your condition and recommend treatment. Your care team also collaborates closely with your referring neurologist to monitor seizures and adjust medications as needed.

Q: When should surgery be considered for epilepsy?

Surgery may be an option for people with drug‑resistant epilepsy , also called refractory epilepsy. If seizures continue after trying two appropriate seizure medications, surgery may be considered. Your team will first confirm whether surgery is safe and appropriate using advanced EEG monitoring and brain mapping techniques.

Q: What is the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)?

The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) is a specialized inpatient unit where epileptologists monitor brain activity around the clock to better understand recurrent seizures. Testing in the EMU helps determine: Whether your episodes are seizures The type of seizures you’re having How to adjust medications Whether you may qualify for surgical treatment Most EMU stays last three to five days , depending on your needs. For questions, call the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at (614) 788‑6656 . You can also download a guide on what to expect during your EMU stay .

Q: Can OhioHealth help if I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant?

Yes. OhioHealth provides specialized epilepsy care during pregnancy . Epileptologists work closely with maternal‑fetal medicine specialists and your OB-GYN team to manage seizure medications, coordinate care and help keep both you and your baby safe.

Question 1

What is epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Seizures can vary widely — from brief staring spells to convulsions — and affect each person differently. With the right care, many people with epilepsy can control seizures and live full, active lives.

Question 2

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Epilepsy is diagnosed through a careful review of your medical history, symptoms and testing. At OhioHealth, diagnosis often includes electroencephalography (EEG) to measure brain activity, imaging studies and evaluation by epilepsy specialists to determine the type of seizures you’re having and the best treatment options.

Question 3

What epilepsy treatments are available at OhioHealth?

Accepted Answer

Epilepsy treatment at OhioHealth is personalized and may include:

Medication management
Advanced diagnostic testing
Surgical evaluation for eligible patients
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
Coordinated specialty and behavioral health care

Your team works with you to find the safest and most effective approach for your seizures and goals.

Question 4

What does a multidisciplinary approach to epilepsy care mean?

Accepted Answer

At OhioHealth, epilepsy care is delivered by a team. Epileptologists work alongside neurologists, neurosurgeons and neuropsychologists to evaluate your condition and recommend treatment. Your care team also collaborates closely with your referring neurologist to monitor seizures and adjust medications as needed.

Question 5

When should surgery be considered for epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Surgery may be an option for people with drug‑resistant epilepsy, also called refractory epilepsy. If seizures continue after trying two appropriate seizure medications, surgery may be considered. Your team will first confirm whether surgery is safe and appropriate using advanced EEG monitoring and brain mapping techniques.

Question 6

What is the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)?

Accepted Answer

The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) is a specialized inpatient unit where epileptologists monitor brain activity around the clock to better understand recurrent seizures. Testing in the EMU helps determine:

Whether your episodes are seizures
The type of seizures you’re having
How to adjust medications
Whether you may qualify for surgical treatment

Most EMU stays last three to five days, depending on your needs. For questions, call the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at (614) 788‑6656. You can also download a guide on what to expect during your EMU stay.

Question 7

What is vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)?

Accepted Answer

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a treatment option for people whose seizures are not well controlled with medication alone. After a small device is implanted by a neurosurgeon, your epileptologist works with your neurologist to monitor results and adjust stimulation levels to help reduce seizure frequency.

Question 8

Can OhioHealth help if I am pregnant or planning to become pregnant?

Accepted Answer

Yes. OhioHealth provides specialized epilepsy care during pregnancy. Epileptologists work closely with maternal‑fetal medicine specialists and your OB-GYN team to manage seizure medications, coordinate care and help keep both you and your baby safe.

Question 9

What support is available beyond seizure treatment?

Accepted Answer

Epilepsy can affect emotional health, thinking and quality of life. OhioHealth partners with neuropsychologists, psychiatrists and behavioral health specialists to provide diagnostic testing and treatment for concerns such as depression, anxiety or cognitive challenges related to epilepsy.

Question 10

Where is advanced epilepsy care available at OhioHealth?

Accepted Answer

Advanced epilepsy care, including inpatient monitoring and surgical evaluation, is provided at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, a nationally recognized Level 4 Epilepsy Center.

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