Epilepsy Services

In 1990, the Texas Tech Epilepsy Clinic was founded formally via funding received by the Texas Department of Health Services. It is housed at the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine's Department of Neurology under Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso. The Department of Neurology's Epilepsy Clinic is the only site where uninsured patients may receive epilepsy services through this funding mechanism. Since 2011, the clinic's personnel also provide epilepsy outreach clinics in west Texas outreach clinics.

The Epilepsy Clinic at TTUHSC El Paso benefits from a strong and stable affiliation with UMC, our city's county hospital facility. UMC is within walking distance from our clinic. Patients needing emergency or in-patient care may be directly admitted. Diagnostic lab work and any other diagnostic/evaluative procedures such as electroencephalograms (EEGs), computerized axial topographies (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) can be readily performed at the hospital facilities. UMC laboratory has an affiliation with the Mayo Clinic Medical and Athena Laboratories and enables TTUHSC El Paso to obtain the most sophisticated genetic chemical, DNA, and chromosomal analysis.

The clinic has maintained an uninterrupted epilepsy program and provides the opportunity to treat a range of epileptic cases for El Paso and west Texas community.

Epilepsy flyer

Diagnostics evaluation and treatment

We offer Outpatient and Inpatient EEG services for the diagnoses of paroxysmal events (Epileptic or Non-Epileptic) which can be used to guide treatment and make appropriate referrals.

Electroencephalograms (EEGs)

40 Minute to 1 Hour EEG with Activation Procedures like Photic Stimulation and Hyperventilation when appropriate.

Indications:
Evaluate for focal or epileptiform abnormalities.

 

For referrals please submit the following form:

Routine EEG Referral Form

1 to 2 Hour EEG with Activation Procedures. Greater likelihood of capturing sleep (some epileptiform abnormalities tend to appear with sleep)

Indications:
Evaluate for focal or epileptiform abnormalities and capture sleep.

 

For referrals please submit the following form:

Prolonged EEG Referral Form

24 to 48 Hour, Video Equipped EEG that patient takes home after being hooked up in the lab. Patients will be instructed to push a button when they have their typical events. After finishing the study, they return back the equipment along with a log of their events.

Indications:

  • Evaluate for focal or epileptiform abnormalities and capture sleep.
  • Capture typical patient events that are concerning for seizures in their normal home environment.
  • Evaluate for subclinical seizures, response to anti-seizure medications, known epileptiform discharge burden.

 

For referrals please submit the following form:

Ambulatory EEG Referral Form

Admission to inpatient Epilepsy monitoring unit at University Medical Center and record continuous Video EEG under the direct supervision of Epilepsy specialist in a controlled environment. Anti-seizure medications will be weaned if necessary to capture a seizure.

Indications:

  • Characterization of patient’s events to determine epileptic or non-epileptic for appropriate treatment.
  • Evaluate for subclinical seizures and medical management at the same time.
  • Surgical evaluation for medically refractory Epilepsy.

Learn more:

FAQ about Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (Patients)

FAQ about Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (Physicians)

 

For referrals please submit the following form:

EMU Referral Form

Vagal Nerve Stimulator Placement (VNS)

VNS Therapy® (also called Vagus nerve stimulation) is a device implanted under the skin by the chest area (left side). This is attached to the Vagus nerve in the neck and delivers frequent pulses at regular intervals which in turn helps in controlling seizures.  It is an approved therapy by U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an add-on therapy for medically resistant focal epilepsy 4 years and above.