The UTMB Epilepsy Program has now received accreditation by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) as a Level 4 Epilepsy Center, which is the highest level of accreditation offered by the NAEC.
According the NAEC, “Level 4 epilepsy centers have the professional expertise and facilities to provide the highest level medical and surgical evaluation and treatment for patients with complex epilepsy.”
Since the creation of the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) in 2013, and with the subsequent and continued growth of the team through recruitment of highly talented experts, the UTMB Epilepsy Program has provided excellent service and care in terms of diagnosing seizure disorders, determining the best treatment for those patients, and implementing those treatments. This is accomplished through a multistep process that often starts with a clinic visit with an epileptologist and is typically followed by diagnostic testing, such as electroencephalography (EEG) in our EEG lab or via admission to our EMU, and then medical and/or surgical treatment based on the results of the testing. This treatment is tailored to the needs and goals of the patient, and has improved the outcomes and quality of life of numerous patients over the years.
UTMB's recent Level 4 accreditation not only recognizes what the program has accomplished in terms of diagnosing and treating seizure disorders, but also certifies it as an elite and top tier institution in this realm.
Epilepsy Program Director Todd Masel, MD, shares, "We look forward to continuing to provide excellent care to patients with seizures disorders as we move into the future." He gives credit to the team, which consists of:
- Joyce Bristow (Patient Services Specialist, Neurodiagnostics)
- Fang Chang (EEG technologist)
- Janna Cheek (lead EEG technologist)
- LaQuesha Cleveland (EEG technologist)
- Meagan Creel (EEG technologist)
- Selena Cruz (EEG technologist)
- Dr. Brionne Elkins (neuropsychologist)
- Dr. Ubaid Hadeez (epileptologist and neurophysiologist)
- Tyree Ideall (EEG technologist)
- Dr. Patrick Karas (neurosurgeon specializing in epilepsy surgeries)
- Dr. FNU Komal (epileptologist and neurophysiologist)
- Veronica Kwarteng Amaning (Associate Chief Nursing Officer)
- Dr. Xiangping Li (epileptologist and neurophysiologist)
- Bettye Marquez (EEG technologist)
- Kelly Marsh (EEG technologist)
- Leticia Martinez Herrera (EEG technologist)
- Carlos Martinez (EEG technologist)
- Dr. Todd Masel (epileptologist and neurophysiologist, Epilepsy Program Director)
- Amanda Mowrey (EEG technologist)
- Michael Osterhout (EEG technologist)
- Dr. Chilvana Patel (neurophysiologist)
- Hiral Patel (EEG technologist)
- Dr. Nancy Perachio (neuropsychologist)
- Sandy Pinkston (Director of Neurodiagnostics)
- Katrina Reichardt (EEG technologist and Epilepsy Navigator)
- Stephanie Riley (EEG technologist)
- Dr. Diosely Silveira (epileptologist and neurophysiologist)
- Kaysie Stratton (Nurse Manager) and our wonderful team of nurses
- Dr. Ruiqing Sun (epileptologist and neurophysiologist)
- Yu Wang (EEG technologist)
- Daniel Wiggins (Manager of Neurodiagnostics)
"Our mission is to make sure that every person with seizures receives the best care possible," Dr. Masel says. "If you or someone you know suffers from seizures, please keep in mind that we are here and ready to help."