The Epilepsy Center at Northeast Texas Neurology Associates provides comprehensive care to those with epilepsy and seizure disorders.
The Epilepsy Center at Northeast Texas Neurology Associates
The center is led by Dr. Gina Jetter, who is board certified in both Epilepsy and Clinical Neurophysiology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Jetter completed a fellowship in epilepsy, spending an extra year mastering how to treat patients with seizure disorders and interpreting brain wave studies, or electroencephalograms, (EEGs) the test that diagnoses epilepsy. At the Epilepsy Center, we specialize in unique populations who have epilepsy including adolescents, women, and the elderly. We also closely monitor women who are pregnant with epilepsy who are on seizure medications.
As part of our comprehensive care, we perform EEGs in the office to diagnose epilepsy. If a longer study is needed, we can perform three day EEGs at home called Ambulatory EEGs. Dr. Jetter also routinely admits patients to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, which is a specialized unit in the hospital that is equipped to monitor patients with simultaneous EEG recording and video recording in order to diagnose epilepsy.
Cannibidiol (CBD Oil)
Dr. Jetter prescribes Cannibidiol (CBD) Oil to patients with intractable epilepsy through the Texas Compassionate Use Program. Dr. Jetter conducts classes monthly for potential patients who are interested in CBD Oil for epilepsy.
Vagus Nerve Simulator
When medications alone do not control seizures, there are other options. Dr. Jetter is proficient in the use of the Vagus Nerve Stimulator, a device that produces electrical stimulation to the brain through the vagus nerve to help control seizures along with medications.
Ketogenic Diet
Epilepsy can also be treated with a specialized diet. The Epilepsy Center at Northeast Texas Neurology Associates is the only neurology practice in East Texas to offer this treatment. Dr. Jetter is an expert in the diet.
epilepsy Surgery
We have close relationships with Level IV Epilepsy Centers, which provide surgical options for our epilepsy patients when medications do not control seizures. Options for surgery include removing the part of the brain where the seizures come from, which is the only cure for epilepsy. Another type of brain surgery involves placing a generator in the brain that detects seizures and then provides electrical stimulation directly to the brain to stop the seizure.
Non-epileptic Seizures
Not all seizures are epileptic, but rather psychogenic nonepileptic seizures that are related to stress. These types of seizures are not treated with antiepileptic medication,but with counseling. Our Epilepsy Center is the only one in East Texas to have a specialized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program, led by Erin Young, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, for patients with nonepileptic seizures.