Hospital recognized for highest level of epilepsy care
AUSTIN, Texas— St. David’s North Austin Medical Center has been designated as the first Level 4 epilepsy center in Central Texas for adults and children by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC)—providing the highest level of medical and surgical evaluation and treatment for patients with complex epilepsy.
“As the Central Texas community grows, the demand for specialized healthcare for patients from childhood to adulthood is increasing,” Dr. Ryan Charbeneau, chief medical officer of St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, said. “We wanted to create an epilepsy program that provides the highest level of care at a greater continuum throughout a patient’s life.”
Patients who age out of pediatric care at the hospital’s epilepsy center can continue treatment with the same care team, including epileptologists (neurologists with expertise in treating seizures), neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, nurse and tech specialists, as well as social workers.
“The Epilepsy Center at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center provides a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy,” Dr. Sami Aboumatar, epileptologist at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, said. “We are proud to be recognized by the NAEC for the highest level of epilepsy care.”
The NAEC recognizes four levels of epilepsy care. Level 1 typically occurs in an emergency room, and Level 2 involves consultation with a neurologist. Levels 3 and 4 occur at an epilepsy center, with Level 4 centers performing more complex surgeries and complex forms of neurodiagnostic monitoring.
For more information about the Epilepsy Center at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, visit StDavids.com.