Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder and affects three million Americans. Dr. Lerman provides diagnosis and long-term management for patients suffering from seizure disorders. Patients have access to the most up-to-date diagnostics and treatments to manage seizures and improve quality of life with the ultimate aim of becoming seizure-free. Epilepsy Foundation, “An Introduction to epilepsy,” Epilepsy.com, 2016, http://www.epilepsy.com/start-here/introduction-epilepsy
A person is considered to have epilepsy when they experience two or more unprovoked seizures. It is a neurological condition marked by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain and manifesting as episodes of decreased responsiveness, abnormal behavior, automatic limbs movements, abnormal sensory phenomenon or at its extreme, generalized convulsions.
Epilepsy most commonly appears in childhood, adolescence or late adulthood and is the result of various causes. While it can be hereditary, some cases are the result of events such as head trauma, brain infection, brain tumor or stroke. Along with different causes, there are various forms of epilepsy. Each has its own symptoms, needs, course and potential complications. To accurately treat epilepsy, it is necessary to correctly diagnose it.
No. Paroxysmal non-epileptic seizures are seizure-like episodes that are not of seizure origin. They are the result of psychological or physiological, rather than neurological, conditions, and as such require different treatment from that of epilepsy. Dr. Lerman diagnoses paroxysmal non-epileptic seizures.
Symptoms of seizure disorder can vary greatly. However, it is important to consult with a doctor in the event of:
Accurately diagnosing seizures is key in treating epilepsy. Dr. Lerman provides diagnosis for both epilepsy and non-epilepsy seizures in young adults and adults in order to prescribe the optimal course of treatment. In addition to neurological examination, neuropsychological assessment and blood analysis, the practice performs in-home and in-hospital monitoring to help localize seizure onsets, hoping to optimize medication regiments and in some cases providing pre-surgical work-up or preparation in determining candidacy for surgical interventions, such as resective surgery.
Dr. Lerman provides a care-comprehensive approach in treatment for epilepsy focused on lessening its symptoms and impacts. He aims to minimize the side effects of medication and significantly improve quality of life of his patients, enabling them to take part in normal day-to-day activities with the ultimate goal of becoming seizure-free.
Careful attention in diagnosis allows him to evaluate and define the best approach to treatment for each patient, which may cover surgical and non-surgical options, including as medication, neuropsychiatric evaluations or the treatment of underlying mood disorders.
The effectiveness of surgery is dramatically increasing and it can potentially cure epilepsy when it is possible to localize where in the brain seizures originate. Dr. Lerman provides diagnosis and pre-surgical work-up for eligible patients.
Medication can control seizures for seven out of ten people. There are now over 30 available treatments thanks to significant and continuing advances in epilepsy medication, giving practitioners greater choice in matching medications to patient preferences and needs. This optimization is possible with the advent of highly effective medications with minimized side effects, less drug-on drug-interaction, improved tolerability and efficacy.
Having first had contact with treatment during his fellowship at New York University’s Langone Medical Center with epilepsy patients suffering from issues related to spasticity, pain and behavioral disorders, Dr. Lerman is experienced in cannabidiols and correct and accurate dosages.
He will be cautiously proceeding in recommending the use of medical cannabis for appropriate candidates, applying a conservative, methodical and medical approach in assessing the eligibility of patients. Patients must be enrolled in the Florida State Department of Health’s Compassionate Care Act. On November 8th 2016, Amendment 2 was passed in the state of Florida which legalized the recommendation of Medical Cannabis for more indications. However, guidelines have not been published as of yet.
Prescription and monitoring of the ketogenic diet. This low-carbohydrate, high fat diet has been shown to help control seizures in some patients, particularly when used in conjunction with epilepsy medication.
Information for patients and their families on how to manage epilepsy.