North Carolina’s Only Magnetoencephalography Imaging Center is at Wake Forest Baptist
From the use of groundbreaking techniques like magnetoencephalography (a non-invasive imaging technology) to options for treatment such as temporal lobectomy surgery, the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center offers patients the best choices for treatment and management of epilepsy.
At the Center, our team of epilepsy specialists collaborates to determine the best treatment for each patient. The team includes:
- Full-time epileptologists who are experts in medical management of the disease.
- Technicians experienced in magnetoencephalography and other imaging techniques.
- A neurosurgeon experienced in epilepsy surgery, including temporal lobectomy.
- Nurse clinicians who help with patient education.
- Social work services for patients and their families.
- A pharmacist with advanced knowledge of antiepileptic drugs.
- A neuropsychologist for testing of cognitive function.
Wake Forest Baptist recently opened the only Magnetoencephalography Imaging Center in North Carolina, and we are one of only 18 clinical sites in the country to use this diagnostic tool. Magnetoencephalography is considered the gold standard of care in imaging techniques and gives a more accurate reading of brain activity than other diagnostic tools currently available.
In addition, we offer the only program in Western North Carolina to meet the guidelines of the National Association of Epilepsy Centers for top-level medical and surgical centers. The guidelines establish the scope and quality of services that specialty epilepsy centers should achieve.
Surgical Options, Including Temporal Lobectomy, Now Available
Temporal lobectomy, a surgical procedure that involves removing parts of the temporal lobe that cause seizures, is offering hope to epilepsy patients who have not been responsive to medical therapy. About 30 temporal lobectomies are performed each year at the center. This surgery cures 80 percent of eligible patients and reduces seizures in 95 percent.
Neurologists and neurosurgeons at Wake Forest Baptist use magnetoencephalography (MEG), electroencephalograms (EEG), positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the state-of-the-art Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) to pinpoint the exact origin of the disease. A temporal lobectomy or other surgical procedure is then performed to remove the scarred tissue to reduce or eliminate the seizures.
In March 2006, neurosurgeon Steven Glazier, M.D. performed a temporal lobectomy during a live Internet broadcast. The webcast is available for viewing by the general public as well as medical professionals and is archived for viewing at any time. To view any of Wake Forest Baptist’s webcasts, go to www1.wfubmc.edu/webcasts/.
Contact our epilepsy information service for information about the latest treatments, including magnetoencephalography, as well as general information and support.