Spell Diagnosis
Patients may have spells that resemble epileptic seizures resulting from other physical or emotional disorders. Syncope (fainting) can have multiple causes, including blood pressure regulation problems, vertigo, or heart disease. University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics specialists from Cardiology and Neuro-otology frequently consult on patients with spells of unclear cause, performing diagnostic tests such as electronystagmography, Holter monitoring, event recording, echocardiography, tilt table testing, or cardiac electrophysiologic testing when necessary. Often, these experts may help to establish an alternative diagnosis for syncope when epilepsy is considered unlikely on clinical grounds or excluded during epilepsy monitoring.
Weight Effects of AEDs
It is increasingly recognized that many antiepileptic drugs have significant influence on weight. Patients experiencing these potentially deleterious side effects of medication may benefit from dietary counseling available with the ICEP dietitian.
Sleepiness, Sleep Disorders, and Epilepsy
Recent evidence has shown that sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome are a common cause of daytime sleepiness in patients with medically intractable epilepsy, and in some patients appear to worsen seizures. Furthermore, occasionally primary sleep disorders such as parasomnias, narcolepsy, or periodic limb movements of sleep may be confused with epilepsy. ICEP Neurologists work together with board-certified sleep medicine specialists in the University of Iowa Sleep Disorders Center to offer diagnostic services including overnight digital polysomnography and multiple sleep latency testing when appropriate. If a sleep disorder is diagnosed, follow-up is arranged with the Sleep Disorders Clinic at UI Hospitals and Clinics.
Genetics in Epilepsy
Epilepsy frequently runs in families, and questions regarding potential transmission of epilepsy to children and risk of epilepsy developing in other family members may be addressed by genetic specialists at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Specialized genetic testing and counseling is available for patients, parents, and families at UI Hospitals and Clinics.
Primary Care
Patients without a primary care physician can be referred for ongoing care to a Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, or Pediatrics physician at UI Hospitals and Clinics.
Dental Care
Dental care is important for patients with epilepsy, particularly those taking (or who have taken) phenytoin (Dilantin), which frequently causes gingival hyperplasia (gum swelling). At request, patients may be referred to the department of Hospital Dentistry. Other medical and surgical subspecialty departments are available for consultation as needed.
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