Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, affecting over 3 million people nationwide and nearly 100,000 individuals in North Texas. Seizures can appear in many forms, with symptoms varying based on the area of the brain involved. For those who experience seizures, the uncertainty of when the next episode may occur—and what it may bring—can be life altering.
We understand these challenges. Our goal is to provide clear answers and a comprehensive care plan to help patients regain control of their lives. Our dedicated team uses advanced diagnostic technologies to identify each patient’s seizure type and develop a personalized treatment plan. Patients receive care not only from board-certified neurologists but also from fellowship-trained epileptologists specializing in seizure diagnosis and management.
Every individual with epilepsy has a unique journey, and we see ourselves as partners walking that path alongside you. Care is centered in our outpatient clinic, where we offer:
- Medication management
- Short and long-term video EEG monitoring
- Advanced brain imaging
- Psychiatric and neuropsychological assessments
- Cognitive therapy
- Access to clinical trials
- Social work and support services, including connections to the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas
For about one-third of individuals with epilepsy, seizures persist despite medication. This is where our team’s expertise is especially valuable. We partner with an adult Level 4 Epilepsy Center, the highest designation recognized by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC). Through this collaboration, we provide access to the most advanced medical, surgical, and device-based treatment options available today.
Specialists
Dr. Hamid Kadiwala
MD Neurology, Neurophysiology & Epilepsy
Team
Dr. Kadiwala is developing a comprehensive surgical epilepsy program at Harris Methodist Hospital. He is also creating an adult epilepsy support group and providing educational lectures on epilepsy for medical staff and the community.
Services
Our epilepsy team provides a highly specialized, collaborative approach designed to enhance each patient’s quality of life. Our services include:
- Consultation with a fellowship-trained epileptologist (two-year specialized training)
- Affiliation with a Level 4 Epilepsy Center, offering the highest level of diagnostic and treatment options
- Comprehensive medication review and management
- Neuropsychological testing, when clinically indicated
- MRI with neuro-trained radiology interpretation
- EEG services, including routine EEG, ambulatory EEG, and long-term video EEG monitoring
- Access to clinical research and emerging therapies
- Epilepsy surgery consultation and care coordination
- Advanced device therapy management, including RNS and VNS implantation and follow-up
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy with neuro-trained therapists
Treatment
Most people control their seizures with medication. If medications aren’t enough or cause side effects, other options include surgery, brain or nerve stimulation, and the ketogenic diet. The goal is complete seizure control.
Care Timeline
Epilepsy Care Timeline
- Initial Seizures
- Evaluation by a fellowship-trained epileptologist
- Diagnostic testing (EEG & MRI)
- Guidance on lifestyle, safety, and triggers
- Recurrent or Difficult-to-Control Seizures
- Medication management and adjustment
- In-house monitoring in the Subacute EMU
- Memory, cognitive, and therapy evaluations
- Intensive seizure studies at a Level 4 Epilepsy Center
- Advanced Treatment & Ongoing Support
- Multidisciplinary review of non-medication options: surgery, VNS, RNS, and clinical trials
- Post-treatment rehabilitation
- Continual follow-up, personalized care, and support services
FAQ
What is a Seizure?
A seizure is a sudden change in the brain’s activity that can cause unusual movements, feelings, or a brief loss of awareness. Epilepsy is diagnosed after two or more unprovoked seizures. Seizures caused by a clear event, like a stroke or injury, are called provoked seizures.
What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes repeated seizures. A single seizure does not always mean someone has epilepsy.
Do I Have Epilepsy?
Seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy, but not everyone who has a seizure has epilepsy. Seizures can be partial (one part of the brain) or generalized (whole brain).
Common signs include:
- Auras or early warning sensations
- Staring spells or confusion
- Jerking or stiffening of the body
- Sudden loss of muscle control (“drop attacks”)