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Through its numerous specialties, services lines and advanced technologies, Palmetto General Hospital has consistently proven to be a leader in South Florida’s medical industry. One of its newest programs, the Epilepsy Center, further demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to improving the health of the community.
 
Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain that can cause temporary confusion, staring spells, uncontrollable jerking motions of the arms and legs (seizures), and unconsciousness. Led by medical director Dr. Shaun Smart, neurologist and epileptologist, the Epilepsy Center at Palmetto General Hospital is designed to help those suffering from the condition regain control of their lives.
 
Using advanced technology and the expertise of a highly trained team, the center has a specialized room equipped with a built-in EEG system and cameras to allow doctors to observe patients’ brain activity during a seizure. The team monitors patients exhibiting symptoms for 24 hours or more to identify abnormal brain rhythms and give a diagnosis.
 
Through Palmetto General Hospital’s special monitoring capabilities, the Miami-Dade community has close-to-home access to some of the best experts and techniques for determining the source of seizures. The center’s multidisciplinary approach helps ensure that patients receive high quality of care.
 
Those who are at an increased risk for epilepsy are men, young children, adults over the age of 65, people with a family history of the disorder, anyone who has had a stroke or brain infection, and those who experienced high fevers during childhood. About half of epilepsy cases occur for no known reason, but the condition can also be caused by genetic factors, head trauma and certain medical disorders such as dementia, prenatal injury, and developmental disorders such as Autism or Down syndrome.