Doctors at Intermountain Medical Center have performed their 100th surgery utilizing brain implants to improve symptoms for patients with epilepsy. The milestone highlights the growing use of advanced neurosurgical interventions for individuals whose seizures remain uncontrolled by traditional medications or dietary therapies.
Addressing Uncontrolled Epilepsy
The surgical milestone was achieved by specialists within the Intermountain Neurosciences Institute, specifically through the clinical expertise found at the Neurosciences Clinic - Neurology in Murray. The clinic provides specialized care for a variety of complex neurological conditions, including epilepsy medicine, movement disorders, and stroke care.
While many patients manage their condition through pharmaceutical means, the Epilepsy Foundation notes that treatment does not work for everyone. At least 1 million people in the United States currently live with uncontrolled epilepsy, creating an urgent medical need for research and more effective surgical interventions like the brain implant procedures performed by Intermountain staff.
Specialized Surgical Expertise
The surgical team at the Murray-based clinic includes specialists such as Dr. Jeffrey K. Bigelow and Dr. Tawnya M. Constantino, who manage complex seizure disorders and epilepsy-mimickers. Dr. Bigelow, a board-certified expert in both neurology and neurological surgery, focuses his practice on epilepsy and other seizure disorders.
Dr. Bigelows clinical background includes specialized training from the UCSF School of Medicine in both epilepsy and neurophysiology. His work at Intermountain Medical Center follows a residency at Yale University School of Medicine, bringing advanced surgical-related expertise to the local epilepsy community.
Advanced Neurological Services
The Neurosciences Clinic - Neurology, located at 5171 South Cottonwood Street in Murray, serves as a hub for advanced epilepsy care. The facility offers comprehensive services including ambulatory EEG and neurorehabilitation to support patients dealing with the long-term effects of neurological trauma or disease.
Dr. Tawnya M. Constantino also provides critical expertise within this clinic, specializing in epileptology and seizure management. Her clinical training includes a fellowship in neurophysiology from the University of Utah Medical Center, which supports the institute's ability to perform high-level neuromodulation surgeries.
The Impact of Epilepsy
The importance of these surgical advancements is underscored by the severity of epilepsy as a chronic medical condition. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy during their lifetime. While many patients live full lives—working in business, government, and the arts—the unpredictability of seizures can create significant life barriers.
In some cases, the condition is linked to other neurological issues such as cerebral palsy, autism, Alzheimer's disease, or traumatic brain injury. The foundation also highlights the serious risks associated with the disorder, noting that sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) accounts for an estimated 1 death per 1,000 people with epilepsy each year.
Future of Neurological Care
As surgical techniques like brain implants reach new milestones, the focus remains on improving safety and long-term outcomes for patients. The Intermountain Neurosciences Institute continues to provide a multidisciplinary approach, offering everything from Alzheimer's treatment to specialized neurosurgery for those who have exhausted traditional medical options.
