Methodist Physicians Neurosurgery and Neurology Specialists in San Antonio provides patients with access to board-certified neurologists, neurosurgeons and epileptologists for a wide range of treatments on the brain, spine and nervous system. We are affiliated with Methodist Healthcare, the largest provider of health care in South and Central Texas.

What is a neurologist?

A neurologist is a medical doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system. Common conditions treated include Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), concussions, epilepsy, migraines, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease and strokes.

What is a neurosurgeon?

When a neurological condition requires surgery, a neurosurgeon operates on the brain, spinal cord and spinal column, and peripheral nerves within all parts of the body. Due to their extensive training in the diagnosis of neurological diseases, neurosurgeons are often requested by other physicians — emergency room doctors, neurologists, internists, and general practitioners — for consultations and referrals.

What is an epileptologist?

An epileptologist is a neurologist who also has specialized training in the treatment of epilepsy. Not all patients with epilepsy need an epileptologist, and they can be followed by a general neurologist. However, patients whose seizures are not controlled with the first 2 or 3 medications or have challenges, such as complications with medication side effects, pregnancy and issues related to a disability or driving.

Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

Epilepsy patients are often admitted to Epilepsy Monitoring Units (EMUs) for diagnosis of typical spell or seizures, localization of seizures, or anti-epileptic medication adjustments. Our EMU, located within Methodist Hospital, is a specialized facility where a team of epileptologists and dedicated nurses and technicians can investigate in greater detail the characteristics that define a patient’s epilepsy.

Frequently Asked Questions about EMU stays:

The length of your stay depends on the time needed to properly manage your seizures and run any other procedures. Stays normally last anywhere from 3 to 5 nights.
You are welcome to have a family member join you in your overnight stays.
You will undergo a number of diagnostic tests including but not limited to continuous video electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring, capturing seizures and modification of medications in a controlled environment.
By having a seizure in a controlled hospital setting, the team can understand it better and lower or stop your seizure with different medications.

As you will be in one room for an extended period of time, please bring items for your entertainment and comfort. This can include:

  • Medications - bring your original prescription bottles and continue to take them as prescribed until or unless instructed otherwise
  • Personal toiletry items - toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, etc.
  • Pajamas and/or comfortable clothing - to be able to reach electrodes and other items, please make sure your top buttons or zippers down the front, and that your clothing is loose and comfortable
  • Entertainment - bring multiple items to pass the time, such as books, computer or tablet, cards and games
Electrodes will be placed on your scalp, like any other EEG. This is not painful, but you do need to come in with freshly cleaned hair free of any spray, gel, grease or mousse.
Once you leave, the epileptologists and their staff will analyze the data from your stay. They will be in touch with results and to share more information.