Local News

It is often referred to as an electrical storm in the brain.  Most people associate epilepsy with seizures, but the symptoms aren't always that obvious. Other signs of epilepsy can include clumsiness, muscle contractions, memory problems and even trouble speaking.  A four-bed observation center is using technology to narrow down those symptoms.  

Dr. Eduardo Locatelli of the Florida Neuroscience Center said screening patients carefully can point to the best treatment. The computer picks up when seizures are happening and sounds an alarm, or the patient can say, "I'm having something or a family member or a nurse, somebody's seeing that patient doing something, so we go and interview the patient at that time," Dr. Locatelli explains.  

Anthony Frank was diagnosed with epilepsy as a child, and he says his visit with Dr. Locatelli led to life changing surgery.   

"I'm doing much better at work. I'm doing much better at home. I'm starting to be the father I'm supposed to be. I'm starting be the husband I'm supposed to be. I'm even doing the things that I couldn't do before," Frank says.  

Dr. Locatelli said  the clinic can be helpful for patients who have been misdiagnosed as having epilepsy.   

He estimates 40% to 60% of people with seizures don't have epilepsy.  It can be nearly impossible to figure out what's really wrong without the kind of observation the clinic allows.  

"There's no other way of doing it," said Dr. Locatelli, "because you shake and then you're fine. It's like trying to catch a ghost."  

Dr. Locatelli said most people spend three or four days and night in the clinic.  Sometimes the seizures can even be induced if it is known what triggers them.  

Florida Neuroscience Center is located at 1930 NE 47th Street, Ste. 201 in Fort Lauderdale, and its phone number is: 954-414-9750