Welcome to the website for Epilepsy Services of Southwest Florida,
Thank you for taking the time to visit our website to find out about our organization and the programs and services we provide.
The goal of the Epilepsy Services of Southwest Florida is to assist in the process of empowering our patients toward self -management in order to be able to lead as close to a normal life as possible. With appropriate and effective diagnosis and treatment we regularly experience this outcome.
According to a recent report from the Institute of Medicine (IOM), epilepsy is the nation’s fourth most common neurological disorder after migraine, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. Epilepsy is a complex spectrum of disorders that affects millions of people in a variety of ways and is characterized by unpredictable seizures that differ in type, cause and severity. Living with epilepsy is much more than just seizures. The disorder is often defined in practical terms such as challenges in school, uncertainties about social situations and employment, limitations on driving and questions about independent living.
Preventing epilepsy is possible for some causes of the disorder. The IOM report states that progress has been made in developing new seizure medications and refining medical devices and surgical techniques to reduce or eliminate seizures for many individuals with epilepsy. However, referrals to specialized care are often delayed, and access to these treatments fall short, particularly for underserved populations.
Epilepsy Services can provide these at-risk patients with medical, prescription and case management services at little to no cost. We are able to pay for these costs because we contract with local neurologists and other medical service providers to obtain the services at greatly reduced prices. Our doctors donate or substantially discount their services as do laboratories, medical suppliers and pharmaceutical companies. Our program has helped people with epilepsy deal with these issues for over 45 years. We provide critical medical attention including access to consultation with neurologists, diagnostic testing and assistance accessing medications to low income and uninsured individuals. Additionally, we offer case management, referrals to other community services and prevention and educational programs to the community at large.
There are more people who could use our services if we could generate the additional resources needed to provide them. This is our focus moving forward.
Please contact Epilepsy Services if you have any questions. We would be delighted to talk to you or respond to your email.
Epilepsy Services Office
941-953-5988
