Kansas City, Kan- Alisha Schainost, a young mom, lived with undiagnosed epilepsy for nearly a decade after a tonsillectomy led to a stroke and subsequent seizures.
Her symptoms, initially misdiagnosed as anxiety, were later identified as temporal lobe epilepsy. After multiple seizures, including a grand mal seizure while driving, she was correctly diagnosed and underwent an anterior temporal lobectomy.
The surgery, performed by Dr. Jennifer Cheng, involved removing the abnormal hippocampus and amygdala. Alisha is now seizure-free and has a new job.
Dr. Carol Ulloa emphasized the importance of seeking specialized care and not giving up on a diagnosis.
Alisha Schainost, patient
- Alisha shares her experience of having a stroke after a tonsillectomy, which was caused by a blood clot in her venous sinus.
- She describes the subtle symptoms she experienced before her diagnosis, which were initially misdiagnosed as anxiety and panic attacks.
- Alisha discusses the relief and confidence she gained from knowing her diagnosis and the risks involved in the surgery.
Dr. Carol Ulloa, Director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, The University of Kansas Health System
- Dr. Carol Ulloa advises patients to keep seeking answers and not to give up in their search for a correct diagnosis.
- She explains the concept of being "cured" from epilepsy and the importance of long-term seizure freedom.
- Dr. Carol Ulloa emphasizes the importance of seeking multiple opinions and the role of a Comprehensive Epilepsy Center in providing specialized care.
Dr. Jennifer Cheng, Neurosurgeon, The University of Kansas Health System
- Dr. Jennifer Cheng explains the procedure of an anterior temporal lobectomy and the removal of the abnormal hippocampus and amygdala.
- She highlights the advancements in epilepsy surgery and the various treatment options available.
Wednesday, April 9th on the next Open Mic with Dr. Stites:
New Hope for Phantom Limb Pain- TMR- Targeted Muscle Reinnervation -- or "TMR” offers new hope for people who struggle with phantom pain. They’ve lost a limb bit still feel pain. Our doctors discuss how TMR works to help people live pain free