Epilepsy is a group of neurological diseases characterized by epileptic seizures. Seizures are episodes that can vary from brief and nearly undetectable to long periods of vigorous shaking. The best news is there has been great advancements in the treatment and management of epilepsy, according to Gulshan Oberoi, MD in Laurel, who received his fellowship in neuro-physiology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan.

Gulshan Oberoi, MD   Neurologist

Dr. Oberoi joined the medical staff at South Central Regional Medical Center in August, and has been a great addition to the health care team. Even though he specializes in epilepsy, he is also a practicing neurologist. He is seeing epilepsy patients’ ages 9 years of age and up.

Dr. Oberoi grew up in a small town in India where his parents were both physicians. He said, “I remember seeing children and adults have seizures and others looked down on them. I decided then that I wanted to be a physician and help people with epilepsy one day.” Today, he is fulfilling his dream by taking care of patients in Laurel who travel throughout a broad region to receive care in Laurel. After I made the decision to come to South Central, I talked with hospital administration about the importance of establishing an epilepsy monitoring unit. I am pleased that we have the program in place and patients are benefiting from the program,” he said. “Once epilepsy is managed it changes people’s lives. My goal is to make patients feel better and give them the best I can. To help people who suffer get better is rewarding,” he said. South Central Regional Medical Center is one of only two hospitals in the state of Mississippi to offer this highly specialized care.

The cause of most cases of epilepsy is unknown, although some people develop epilepsy as the result of brain surgery, stroke, brain tumors, infections of the brain, and birth defects. Epileptic seizures are the result of excessive and abnormal nerve cell activity in the cortex of the brain. The diagnosis involves ruling out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Epilepsy can often be confirmed with an electroencephalogram (EEG).

More than 22 million have epilepsy. The disease is more common as people age. “Epilepsy is like a short circuiting in the brain. It can be managed effectively for most patients if not all. Most can be managed with one or two medications.” Dr. Oberoi said.

Dr. Oberoi’s neurology and epilepsy practice is located at Jefferson Medical Associates in Laurel. South Central Regional Medical Center’s Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and consists of two adult beds. The EMU is conveniently located within the Intensive Care Unit at SCRMC. To make an appointment, please call 601-649-2863.