Saint Francis Neurosciences Institute Epilepsy Center accredited as Level 3 Epilepsy Center

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The Saint Francis Healthcare System Neurosciences Institute Epilepsy Center received accreditation as a Level 3 Epilepsy Center.

The accreditation comes from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC).

Nearly 3.5 million people across the United States are affected by active epilepsy.

It is classified as a pathology of the brain that causes a tendency to have recurrent seizures.

Epilepsy can come from different areas of the brain with multiple methods of treatment.

“This is a substantial achievement for the Saint Francis Epilepsy Center,” said Mark E. Farrenburg, MD, neurologist and epileptologist at Saint Francis. “This accreditation really
sets Saint Francis apart from other hospital systems in the area and is a testament to the high level of care our program provides.”

Level 3 is the highest level for centers who do not perform epilepsy surgery directly.

The Saint Francis Healthcare System Neurosciences Institute Epilepsy Center is the only center between St. Louis and Memphis that brings the capabilities and services usually reserved only for larger cities, including an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, ICU continuous EEG monitoring capabilities, routine and ambulatory EEG, 3T epilepsy protocol MRI, neuropsychology services and management of neuromodulary devices such as RNS, DBS and VNS.

In cases of medication resistant epilepsy, the Saint Francis Epilepsy Center performs local epilepsy surgery evaluations and develops a joint surgical plan with outside surgery centers while remaining involved throughout the process.

“Receiving accreditation from the NAEC marks a significant milestone for the Saint Francis Epilepsy Center, distinguishing Saint Francis as a leader in epilepsy care,” said Lisa Newcomer, RRT, MBA, FACHE, Vice President of Regional Operations for Saint Francis. “This achievement reflects our dedication to expanding access to top-tier services and is a testament to our ongoing efforts to deliver exceptional care to every patient we serve.”

“I hope this recognition helps us expand our reach and provide excellent care to every single epilepsy patient in the region,” said Farrenburg.