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Surgery - NYU vs Yale vs Mayo vs Johns Hopkins

Tue, 04/19/2011 - 03:58

I'm 28, I've had epilepsy since 13 or 14 for no good reason.

I've been going to NYU for the last 3 years (doctor #3) and they've run me through the last few pills I hadn't been on. I don't think I can go any further on that front.

I've had one Video EEG at NYU, not much happened but they didn't lower my medications nearly enough in my opinion.

Epilepsy has been destroying my life and my mind the last 3 years. So at this point I want another Video EEG and surgery if it's a possible option.

  • I could stick with NYU
  • Everyone has heard of the Mayo Clinic of course
  • I found Johns Hopkins rated #1 in neurosurgery in US News health
  • And Yale university medical center has some what seems to be some advanced techniques.

So I can't afford to go running to all these places. Truth is I can afford anything really, epilepsy has killed my career and eaten all my money. My family is supporting me.

So the question is where do I want to go next hopefully get surgery and get my life back on track.

Opinions?

 Thanks,

Kenny

Comments

Re: Surgery - NYU vs Yale vs Mayo vs Johns Hopkins

Submitted by phylisfjohnson on Wed, 2011-04-20 - 12:52
Well Kenny, as you know, according to the annual US News & World Report's annual survey, the best hospitals for neurology are: #1 Johns Hopkins, #2 Mayo Clinic, #3 Mass General, #4 NYU, #5 USC, #6 Cleveland Clinic, etc. You may not know is that as valuable as a Video EEG is, if you're not undergoing a seizure during the test, the results can be doubtful. And there is an article in NPR about Hospitals Criticized For Keeping Quiet On Charity Care http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126532508&ft=1&f=1001 And there is The Hill-Burton Act -- a federal program which requires “obligated facilities” (health care facilities including hospitals) that have used federal money for facility reconstruction or modernization to provide free or low-cost health care services to people living in the facility’s area who cannot afford to pay for the services. To be eligible, a person must not be covered by, nor receive services under, a third-party insurer or a governmental program such as Medicaid or Medicare. http://epilepsytalk.com/2010/02/12/free-or-reduced-cost-medical-care/ And if all else fails, you could call your local EFA (on the main page, you can just key in your zip code) for advice and recommendations Good luck and i hope your problems are resolved. Phylis Feiner Johnson www.epilepsytalk.com

Re: Surgery - NYU vs Yale vs Mayo vs Johns Hopkins

Submitted by David Brown on Thu, 2011-05-05 - 00:11
Hi Kenny, I am about to have a left Hippocampectomy at Mayo Jacksonville, FL. They have been very good to me through all the tests I have been through. I have had a 4 day Video EEG, several MRIs, PET scan, WADA test, EEGs, neurophysiology tests, and probably a couple I can't remember. I have always been very happy with them and would recommend them to anyone I know, they are great. I have been to three hospitals around jacksonville before I went to Mayo Clinic. I hope everything works out for you in the best circumstances.

Re: Surgery - NYU vs Yale vs Mayo vs Johns Hopkins

Submitted by Matt74 on Fri, 2011-05-06 - 00:17
You can check out Beth Israel / Deaconess Hospital in Boston.

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