Ayer Neuroscience Institute Torrington staff members Heather Thomas, Rosa Pagano, Mayerlline Arias and Samantha Cerruto have completed requirements for Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification awarded by the Epilepsy Foundation.
“Being trained in the very latest Seizure First Aid techniques is a priority for our staff, and we thank them for receiving this important designation.” said Joan Palmer, Regional Practice Director, Hartford Healthcare Medical Group.
Back row, from left, Mayerlline Arias, Samantha Cerruto and Rosa Pagano, with Heather Thomas (front).
When more than care and comfort is needed, first responders and medical professionals find applying seizure first aid helps stop or shorten a seizure or prevent an emergency. This may involve giving a rescue treatment. A seizure occurs when there is a temporary change in the way the brain sends electrical signals when a seizure happens, there is a “short circuit” in the way messages are sent between brain cells. Epilepsy means that a person is at risk for unprovoked recurrent seizures, sometimes caused by brain trauma or lesions, infections of the brain, stroke, genetics, and brain injury at birth.
The Epilepsy Foundation of America offers education and programs to help lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to help accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures and save lives. According to the foundation, one in 26 people in the United States will be diagnosed with epilepsy during their lifetime, affecting 3.4 million nationwide.
Common treatment options for Epilepsy include anti-seizure medications which control seizures in 2 out of 3 people. When medications aren’t enough, there are options like brain surgery, implanted stimulation devices, and medically prescribed diets. Our team is also very focused on helping people with seizure get the most out of life, whether or not seizures are fully controlled.
The newly expanded Ayer Neuroscience Institute at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital is at the Hungerford Center, 780 Litchfield St., Torrington. Neurology services are also offered at the HHC HealthCenter, 80 South Main St., Winsted, on selected days. Neurology services at Charlotte Hungerford Hospital include neurological evaluations, diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nervous system. Local neurologists employ sophisticated diagnostic technology, including CAT Scans, MRIs and PET Scans. This technology is used by our neurologists and pediatric neurologists to perform their evaluations and diagnoses.
Call 860.626.8232 or click here for more information.