Brook Boeck, Sales, Economic & Business Development Analyst and Kansas Cooley, Energy Efficiency & Consumer Programs Coordinator at An Evening for Healers.
SHREVEPORT, La. (Sept. 23) – When Rachel Hogan was diagnosed with severe epilepsy at age 22, multiple medications failed to control her seizures. Through advanced diagnostic testing, including electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring at Ochsner LSU Health, physicians were able to pinpoint where her seizures originated and develop a treatment plan that ultimately led to surgery. Today, Hogan has been seizure-free for two years and has regained her independence and quality of life.
Her story, shared during the 15th Annual An Evening for Healers, an event hosted by the LSU Health Sciences Foundation, on Sept. 10 at the Shreveport Convention Center, illustrates the life-changing impact advanced neurological care can have for patients and families across North Louisiana.
To help more patients access that level of care, the LSU Health Sciences Foundation recently received a grant from the SWEPCO Foundation to support the purchase of advanced EEG monitoring technology for Ochsner LSU Health.
EEG monitoring systems play a critical role in diagnosing and treating patients with epilepsy and other neurological conditions by identifying the precise location where seizures originate in the brain. The technology provides physicians with the data necessary to develop personalized treatment plans and, in some cases, pursue life-changing surgical interventions.
While Ochsner LSU Health currently utilizes EEG monitoring technology, demand for specialized neurological services continues to grow. Additional equipment funded through the grant will help expand patient access, strengthen diagnostic capabilities and support the health system's commitment to delivering advanced neurological care throughout the region.
"Rachel's story demonstrates the life-changing impact this technology can have on patients and their families," said Kevin Flood, president and CEO of the LSU Health Sciences Foundation. "The SWEPCO Foundation's generous support will help ensure more patients have access to advanced EEG monitoring and the specialized care they need."
The SWEPCO Foundation's investment reflects a continued shared commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and supporting innovative medical technologies that directly benefit North Louisiana patients.
"The support we receive from partners like the SWEPCO Foundation enables us to invest in technology, education and innovation that directly improve patient care," Flood said. "Together, we are helping build a healthier future for North Louisiana."