Joseph I. Sirven, M.D.

Location

SUMMARY

The research of Joseph I. Sirven, M.D., pertains to all facets of the diagnosis and management of seizures and epilepsy. Dr. Sirven focuses mostly on drug-resistant epilepsy, particularly surgical management, as well as the use of devices for treating epilepsy. Managing seizure emergencies such as status epilepticus, or preventing seizure clusters, is of particular interest to him.

Focus areas

• All facets of seizures in older adults. Dr. Sirven has studied various therapeutic modalities in this age group including, epilepsy surgery, electrical stimulation and anti-epileptic drugs. Currently, he is involved in evaluating the impact of anti-seizure drugs on balance function.
• Social issues pertaining to epilepsy. Dr. Sirven has studied extensively the stigma of epilepsy as it is portrayed in the media. This has prompted the writing of laws on the topic for the Federal Aviation Administration and laws on complementary and alternative medicine for epilepsy.
• Social determinants of health in epilepsy. Dr. Sirven has published multiple papers on social determinants of health and its impact on epilepsy. He also published a book on the topic.
• Seizures in the Hispanic population. Over ten years ago, Dr. Sirven published the first national survey focusing on attitudes and knowledge about epilepsy and seizures among Hispanic populations in the U.S. His research is ongoing in this endeavor.
• New therapeutic modalities for seizure treatment. Dr. Sirven is actively studying devices that deliver electrical stimulation for epilepsy. Additionally, he has several research trials of new anti-seizure medications.

Significance to patient care

A common clinical goal for patients with epilepsy is to have a good to excellent quality of life with seizures either well controlled or predictable. As such, Dr. Sirven's research aims to discover methods that completely control seizures or to find ways for patients to experience a quality of life in which seizures become less of an issue. His research focuses on devices designed either to predict seizures or to control them. He also explores ways to lessen the stigma of seizures.

Professional highlights

• American Academy of Neurology.
  • Education chair, 2019-present.
  • Board of directors, 2019-present.
• Editor in chief, Brain & Life en Español, 2018-present.
• Board of directors, American Brain Foundation, 2017-2019.
• Epilepsy examination author, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, 2012-2019.
• Chair, Communications Council, American Epilepsy Society, 2015-2018.
• Epilepsy Foundation of America.
  • Editor in chief, Epilepsy.com, 2010-2018.
  • Chair, Professional Advisory Board, 2010-2012.
  • Chair, Seniors and Seizures Task Force, 2007-2010.
• Distinguished Educator of the Year, Mayo Clinic, 2017.
• Member, Committee on the Public Health Dimension of the Epilepsies, Institute of Medicine, 2012.