Updated on Nov. 3, 2025
November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about one of the most common neurological disorders and to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and advanced testing. For the nearly 3.4 million Americans living with epilepsy, timely and accurate evaluation can make a life-changing difference.
At MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, the Neurodiagnostic Lab—accredited by LAB-EEG and Long-Term Monitoring through ABRET—plays a vital role in identifying and managing epilepsy. By combining advanced technology with clinical expertise, we provide neurologists with detailed insights that help tailor treatment plans and improve outcomes for patients.
Understanding Epilepsy and Its Symptoms
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures—sudden surges of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These episodes can vary greatly from person to person, making accurate diagnosis essential.
Common symptoms of epilepsy include:
- Involuntary movements such as jerking, stiffening or loss of muscle control
- Temporary confusion or disorientation
- Changes in awareness or consciousness
- Altered sensations, including tingling, numbness or visual distortions
- Emotional disturbances such as sudden fear or anxiety
Because these symptoms can overlap with other neurological issues, comprehensive neurodiagnostic testing is crucial to confirm whether seizures are present and determine their type and cause.
Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters
As the medical director of the MemorialCare Neuroscience Institute, we have firsthand how early and precise diagnosis transforms epilepsy care. Understanding the cause and pattern of seizures allows us to develop individualized treatment strategies—whether through medication, lifestyle adjustments or surgical options.
Epilepsy is not a one-size-fits-all condition. Some people experience frequent, disruptive seizures, while others have rare or subtle episodes. Advanced neurodiagnostic testing provides the clarity needed to guide treatment and improve quality of life.
Inside the Neurodiagnostic Lab at Long Beach Medical Center
Our Neurodiagnostic Lab offers a comprehensive suite of non-invasive tests designed to evaluate brain activity, nerve function and blood flow. These studies help us detect abnormalities and understand how the nervous system is functioning as a whole.
Electroencephalogram (EEG) Testing
The EEG is one of the most important tools for diagnosing epilepsy. This painless test records electrical activity in the brain using small sensors, or electrodes, placed on the scalp. The results show brainwave patterns that can reveal abnormal electrical signals associated with seizures or other neurological conditions.
At Long Beach Medical Center, we offer several specialized EEG services:
- Routine EEG: A short-term test that assesses general brain function.
- Long-Term Monitoring EEG: Extended observation to capture intermittent seizure activity that might not appear during a brief session.
- Ambulatory EEG: A portable test that records brain activity as patients go about their daily activities.
- Continuous Critical Care EEG: Real-time monitoring used in intensive care units.
Because seizures can be unpredictable, long-term or continuous EEG monitoring often provides the most valuable information to guide diagnosis and treatment planning.
A Standard of Excellence in Neurodiagnostic Testing
MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center is among only seven hospitals in California to receive the ABRET Long-Term Monitoring accreditation, distinguishing them as leaders in epilepsy care across Southern California.
The Neurodiagnostic Lab recently earned this five-year Long-Term Monitoring accreditation from ABRET Neurodiagnostic Credentialing and Accreditation, a nonprofit credentialing board that sets the standard for neurodiagnostic excellence. This recognition follows the hospitals’ five-year ABRET-EEG accreditation awarded last year—underscoring their ongoing commitment to quality and innovation in epilepsy diagnostics.
EEG testing plays a vital role in diagnosing neurological conditions like epilepsy and monitoring brain activity during surgical procedures. The new Long-Term Monitoring accreditation highlights the lab’s advanced capabilities in managing acute epilepsy cases and delivering high-quality neurodiagnostic care.
The Laboratory Accreditation Board of ABRET awards this distinction to labs that uphold rigorous standards, maintain comprehensive protocols and demonstrate professionalism through a peer-reviewed evaluation process.
Hospitals with both LAB-EEG and Long-Term Monitoring accreditations are recognized for their clinical excellence and patient-centered care. ABRET is internationally respected as the premier credentialing organization for neurodiagnostic professionals, and its accreditations are among the factors U.S. News & World Report uses to evaluate pediatric neurology and neurosurgery programs.
Behind every test and accreditation are the neurodiagnostic technologists, whose skill and compassion ensure each procedure is performed with precision and care. These professionals prepare patients for EEG and nerve studies, monitor brainwave activity, assist neurologists in identifying abnormalities and support patients through long monitoring sessions with expertise and empathy.
Advancing Epilepsy Care Through Expertise and Technology
At MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center, timely and accurate diagnosis is at the heart of epilepsy care. With advanced neurodiagnostic tools and a dedicated team, we can detect subtle brain abnormalities, guide treatment decisions and help patients achieve greater seizure control. For anyone experiencing unexplained seizures or neurological symptoms, early evaluation can lead to faster answers and more effective treatment.
About Nima Ramezan-Arab, M.D., medical director, MemorialCare Neuroscience Institute, Long Beach Medical Center:
Dr. Ramezan is Board Certified in Neurology, Vascular Neurology, Clinical Neurophysiology, and Neurocritical Care. He earned dual degrees — a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology — from the University of California, Irvine, where he also completed his Medical Degree at the College of Medicine. He went on to complete his internship, neurology residency, and fellowship in Clinical Neurophysiology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.
He serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine and has contributed to the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at Harbor-UCLA. Passionate about teaching, he was honored with the “Outstanding Voluntary Clinical Instructor” award in 2009.
Currently, Dr. Ramezan is the Medical Director of the Neuroscience and Stroke Program at Long Beach Medical Center and Memorial Neuroscience Institute. He collaborates closely with nursing and staff to enhance patient care and program quality.
He has participated in clinical trials for Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, migraine, and Parkinson’s disease. His special interests include Stroke and Epilepsy, with a focus on critical care management. He routinely performs Nerve Conduction Studies/EMGs, interprets EEGs, and is certified in Neurosonology and Transcranial Doppler interpretation. In 2022, he was recognized as a Top Los Angeles Doctor by the Los Angeles Business Journal. He is fluent in English and Farsi.