(This article is set to run in the Mount Pleasant SC newspaper on 1/1/14)
Dr. "Rusty" Turner
People Making a
Difference
“Meteorologist of the Mind”
Dr. Robert "Rusty" Turner
By David Emch
Disorders of the brain have plagued
mankind since the beginning, with one of the most prevalent being
epilepsy. In 500 BC, the era of
Pythagoras, Alcmaeon of Croton first theorized that the brain was the center of
intelligence and the senses. The first known
book written on the topic was by Hippocrates in 400 BC in which he refuted that
epilepsy was a divine curse and advanced the idea that it was a disease with
natural causes. However, it wasn’t until
2500 years later in the early 1900’s that we realized the workings of the brain
were electrical in nature, and not until 1929 that Hans Berger showed that
brain wave activity could be recorded and mapped.
Since that time, epilepsy treatments have
primarily used powerful anti-seizure drugs and sometimes invasive surgery in a
mostly vain attempt to repress seizures. At their best, these approaches never
cured epilepsy, they simply serve as a sort of symptom management. Amazingly, up until just twenty years ago
there were laws on the books – right here in the USA - that prevented those
with epilepsy from marrying, and even more incredibly forced sterilization was
legal in numerous states clear up to 1990.
But we stand at the dawn of a new era in our understanding of the brain
and its various glitches that bedevil us.
Modern technology allows very specific
non-invasive (no needles or cutting) mapping of the electromagnetic activity
and networking among all parts of the brain.
From this data patterns are emerging that clearly show the difference
between normal and abnormal brain activity, as well as demonstrating the
importance of understanding the connections throughout the brain and how they
relate to healthy and unhealthy function.
Researchers from all over the world are using this data to develop
techniques to more effectively treat brain malfunction without resorting to
invasive surgery or powerful drugs and incurring the consequences of the
numerous side effects they bring. And
one of the pioneers at the fore-front of this effort is our own Dr. Robert
“Rusty” Turner, MD, MSCR.
Dr. Turner has worked with MUSC for 16
years, becoming a Tenured Associate Professor of Neuroscience and Pediatrics,
and also serving as director of the Pediatric Epilepsy Program and as medical
director of Clinical Neurophysiological Services. During this time, he has collaborated with
other colleagues on the cutting edge of diagnosis and treatment throughout the
United States, Europe, China, South Africa, and Mexico. These past six months,
he took a sabbatical from MUSC to visit these other researchers, and is
currently in the process of opening a comprehensive, integrative clinic and
research facility here in Charleston.
You don’t have to spend much time with Rusty to realize that he is
genuinely a humble man, but just beneath the kind and gentle demeanor lies a
burning passion to be of service to his fellow human beings.
“Through digital analysis techniques of
electroencephalography (EEG and QEEG brain wave sensing systems) we have found
that certain brain networks can get locked into abnormal patterns of
electro-magnetic activity and basically hi-jack other cells, ultimately causing an electrical brain-storm
of sorts that results in a seizure” says Rusty.
“However, techniques have developed over the past few decades that can help
restore healthy balance between these neural networks. In essence, we are training the brain to
restore healthy functioning, and then to continue to function properly.
"Increasingly, scientific,
peer-reviewed journals, clinical research, and anecdotal data are showing
either a complete elimination or dramatic improvement in symptoms in over 75%
of patients with a wide variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Peer-reviewed literature is confirming that
as the brain heals, the need for medications is often eliminated or greatly
reduced. However, unlike physical
training, this training of the brain may become long-lasting and permanent –
once it is done, the positive benefits remain without further direct training. Imagine the difference this will make - just
in the United States where over 2 million of our fellows suffer from this
previously incurable disease. It is currently estimated that over 65 million
people in the world experience seizures and epilepsy, and over a third suffer
from seizures which are uncontrolled by medication, diet, or surgery.”
Epilepsy is but the beach-head of this
exciting breakthrough. Non-invasive neuro-therapies are showing great promise
in other neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injury, ADD/ADHD and
stroke recovery as well. Says Rusty:
“The goal of our neurology practice is to serve patients with nervous system
disorders, as well as their families, with a growing model that acknowledges
physiological, psychological, and spiritual dimensions. There are three prongs to this effort. First, the clinical work that deals directly
with the patient and their family focusing on both health and relational
restoration. Second, the educational
prong that mentors medical students and provides training to physicians and
other allied health students and professionals.
The third prong is research, which through clinical studies and
collaboration with other researchers throughout the world will serve to improve
these techniques.”
There are fewer than 10 BCIA-certified
(Board Certification International Alliance) practitioners in South Carolina
who provide training with neuro-feedback and biofeedback. Dr. Turner and his
growing team will be the only BCIA-certified practice offering these techniques
in the Low Country, and word is traveling quickly through the grapevine. The
clinic, Network Neurology, isn’t slated to open until late January, but the
pleas from desperate families pour in daily. (Practice updates will soon be
posted at www.NetworkNeurology.com.)
How far will these techniques and this
research go to alleviate human suffering on this planet? Well, this reporter is so convinced of its
potential that I am dedicating the next three years of my life to raising funds
to assist the effort.
David Emch is a Mount Pleasant photographer
and author who is currently beginning a three year journey around the perimeter
of the United States, writing articles and performing speaking engagements in
order raise awareness and funds to drive this cure for epilepsy. The Moultrie News will be featuring an
article by Mr. Emch each week. You can
follow his journey and contribute to this effort at CaptureAmerica.blogspot.com
and www.CaptureAmericaJournal.blogspot.com.
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