Neurology is his passion

As more than 3 million people in the United States are currently suffering from epilepsy and the seizures that accompany the disease, Dr. David Steiner, of the Five Towns Neuroscience Research Center in Cedarhurst, is conducting a clinical trial in hopes of minimizing or ridding people of those seizures completely.

Besides his private practice, which includes physical therapy, a sleep clinic and conducting neurodiagnostic testing, Steiner is busy conducting up to six different epilepsy trials in addition to clinical trials in multiple sclerosis, dementia, pain management and neuropathy.

Steiner does, however, have help. For the epilepsy trial, he and his three clinical research coordinators, Maital Stern, Daniella Saffioti and Kevin Morrow, treat those over 16-years-old who have had at least four partial-onset seizures (seizures that do not typically result in unconsciousness) over the past four weeks from when they began treatment.

Stern and the other coordinators make the appointments for study participants, oversee the study’s advertising and complete the required paperwork. “I’m a physicians assistant and I got involved with the study because I was looking for something different and interesting,” Stern said. “Also, a few of my family members have suffered from epilepsy so I wanted to find new medications for them.”

A Chicago native and current Far Rockaway resident, Steiner attended the University of Chicago and Rush Medical College. Throughout his time in Chicago, he became fascinated by physics and was contemplating becoming a double major in chemistry and physics or becoming a Hollywood film director. “I was very much into creativity and quarks,” Steiner said. “But neurology is the coolest thing out there and at the beginning of my clinical in medical school I became very intrigued by neurology.”

Despite his original interest in ophthalmology, Steiner decided to pursue his passion for neurology. Twenty-five years later, Steiner is still conducting clinical trials on everything from pain management, headaches and neurology. Stern said she admires how Steiner is able to work with patients both on an emotional and psychological level.

“The most remarkable thing was when we had a homeless woman come in who was homeless because of the seizures she would have,” Stern said. “She had three kids and Steiner and his staff helped her get off the street, found an apartment for her, provided food stamps for her and her children and gave her the proper medication so she could lead a more normal life.”

Through the epilepsy trial, Steiner and his team will try different regimens for participants to see if new or existing medication will help their seizures. Stern said they would study what the patient is going through so they can better serve them medically. Participants of the study are compensated for their time and transportation. Steiner and his team also do not involve insurance companies in the trials. If you or someone you know is suffering from epilepsy and would like to participate in the study, call 1-888-570-3141, email DrSteiner@ftniresearch.com, visit www.teamepilepsy.com, or call (516) 239-1800 ext 35 or 36.