The Medical College of Georgia has been awarded the highest honor in the nation for its epilepsy program. Advanced technology and a determined staff are helping people from across the country.

Bonnie McElwayne and her 32-year-old daughter Pennie traveled to MCG from North Carolina hoping for answers to help control Penny’s seizures.

“Over the years it’s been in and out of hospitals, emergency rooms, in and out of clinics, medications, we’ve gone through the whole regiment,” says McElwayne.

Pennie has had seizures for 30 years. Before MCG, she had a device put in her chest to make the seizures and recovery shorter, but until now doctors haven’t found the source.

“Pointed in some direction that we can reduce the seizures, maybe become totally seizure free, whatever might be possible,” said McElwayne.

“We are very optimistic we can find a seizure focus and go after it accurately without causing any significant deficit to her,” said Dr. Ki Lee, Epileptologist and director of MCG’s Epilepsy Program.

Doctors used a specially equipped room to monitor Pennie 24 hours a day. With EEG technology they were able to capture her seizure on video to see where it begins in her brain. Then they’ll use MRI technology to determine if surgery is possible.

“We have seen patients who have been suffering 20 years, 30 years, having seizures, no jobs, no education, get the surgery done. Then they get cured,” said Dr. Lee.

In fact, at MCG 70 to 80 percent are cured after surgery, the rest significantly reduce seizures. Those are inspiring statistics for Pennie.

“The wristband I wear is from the Epilepsy Foundation and it says think positive and this is one point in time where yes, we’re thinking positive,” said McElwayne.

For answers that could finally change Pennie’s life for good.

MCG is the only epilepsy program in Georgia or South Carolina to earn this designation. Facilities must meet extensive equipment, staffing and surgical standards to qualify.