Dr. Andrew Wilner: Healing Epilepsy Patients and Empowering Physicians Through Innovation

Epilepsy remains one of the most common yet misunderstood neurological conditions, affecting approximately 50 million people globally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Despite advances in treatment and diagnostics, stigma, misdiagnosis, and lack of awareness continue to challenge patients and healthcare systems alike.

In a recent episode of Khan Klinics, hosted by Dr. Amir Khan and powered by American Muslim Today, neurologist and author Dr. Andrew Wilner joined the discussion to shed light on epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries, and the growing role of locum tenens in modern medicine.

Dr. Wilner, a board-certified internist and neurologist, currently serves as Associate Professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. With over four decades of experience, he is also a prolific author and medical broadcaster.

Dr. Andrew Wilner

Understanding Epilepsy: A Silent, Often Misunderstood Condition 

Dr. Wilner, who has treated patients with epilepsy for decades, explained how difficult the condition can be to recognize, especially in children. While generalized seizures are dramatic and easily identified, others are subtle and often mistaken for inattention or daydreaming.

“There’s a child who’s inattentive in class… 99% of the time it’s because the child isn’t paying attention, but 1% of the time, it’s because that child is having an absence seizure,” Dr. Wilner noted. He emphasized the value of EEGs and neurological consultations when symptoms persist or when there’s a family history of epilepsy.

For patients and families seeking a reliable, accessible resource, Dr. Wilner offers a deeper exploration in his book Epilepsy: 199 Answers: A Doctor Responds to His Patients’ Questions. Drawing on years of clinical experience, the book provides clear, compassionate explanations about diagnosis, treatment options, medications, and long-term management, making it a trusted guide for anyone navigating life with seizures.

Brain Trauma and the Ripple Effect of Violence

During the conversation, Dr. Khan brought up Dr. Wilner’s book, Bullets and Brains, which explores the long-term effects of gunshot wounds to the brain. Dr. Wilner explained how such injuries cause far more damage than just the bullet’s path.

 “There’s a wave of damage… like when you throw a stone in the pond and see those ripples,” he said, emphasizing how the force of the bullet disrupts brain tissue well beyond the entry point.

To illustrate the real-life impact, Dr. Khan compared two high-profile cases: former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai—both survivors of gunshot wounds to the head. While both women survived and went on to rebuild their lives, the differences in their outcomes highlighted how age, injury severity, and brain resilience can influence recovery. 

Dr. Wilner noted that although modern surgery can stabilize such injuries, “we don’t yet have a way to help the brain truly heal.”

Demystifying Laser Ablation and Other Treatment Options

The discussion transitioned into modern treatments such as laser ablation, a minimally invasive surgical technique used for epilepsy. Dr. Wilner explained how the method allows doctors to target and destroy seizure-causing tissue without extensive craniotomy.

“If it were me and I had the choice… I’d probably say, ‘You know what? Let’s start with a laser. If it doesn’t work, we can always do it the old-fashioned way,” he stated.

Why Locum Tenens Could Be the Future of Medicine

Dr. Khan then shifted focus to Dr. Wilner’s experience with locum tenens—temporary physician roles that allow doctors to fill in where needed, often on a short-term basis. 

Dr. Wilner, who authored The Locum Life, discussed how he used locum work to support his writing and travel. He described it as a lifestyle that grants freedom and flexibility, particularly for mid-career or retiring physicians.

“When you show up… you’re going to take some of the burden [off] the people who are already busy,” he said, reflecting on the mutual benefit locums bring to healthcare facilities and professionals.

He also offered career advice to young physicians: “You have to be nice, available, and able,” encouraging new graduates to build confidence and business skills if they choose the locums path.

As the episode concluded, Dr. Wilner offered a hopeful message to both patients and physicians.

For those living with epilepsy, he emphasized the importance of seeking treatment. “We have very effective treatments — and doctors who are ready to help.”

And for doctors feeling stuck or burned out, he encouraged exploration.

“If you're thinking about trying something new, whether you're just starting, mid-career, or planning your transition into retirement, locum tenens is worth considering,” he said.