Victor H Gonzalez-Montoya, MD

Biography

A partner for patients with epilepsy and neurologic conditions

Dr. Gonzalez-Montoya loves a challenge—and treatment of epilepsy and seizures is his specialty, particularly those episodes that are hard to control (intractable epilepsy). A dedicated neurologist at VCU Health’s Level 4 Epilepsy Center — a designation indicating the highest level of care in the country – Dr. Gonzalez-Montoya serves as a partner to walk adult patients through the often difficult diagnosis of epilepsy.

“The brain is an amazing organ that we just barely understand—yet at the same time, we are living in an era where the diagnosis and management of neurological diseases are changing dramatically,” says Dr. Gonzalez-Montoya, recipient of the American Academy of Neurology’s AB Baker Teacher Recognition Award in part for his work as the VCU School of Medicine’s epilepsy fellowship director. “There is no better feeling than seeing a patient who has overcome the disease and tells me that they are working again, getting married, starting a new job, driving or dating. These parts of life are exciting when you’re healthy — but they mean even more when you’ve been limited for so long.”

Dr. Gonzalez-Montoya is passionate about the science of helping others in their most vulnerable state, and finding new opportunities for discovery. He is on the forefront of groundbreaking research into epilepsy surgery, high density EEGs (which examines electrical activity in the brain), neurostimulation, and neurofeedback. “This era of diagnosis and management of neurological disease is so exciting, where we are having discussions today around devices to treat brain disease, noninvasive laser procedures, and new medications based on an individual’s genetic profile,” he says. “So what does this all mean for patients? The answer: Never lose hope.”

Outside of his time at VCU Medical Center, Dr. Gonzalez-Montoya enjoys spending time with his family, motorsports and riding his mountain bike.