Epilepsy

This type of seizure causes a child to lose consciousness before falling to the ground with muscle spasms. Also called a grand mal seizure, generalized tonic-clonic seizures typically make children feel tired afterward.

This form of seizure causes children to pause and stare off into space. Children may also blink fast or engage in other movements.

Myoclonic seizures are marked by rapid jerking movements.

Starting in a single area of the brain, this type of focal seizure does not cause loss of consciousness. These seizures can have motor or sensory symptoms depending on where they start.

Also starting in a single area of the brain but involving a wider area, this type of focal seizure causes loss of consciousness.

Also known as benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS), this condition causes seizures that children usually outgrow.

A severe form of epilepsy, infantile spasms affect a baby’s development.

This condition causes multiple types of seizures as well as intellectual disability.

Also known as severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (SMEI), this syndrome can cause episodes of continuous seizure that require emergency care.

Also known as myoclonic astatic epilepsy (MAE), this disorder causes drop seizures and staring seizures.

The most common method of diagnosing epilepsy, an EEG measures brain activity using small electrodes (discs) placed on the scalp. We offer both inpatient and outpatient EEG testing, as well as ambulatory or in-home EEG to make extended testing more comfortable for your child. Outpatient EEG takes one to two hours, while inpatient EEG can last 24 to 96 hours. For children needing prolonged outpatient EEG monitoring, we will provide equipment your child can wear at home.

This procedure combines X-rays with computer technology to create detailed brain images. During the scan, your child will need to lie on a small table that slides through a large doughnut-shaped machine. A CT scan takes about 30 minutes.

This type of scan uses radio waves and powerful magnets to create detailed brain images. For an MRI, your child will lie on a small table that slides into a tunnel-shaped machine. An MRI takes approximately 40 minutes, possibly longer when a child requires sedation. We have technology available so your child can watch a movie during the MRI.

Anti-seizure medication is the most common treatment for epilepsy. Dozens of these medications exist. Our specialists will work with you to find the most effective one for your child. Our online MyChart platform makes it easy to email your child’s doctor 24/7 to request refills, ask questions and perform other tasks.

If anti-seizure drugs stop working, surgery may help control seizures. Our pediatric neurosurgeons can implant a vagus nerve stimulator device. This device sends electrical signals to the brain through the vagus nerve in the lower neck, often reducing seizures and lowering the required medication dosages. Learn more about pediatric neurosurgery.

In cases where seizures do not respond to standard treatment, we may consider referrals for other complex epilepsy surgical procedures.

Some children respond well to specialized diets like the ketogenic or modified Atkins diets, which are high in fat and low in carbohydrates. In these cases, we work with dietitians to create a personalized diet that meets your child’s needs.