Children’s Memorial Epilepsy Center offers a comprehensive approach to caring for children with the most complex forms of epilepsy. The program offers sophisticated diagnostic testing, complete evaluation services, multidisciplinary medical and surgical treatment grounded in scientific research, and support services for the unique physiological and developmental needs of children.
Under the direction of Douglas R. Nordli, Jr., MD, the center has achieved national prominence for its research and extensive range of services for children from infancy through young adulthood. It is currently the only comprehensive epilepsy program of its kind in the region. The center’s multidisciplinary team includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, nurses, technologists, social workers, and a dietician specializing in the ketogenic diet. Several neurological specialists at Children’s Memorial conduct research focused on the causes and treatment of epilepsy in children. Learn more here about the surgical options for children with epilepsy.
The large number and variety of patients seen by the center make it an ideal site for the training of pediatric epileptologists. These neurologists undergo training to become expert in the care of children with epilepsy through technology, bedside care and research. Graduates of our resident and fellowship training have gone on to various institutions throughout the United States and abroad where they are extending the reach of our program and advancing the field of pediatric epilepsy.
Living with epilepsy
To promote the highest quality of life for children who suffer from epilepsy, our specialists recognize that it is equally important to address the emotional and developmental concerns that accompany the condition. For instance, nearly 30 percent of the children we see experience emotional or psychological issues such as depression. Beginning as early as infancy, our social workers are available to provide carefully coordinated support therapies to help patients thrive as they grow. Our school services program prepares them for the successful transition to school and full engagement in social activities. The program also reaches out to children’s teachers to help them understand epilepsy and the unique needs of their student with the disorder, supplying them with information on how to act in case of seizure, how to understand the impact of epilepsy on learning, and how to educate students to help them understand and support their classmate.
Additionally, the epilepsy center is developing an adolescent transition program designed to smooth the transition of medical care from specialists with pediatric expertise to those specializing in adult medicine. This comprehensive and individualized approach to care can dramatically improve the long-term quality of life of children with epilepsy.