Epilepsy is a disorder that causes seizures or convulsions due to abnormal activity of brain cells, called neurons. The disorder may be caused by head injury, trauma, brain tumors or infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis. Conditions at birth or before birth also may lead to epilepsy, including an insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain, bleeding in the brain or abnormal blood vessels. But in many cases, the cause is unknown.
Some types of epilepsy run in families and have been tied to specific genes. Epilepsy may occur at any age, but it typically develops in early childhood.
The Epilepsy Center at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital is dedicated to the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of infants, children and adolescents with epilepsy. Our neurologists and neurosurgeons are among the nation's leading epilepsy experts and will work closely with you to identify the specific type of seizure affecting your child and develop the best possible treatment plan.
Most children with epilepsy experience more than one type of seizure. The two types of seizures are generalized or partial, depending on the part of the brain where a seizure is triggered.
Generalized seizures result from electrical impulses arising from the entire brain. They typically occur without warning. There are six types of generalized seizures.
In the United States, about 2 million people have epilepsy, including 300,000 children under the age of 14.
To determine if your child has the condition, a team of doctors and other medical professionals at the UCSF Epilepsy Center will assess your child's medical condition and determine the type of seizures your child is having. This information is essential in determining the best treatment for your child.
The first step is documenting your child's medical history as well as your immediate family's medical history. We will ask many questions about what occurs when your child has a seizure. Some of the questions will include:
Your child's team of doctors and health professionals will design a treatment plan for your child's specific needs, a plan that may include more than one kind of treatment. Your child also may be referred to additional doctors or other medical professionals.
Most medical treatments involve some risks or complications. We will explain possible risks or complications related to your child's treatments. Feel free to ask questions about your child's treatment.
In many cases, seizures can be successfully prevented with medications. The type of medication your child will receive depends on many factors. Your child's neurologist will explain how the medication should be taken and the side effects that may occur. Over time, your child's medication regimen may be changed. It is very important that your child take the medication exactly as directed. Call your neurologist if you have any questions about the medications or if your child is experiencing unexpected side effects.
Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.
Last updated
September 27, 2011
Epilepsy Center
400 Parnassus Ave., Suite A-889
San Francisco, CA 94143
Phone: (415) 353-8164
Fax: (415) 353-3573
Appointment information
Neurointensive Care Nursery
505 Parnassus Ave., 15th floor
San Francisco, CA 94143
Phone: (415) 353-1565
Fax: (415) 353-1202