Epilepsy Program

The Pediatric Epilepsy Center of Excellence specializes in diagnosing and treating children of all ages, from newborns to teens, with epilepsy. Our team includes pediatric epileptologists (pediatric neurologists with advanced training in epilepsy care), as well as pediatric neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, dietitians, social workers and others with expertise in treating and supporting patients with seizure disorders.

Our center specializes in seizure disorders that don't respond to standard treatments and in rare forms of epilepsy including: neonatal seizures, infantile spasms, Dravet syndrome (SCN1A), PCDH19 epilepsy and gelastic (laughing) seizures. The comprehensive range of services we offer has earned our San Francisco clinic a level four rating – the highest possible rating – from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers.

Controlling a seizure disorder starts with the right diagnosis. To that end, our doctors use the most advanced diagnostic testing available, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional MRI, positron emission tomography (PET) scans, magnetoencephalography (MEG) scans and neuropsychological testing. For cases that are difficult to diagnose, we may use electrical studies to record and examine brain waves on the scalp or on the brain surface.

Our goal is to develop the best possible treatment plan for each child. We draw on the full range of therapy options, including medications, customized ketogenic diets, surgical procedures, laser ablation, and implant devices such as the vagus nerve stimulator and responsive neurostimulator.