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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.

Our locations (3)

    Awards & recognition

    • Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties

    • One of the nation's best in neurology & neurosurgery

    • in NIH funding among U.S. neurology programs

    • Accredited level 4 epilepsy center (National Association of Epilepsy Centers)

    Plan your visit

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    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your child's condition
    • List of medications, including dosages, plus any your child is allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

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    Your Stay

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    Your Child's Care Team

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

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    A Study of Soticlestat as an Add-on Therapy in Children and Adults With Dravet Syndrome or Lenn...

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    Decorative Caduceus

    A Study of Soticlestat as an Add-on Therapy in Children and Young Adults With Dravet Syndrome

    Convulsive seizure frequency per 28 days is defined as total number of convulsive seizures reported during the period divided by number of days during the period seizures were assessed multiplied by 28. Percent change from Baselin...

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    Decorative Caduceus

    A Study of Soticlestat as an Add-on Therapy in Children, Teenagers, and Adults With Lennox-Gast...

    MMD seizure frequency per 28 days is defined as total number of MMD seizures reported during the period divided by number of days during the period seizures were assessed multiplied by 28. Percent change from Baseline will be defi...

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    Art Therapy

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    School Re-Entry Program

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    Individual Playtime & Instruction

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    Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance

    Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.

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    Parent Support Program

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    Spiritual Care

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    International Services

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