
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)
Our team
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Joseph E. Sullivan
MD
Pediatric neurologist and epilepsy specialist -
Kurtis I. Auguste
MD
Pediatric neurosurgeon -
Danilo Bernardo
MD
Pediatric neurologist and epilepsy specialist -
Khyati Brahmbhatt
MD
Pediatric psychiatrist -
Marisa Gardner
MD
Pediatric neurologist and epilepsy specialist -
Ernesto Gonzalez-Giraldo
MD
Pediatric neurologist and epilepsy specialist -
Nalin Gupta
MD, PhD
Pediatric neurosurgeon -
Winson S. Ho
MD
Pediatric neurosurgeon -
Ali Mostajelean
MD
Pediatric neurologist and epilepsy specialist -
Adam L. Numis
MD
Pediatric neurologist and epilepsy specialist -
Roxanne Simmons
MD
Pediatric neurologist and epilepsy specialist -
Nilika Shah Singhal
MD
Pediatric neurologist and epilepsy specialist -
Nicolle Napier-Ionascu
PsyD
Neuropsychologist -
Brianna M. Paul
PhD
Neuropsychologist -
Kristin Adkins
RN, BSN
Nurse coordinator -
Elizabeth DaCosta
PA-C, MPH
Physician assistant -
Desiree Dieste
MSW, MPH
Pediatric social worker -
Sarianne H. Madsen
RD
Dietitian -
Marian Roan
RD, MPH
Dietitian -
Camron Scott
RN, BSN
Nurse -
Nicole M. Tilton
NP, MSN
Nurse practitioner
Awards & recognition
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Ranked among the nation's best in 10 specialties
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One of the nation's best in neurology & neurosurgery
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in NIH funding among U.S. neurology programs
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Accredited level 4 epilepsy center (National Association of Epilepsy Centers)
Plan your visit
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
Clinical trials
Evaluating the Role of Inflammation in Neonatal Epileptogenesis
Investigators will evaluate the seizure burden from the initial diagnostic electroencephalogram (EEG) after birth by determining the average number of seizures per hour.
Recruiting
More about this studyOur research initiatives
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Saving future lives
500+ UCSF investigators are researching cures for hundreds of childhood and adult diseases.
