Nemours

Epilepsy Program

The Epilepsy Program takes a team approach to the evaluation and treatment of children with seizure disorders. A pediatric neurologist and advanced practice nurse work with patients and their families to provide an individualized plan of care that will allow patients to participate to their full potential in school, family, community, and social activities.

The Epilepsy Program uses medication therapy as the main method of seizure management, striving to control seizures while minimizing the side effects of medication regimens. To this end, the Epilepsy Program staff is experienced in the initiation, management, and discontinuation of a wide range of seizure medications, including new anticonvulsant medications.

Patients whose seizures are refractory to medication therapy may be evaluated for the vagal nerve stimulator or the ketogenic diet. The vagal nerve stimulator is an implanted device that delivers intermittent electrical stimulation to the brain, via the vagal nerve, in an attempt to prevent seizures. The ketogenic diet is a highly restrictive, high fat, low carbohydrate diet that requires ongoing care with the neurologist and our dietitian. These treatments are typically supplemental therapies.

Through the duPont Hospital for Childrens affiliation with Thomas Jefferson University, the Epilepsy Program also provides evaluation for inpatient monitoring and epilepsy surgery at the Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, directed by Michael Sperling, MD

Services Available:

  • Routine electroencephalography (EEG)
  • Ambulatory EEG
  • Inpatient video EEG
  • Neuroimaging studies [magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT)]
  • Lab testing (blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid)
  • Medication therapy
  • Ketogenic dietary management
  • Vagal nerve stimulation

Additional Resources:

The Epilepsy Program provides patients and their families with a variety of educational materials, and refers patients and family members to outside information sources such as:

 


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