Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes seizures (when someone has a brief episode of staring into space, shaking uncontrollably or even collapsing). A seizure happens when there’s abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Nemours pediatric neurologists use the most effective, proven medications and treatments to help control and prevent seizures in kids, so they can do what kids do best — play, laugh and grow into the healthiest adults they can be.

Learn More About Epilepsy and Seizures 

There are many different kinds of seizures — some are more noticeable (whole body shaking) than others (seeing things that are not there or having strong emotions). 

Our pediatric neurologists see a full spectrum of conditions that can cause seizures — far too many to list here. The conditions we treat vary depending upon the location and providers selected. Don’t see a condition listed? Call us.

• benign rolandic epilepsy — involves twitching, numbness, drooling and trouble speaking
• childhood absence epilepsy — looks like your child is just staring off into space, and may happen many times a day
• infantile spasms — includes seizures or spasms that make muscles in the arms and legs stiff, and can bend your baby's head forward
• intractable epilepsy — when seizures can't be controlled by medicines, and need a special diet or surgery
• juvenile myoclonic epilepsy — involves jerking of the arms, legs and body, and loss of awareness during the seizures
• Lennox-Gastaut syndrome — includes several different kinds of seizures and some degree of intellectual disability
• temporal lobe epilepsy — your child may stare off, have trouble speaking, and may even jerk a bit

We offer a variety of diagnostic and treatment services to determine whether your child has a form of epilepsy or if the seizures have some other cause. These services may vary depending on the condition or location, including:

• a thorough neurological examination
• blood tests
• electroencephalography/EEG (wires attached to your child's head with glue record electrical activity in the brain)
• imaging tests (CT or "CAT" scan, MRI and PET scans to look for brain/vessel malformations, tumors or scar tissue)
• spinal tap/lumbar puncture (to check for infections or other issues)
• anti-seizure medications 
• vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) — a small, long-lasting battery device that delivers short bursts of electricity to your child's brain, which may help reduce the frequency and severity of the seizures
• ketogenic diet — a precise diet, rich in fats and low in carbohydrates and proteins, to help reduce epilepsy symptoms 
• pediatric epilepsy surgery — in extreme cases, and if other treatments don’t work for your child, our neurosurgeons can remove the tiny part of the brain causing the seizures
• child psychology, social work, Child Life services, pastoral care and other support

Nemours neurology specialists have the skills, training and technology to evaluate your child’s seizures and the compassion to find ways to control epileptic seizures with the fewest possible side effects. Year after year, many are recognized as Best Doctors in America® , as well as “Top Doctors” by local magazines in our regions.

Regional Highlights for Epilepsy and Seizures Treatment

Services, programs, facilities and care teams for epilepsy and seizures differ at each location. Call for details.