Epilepsy and Seizures Treatment at Jefferson
As part of Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, the region's only dedicated hospital for neuroscience, the Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center is one of the largest epilepsy programs in the world. We are recognized internationally for our excellence in treating epilepsy in its hardest-to-treat forms, and no other hospital in Philadelphia comes close to the volume of epilepsy surgery we perform.
A team of neurologists, neuropsychologists and neurosurgeons will work with you to identify cognitive symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan based on how epilepsy affects all aspects of your life.
As part of your evaluation, your physician in the Center may want you to be admitted to Jefferson's Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. Monitoring allows us to see precisely how many seizures you are having. It can also tell us which medications might be best for you by determining exactly what type of epilepsy you have. If you are being considered for surgery, monitoring is necessary to locate the area where your seizures begin.
Our Epilepsy Unit consists of six beds, all in private rooms. Each room is customized with special lighting, carpeting, cables, and cameras. There is a central nursing station with a video display in which our specially trained nurses can monitor your seizure activity.
Research and Clinical Trials
Jefferson's neurologists have developed breakthrough surgical and medical treatments for the control of seizures and are among the most experienced in using investigational drugs and procedures when
conventional therapy is not effective.
We are testing new devices for implantation of electrodes into the brain. Jefferson is participating in clinical trials that include the study of seizure suspension through the repeated use of deep brain stimulation, as well as a seizure-sensing device that directs abnormal brain tissue to suppress the seizures at their origin.
Jefferson's academic program is at the forefront of scientific research as we continue to develop and test new medicines and surgical techniques to return patients with epilepsy to regular daily activities. With appropriate treatment, about two-thirds of our patients are able to lead normal lives, including going to work or school and driving a car.