Treatments for seizures and epilepsy in children
Our pediatric epilepsy program offers advanced treatment options, starting with an evaluation by a multidisciplinary team consisting of pediatric neurologists, nurses, social workers, dietitians and a child life specialist.
Find a Pediatric Neurologist
Our experienced pediatric doctors and specialists are ready to serve you and your family.
Find a Pediatric Neurosurgeon
Our experienced pediatric doctors and specialists are ready to serve you and your family.
Our six-bed epilepsy monitoring unit on Floor 10 of Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is dedicated to continuous monitoring of the EEG and behavioral activity (using video technology) of children suspected to have epilepsy. Based on the results of your child’s EEG, our team will put together an individualized treatment plan to meet the special needs of your child.
Our first line of defense typically includes anti-seizure medicine, dietary changes and neurostimulation for older children. If your child’s seizures continue, our pediatric neurosurgeons are experienced and skilled in surgical techniques that can successfully and safely eliminate or reduce seizures. In fact, we pioneered the practice of brain mapping during epilepsy surgery, which helps us understand the functioning of the brain areas affected by the seizures. All of this helps us reach our goal of helping your child to live as normal a life as possible.
Surgical & Non-Surgical Approaches
Treatment Options
Brain Surgery
Brain surgery can be performed directly on the brain tissue when seizures or epilepsy can't be controlled using other treatments.
Neurostimulation
This surgically implanted device works like a pacemaker in the neck. Children old enough to use it can activate it and stop a seizure as soon as they feel it begin.
Dietary Therapy Clinic
For some children, a high-protein, high-fat and low-carbohydrate diet helps manage epilepsy symptoms when medication alone doesn't work. We can help with Ketogenic diet, modified Atkins Diet and others.
Seizure Medicine
Your pediatric neurologist may recommend child-appropriate medicine to control seizures.