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A. Our Qualifications – We are a center of excellence devoted to delivering the highest quality care to people with epilepsy. Our multidisciplinary team of physicians has specialized training and experience in diagnosing epilepsies and tailoring therapies to suit each individual’s needs. In recognition of our level of clinical excellence, the National Association of Epilepsy Centers has designated our epilepsy program with its highest level of distinction – as a level 4 comprehensive epilepsy center.

Our Technology – We provide unsurpassed diagnostic testing and surgical facilities. Our epilepsy surgeon and surgical staff utilize state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to ensure patient safety and achieve the best possible treatment outcomes.

Our Facilities – We offer special accommodations set aside to provide for the unique needs of epilepsy patients. This includes a specialized epilepsy monitoring unit with highly trained and experienced staff providing inpatient video monitoring under continuous supervision.

Our People – Our team includes a variety of highly dedicated individuals who share a common vision and passion to improve the quality of life of people affected by epilepsy. These individuals include epileptologists, an epilepsy neurosurgeon, neuroradiologists, a neuropsychologist, a program nurse coordinator, a neurosurgery nurse practitioner, physician assistants and EEG technologists.

Q. What types of surgeries are available to treat epilepsy?

A. Epilepsy surgery can be divided generally into resective and palliative surgeries:

• Resective surgery, including amygdalohippocampectomy, involves removing the portion of brain that is responsible for a person's seizures. Some cases require surgical placement of specialized electrodes on the brain to help precisely identify the abnormal area generating seizures, along with areas that provide important brain functions, such as motor, sensory and language control. The latest surgical techniques are very selective in removing the targeted area of abnormal brain and sparing nearby brain areas that serve these important functions.

• Palliative surgery involves a variety of procedures intended to reduce the severity and frequency of seizures. Examples include vagus nerve stimulator implantation and corpus callosotomy.

Q. What is the typical outcome for patients after epilepsy surgery?

A. Up to 60-70 percent of patients who undergo resective epilepsy surgery (removing portion of the brain responsible for the seizures) become seizure-free. Even after a surgery, patients may remain on medication for one to two years before they are gradually reduced. Palliative surgery, including vagus nerve stimulator implantation, has been effective in reducing the number of seizures.

Questions? Contact the UC Irvine Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at 714.456.6203

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