Pediatric Epilepsy Program

Pediatric Epilepsy Program
Pediatric Epilepsy Program
Epilepsy Program
Call Us
Epilepsy Program
Central Florida
(407) 650-7715
Northeast Florida
(904) 697-3600
Contact Nemours
Visit our contact page to find more contact information for each of our regions
Make an Appointment
Epilepsy Program
(800) 416-4441
Make an Appointment
Epilepsy Program
Call Us
Epilepsy Program
Delaware Valley
(800) 416-4441
Central Florida
(407) 650-7715
Northeast Florida
(904) 697-3600
Contact Nemours
Visit our contact page to find more contact information for each of our regions
Make an Appointment
ON THIS PAGE:
Our Care
What to Expect
Helping Kids With Epilepsy Thrive
Nemours Children’s epilepsy specialists help children and families better manage seizures and daily life. We provide a range of care, from medicine and diet to surgery and neurostimulation. We focus on all the minutes in the day that a child isn’t having a seizure. In other words, we help families see the whole picture.
Our epilepsy teams are part of recognized pediatric neuroscience centers in
Delaware
and
Florida
. Among them are renowned researchers and experts in epilepsy and seizure care. Our Level 4 Epilepsy Center in Delaware provides the most advanced treatments for kids with complex conditions. We lead the way, advocating for new approaches in managing seizures and improving quality of life for children.
As a team, our pediatric neurologists, neurosurgeons, clinical nurses, neuropsychologists, dietitians, care coordinators and social workers tend to every aspect of your child’s health.
Together, we work to help your child spend more time just being a kid. We empower your whole family throughout the journey.
Three Leading Pediatric Neuroscience Centers
Our neuroscience centers provide highly advanced, integrated medical services just for kids and teens with neurologic and neuromuscular conditions. Learn about our focused programs, advanced research, and leading care.
Neuroscience Center, Delaware Valley
Located in Wilmington, Delaware.
Neuroscience Center, Central Florida
Located in Orlando, Florida.
Neuroscience Center, Northeast Florida
Located in Jacksonville, Florida.
Find Epilepsy Care at Nemours
We have many pediatric neurologists and locations — find the care closest to you:
Find a Doctor
Find a Location
“As a result [of her care at Nemours], she’s now an active, healthy, and strong little girl who always has a smile on her face. Additionally, she’s also thriving in kindergarten!”
Read Chloe’s Story
“We are firm believers in the diet and the way it is administered. [T]he diet, while initially hard, allowed us to breathe and helped wean Reagan from one medication.”
Read Regan’s Story
“Our experience with Nemours Children’s has been nothing short of amazing. We had gone to another hospital in the next state with a TSC doctor. The experience was day and night.”
Read Ryan’s Story
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Pediatric Epilepsy Expertise
Our epilepsy specialists work together to create treatment plans that consider every aspect of your child’s life. We don’t just see the seizure. We see the whole child.
We provide
complete epilepsy care at state-of-the art facilities
at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida in Orlando.
Our pediatric
neurosurgeons in Florida use advanced surgical assistance to perform highly precise
minimally invasive epilepsy surgery.
Nemours neurology team
provides convenient epilepsy medical care and follow-up services
at speciality care locations.
Nemours
offers everything your child needs within the same system.
You get expert epilepsy care, surgery and long-term care in one place.
Meet Our Epilepsy Specialists
Our specialists are at the forefront of their fields. They work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for children and young adults with neurology conditions.
Natasha Elena Acosta Diaz, MD
Neurology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Rene Andrade Machado, MD
Neurology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Manish Bajaj, MD
Medical Imaging
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Lakeland, FL
View Provider Profile
Helen Cano, R.EEG.T
Supervisor Neurodiagnostics Lab
Tushar Chandra, MD
Medical Imaging
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Satyanarayana Gedela, MD
Neurology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Christopher A. Gegg, MD
Neurosurgery
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Christina McDonald, APRN
Neurology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Gregory Olavarria, MD
Neurosurgery
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Ju Tang, MD
Neurology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Rohan Niteen Vaidya, DO
Neurology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Camille Nicole VanHoof, ARNP
Neurology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Fernando N. Galan, MD
Neurology
(904) 697-3600
Primary Office
Jacksonville, FL
View Provider Profile
Raj D. Sheth, MD
Neurology
(904) 697-3600
Primary Office
Jacksonville, FL
View Provider Profile
Level 4 Epilepsy Center in Delaware
The Level 4 pediatric epilepsy center at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware offers the highest standard of epilepsy care for children. Rated by the
National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC)
, we offer advanced diagnostic tools, leading-edge treatments and specialized experts dedicated to managing even the most complex epilepsy cases.
When you choose a Level 4 epilepsy center, you’re giving your child the best possible chance for effective epilepsy management. In addition to treating hard-to-control seizures, we address the cognitive, psychological and social aspects of your child's wellness. We
research epilepsy
and offer
clinical trials
, and potential therapies, you can’t get everywhere.
Learn About Our Hospital
Pediatric Epilepsy Expertise in Delaware
Our epilepsy specialists work together to create treatment plans that consider every aspect of your child’s life. We don’t just see the seizure. We see the whole child.
The epilepsy program at
Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware, rated a Level 4 epilepsy center,
offers the highest level of care for the most complex cases.
We’re doing important
neuroscience research
in
epilepsy
, and offering access to clinical trials and treatments you can’t get everywhere.
We make it easy for families. Your child can
get electroencephalogram (EEG) testing and get results
on the same day.
We
partner with the Epilepsy Foundation of Delaware to provide advocacy, support and resources
for families.
Our
epilepsy program coordinator helps you navigate all the care
your child needs.
Meet Our Epilepsy Specialists in Delaware Valley
Our specialists are at the forefront of their fields. They work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for children and young adults with neurology conditions.
Karen Souza Carvalho, MD
Neurology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Laura Robin Freeman, PhD
Neuropsychology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Jennifer Marla Hubbard, DNP
Neurology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Badal G. Jain, MD
Neurology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Andrew Irving Mower, MD
Neurology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Robin Nuse Tome, RD
Nutrition
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Joseph H. Piatt Jr., MD
Neurosurgery
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Rodney Scott, MD
Neurology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Rebecca Shira Stainman, MD
Neurology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Lily Tran, MD
Neurology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Catherine Wassef, MD
Neurosurgery
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Epilepsy Expertise, Just for Kids
Our epilepsy specialists work together to create treatment plans that consider every aspect of your child’s life. We don’t just see the seizure. We see the whole child.
Nemours
neurologists care for kids with epilepsy at convenient locations
throughout the Delaware Valley, Northeast Florida and Central Florida.
We offer
highly advanced, coordinated epilepsy care and surgery at our Level 4 rated epilepsy center
at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware.
Our
Central Florida epilepsy team offers complete care and surgery in state-of-the-art facilities
at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida in Orlando.
In
Northeast Florida, our epilepsy experts work closely with Wolfson Children’s Hospital
to provide the latest care for kids at Nemours Children’s Health, Jacksonville.
Meet Our Epilepsy Specialists
Our specialists are at the forefront of their fields. They work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for children and young adults with neurology conditions.
Karen Souza Carvalho, MD
Neurology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Laura Robin Freeman, PhD
Neuropsychology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Jennifer Marla Hubbard, DNP
Neurology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Badal G. Jain, MD
Neurology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Andrew Irving Mower, MD
Neurology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Robin Nuse Tome, RD
Nutrition
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Joseph H. Piatt Jr., MD
Neurosurgery
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Rodney Scott, MD
Neurology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Rebecca Shira Stainman, MD
Neurology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Lily Tran, MD
Neurology
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Catherine Wassef, MD
Neurosurgery
(800) 416-4441
Primary Office
Wilmington, DE
View Provider Profile
Natasha Elena Acosta Diaz, MD
Neurology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Rene Andrade Machado, MD
Neurology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Manish Bajaj, MD
Medical Imaging
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Lakeland, FL
View Provider Profile
Tushar Chandra, MD
Medical Imaging
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Satyanarayana Gedela, MD
Neurology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Christopher A. Gegg, MD
Neurosurgery
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Christina McDonald, APRN
Neurology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Gregory Olavarria, MD
Neurosurgery
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Ju Tang, MD
Neurology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Rohan Niteen Vaidya, DO
Neurology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Camille Nicole VanHoof, ARNP
Neurology
(407) 650-7715
Primary Office
Orlando, FL
View Provider Profile
Fernando N. Galan, MD
Neurology
(904) 697-3600
Primary Office
Jacksonville, FL
View Provider Profile
Raj D. Sheth, MD
Neurology
(904) 697-3600
Primary Office
Jacksonville, FL
View Provider Profile
Information and Advice From Nemours Experts
Learn more about your child's condition and how to help them at home, at school and with friends.
Epilepsy Seizure Rescue Medicines
From Nemours KidsHealth
Read More About Epilepsy
Learn How to Handle Seizures
Print a Factsheet for School
Programs & Services
Nemours Children's provides the latest care for all types of epilepsy and seizures, including hard-to-treat refractory epilepsy, or seizures that don’t respond to medicines. No matter where your family is in your epilepsy journey, we help guide you to the next right thing. We base our treatment on your child’s and family’s goals.
We offer a range of services and treatment options:
Advanced diagnostics
, including the safe, accurate neuroimaging and 24/7 EEG testing at state-of-the-art Epilepsy Monitoring Units (EMUs).
Ketogenic diet counseling
from
registered dietitians
to help control seizures.
Neuromodulation therapies
like vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), responsive neurostimulation (RNS) and deep brain stimulation to help reduce seizure frequency and duration.
Epilepsy surgery
from
neurosurgeons
who use highly advanced image guidance system for the best possible outcomes.
Neuropsychology services
from specialists who know how seizures can affect a child’s thinking and behavior.
Education and support for daily living
, including sick day care plans and seizure action plans you can share with your child’s school.
Specialized programs for kids with seizures related to complex conditions
like
tuberous sclerosis
and neurofibromatosis.
Services and support
from a team
of care coordinators, social workers, Child Life specialists and others who help your family navigate care, cope with a diagnosis and find resources in your community.
Help with
transition to adult
epilepsy care.
Conditions & Treatments
We see many conditions related to epilepsy and seizures — far too many to list here. The conditions we treat vary depending on the location and providers selected. Don’t see a condition listed? Call us.
Autoimmune Disorders
Brain Tumors
Genetic Disorders
Developmental Delays
Epilepsy & Seizures
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Neurofibromatosis
Related Specialties & Programs
Behavioral Health (Psychology and Psychiatry)
Genetics
Neurology
Neuroscience Center, Delaware Valley
Neurosurgery
Nutrition
Pediatric Neuroscience Center, Central Florida
Pediatric Neuroscience Center, NE Florida
Transition of Care
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Program
Convenient Follow-Up Appointments by Video
We offer follow-up appointments through scheduled, live video visits. You can avoid waiting rooms and save travel time. Ask your doctor if this is an option for your family.
What to Expect
When you come to Nemours Children's, you get a range of diagnostic and treatment services. Here’s what to expect for certain visits.
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
An EEG is a painless test that records your child's brain wave patterns to help diagnose and understand different types of epilepsy. While not painful, the process can be unfamiliar for children. The study typically lasts about an hour, and it's often beneficial if your child can sleep during parts of it.
During the EEG:
Your child will relax in a comfortable position.
A technologist will carefully place small sensors (electrodes) on your child's head using a special paste.
Your child may be asked to perform simple tasks like deep breathing or looking at flashing lights.
We'll monitor your child's safety throughout the entire process.
To prepare for the EEG, you might get instructions about adjusting your child’s sleep schedule the night before. This can help ensure they’re relaxed or even sleepy during the test, which often improves the quality of the readings.
Getting an EEG
Getting an EEG is painless. Learn more about this test so you can help your child prepare. Share this video with them if it's appropriate for their age.
Learn More From Nemours KidsHealth
Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU): Extended EEG Studies
For some children, a stay in our Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) is needed to gather more information about their brain activity. This continuous EEG monitoring provides valuable insights that help us accurately diagnose epilepsy and tailor your child's treatment plan.
What to expect during an EMU stay:
An EEG technologist will attach electrodes to your child's scalp to continuously record brain activity.
You'll stay with your child throughout the entire visit, typically lasting one or more nights.
Our team, including Child Life specialists, will ensure your child stays comfortable and engaged with age-appropriate activities.
The study concludes once we've collected sufficient data, usually with discharge in the late morning.
This extended monitoring in a controlled environment allows us to capture crucial information about your child's brain activity. It can us provide the most effective care for their specific type of epilepsy.
Ketogenic Diet Therapy for Epilepsy
For some kids with hard-to-control epilepsy, our team may recommend specialized dietary therapy, such as the ketogenic diet. This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet can help reduce or even stop seizures in some cases.
Here's what to expect:
You'll meet with our specialist and dietitian to discuss if this therapy is right for your child.
If recommended, your child will be admitted to the hospital for a few days to start the diet safely.
Our dietitian will create a personalized meal plan for your child.
You'll receive training on preparing keto meals and monitoring ketone levels.
We'll closely monitor your child's response to the diet and make necessary adjustments.
Regular follow-up appointments and blood tests will be scheduled.
Our team will provide resources, recipes and support for managing the diet at home and school.
The diet is typically tried for several months and may continue for about two years if effective.
We'll support you throughout the process from the start to potential transition off the diet.
While the ketogenic diet can be challenging, many families find the effort worthwhile when it improves their child's seizure control. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Learn More From Nemours KidsHealth
Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) Therapy for Epilepsy
VNS therapy is an advanced treatment option for certain types of epilepsy that don't respond well to medication alone. Here's what you can expect if your child is recommended for VNS therapy:
The procedure is usually done as same-day, or outpatient, surgery.
Your child will receive anesthesia to ensure comfort.
The surgeon will make a small cut in the chest to implant the generator device.
Wires will be threaded from the generator to the left vagus nerve in the neck.
The incision will be closed with a few stitches and covered with a bandage.
Most children go home the same day as the surgery.
A few weeks after surgery, we'll activate and program the device.
We'll teach you how to use the device, including the handheld magnet for seizure control.
Learn More From Nemours KidsHealth
Epilepsy Surgery
Epilepsy surgery is a procedure done on the brain to reduce or stop seizures. It's considered when a child's seizures aren't controlled by medicine or other treatments. The goal is to remove or separate the area of the brain causing seizures. While every surgery is different, you can general expect the following:
Your child will undergo various tests to determine if surgery is appropriate and to locate the seizure source.
A team of specialists will meet to plan the surgery.
Some children may need intracranial EEG monitoring before surgery.
On surgery day, your child will receive general anesthesia.
The surgeon will perform a craniotomy to access the brain.
Depending on the type, the surgery may involve removing brain tissue or cutting the corpus callosum (nerves that connect the two sides of the brain).
Most surgeries last several hours.
Your child will recover in a special unit, and may spend the first night in intensive care.
Typical hospital stay is three to four days, depending on the procedure.
Full recovery usually takes three to four weeks.
Follow-up care may include various therapies and regular check-ups.
You'll receive instructions on when to call the doctor post-surgery.
Learn More From Nemours KidsHealth