Nationally Recognized Epilepsy Surgery Experts
Cincinnati Children’s has one of the largest pediatric epilepsy surgery programs in the country, performing 100+ surgeries per year. Our team of experts uses advanced diagnostic and surgical techniques to treat the most complex cases of intractable (uncontrolled, refractory or drug-resistant) epilepsy. Epilepsy becomes intractable if a child’s seizures continue despite taking two types of seizure medicines. Only a small percentage of children with epilepsy (5-10%) undergo surgery. We are able to dramatically reduce the severity and occurrence of seizures and, when possible, eliminate them altogether.
Why Choose Us
Proven Surgical Results
Cincinnati Children's is a level 4 epilepsy treatment center, a distinction given only to those qualified to treat even the most complex seizure disorders. Since starting our epilepsy surgery program in 2007, we’ve treated more than 2,500 surgical patients. Our pediatric neurosurgeons have safely and successfully operated on many children who were told elsewhere that they weren’t candidates for surgery.
Our surgical patients typically experience a significant decrease in seizures, sometimes more than a 90% reduction. More than 50% of patients undergoing surgery for removal of seizure focus have achieved complete freedom from seizures post-surgery.
Superior Diagnostic Tools
The Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Cincinnati Children’s is one of the largest pediatric epilepsy centers in the world. Our program is one of only a few in the United States to offer the full complement of diagnostic tests and tools needed to evaluate pediatric patients with epilepsy.
Advanced Surgical Techniques
Epilepsy surgeries take place in the hospital’s stereotactic surgical suite, or BrainSUITE. The technology allows our neurosurgeons to treat patients who would once have been considered inoperable because of where their seizure focus was located.
Cincinnati Children’s was the first pediatric hospital in the world to use the BrainSUITE concept in the operating room, with an integrated neurosurgical microscope, high-definition screens and a specialized bed with comprehensive magnetic resonance imaging capabilities.
Innovative Research
Cincinnati Children’s receives among the largest amounts of NIH funding for pediatric epilepsy research in the nation, enabling us to offer the most advanced technologies and surgical techniques based on the latest research findings. We conduct research for children with epilepsy - leading to a greater understanding of the condition and developing ways to improve quality of life.
Out-of-Town Patient Support
Families travel to Cincinnati Children’s from all over the world to get care from our specialized team of experts. Find out more about the services we offer out-of-state patients to make your stay more comfortable.
Team-Based Approach to Care
Epilepsy and the therapies used to treat it can affect many aspects of a child’s life—physical, psychological and social. We work together to evaluate each child’s condition from multiple perspectives. Our team includes pediatric neurologists and neurosurgeons, clinical psychologists, nurse practitioners, nurses, genetic counselors, social workers, a clinical pharmacist and dieticians.
These individuals specialize in epilepsy and collaborate in one location to create a customized treatment plan for your child. Families receive the care they need without making multiple trips to several locations.
Expert Second Opinions
A second opinion from our team can reassure families that their child is receiving the best possible care – or offer insights about other treatment options available at Cincinnati Children’s. Second opinions help you understand all of the available treatment options and make a more informed decision about which therapy is best. Learn more about the benefits of a second opinion and how to make your request.
