Pediatric Epilepsy Program
A seizure during childhood is not uncommon. Reasons for a seizure include genetic disorders, congenital brain malformations, lack of oxygen, head trauma or other illnesses. Seizures that happen more than once or repeatedly might indicate epilepsy.
Our team of nationally recognized pediatric epilepsy specialists at Children's Hospital provide consultations, ongoing care and diagnostic services for children and teens.
Conditions We Treat
- Aicardi syndrome
- Angelman syndrome
- Cortical dysplasia
- Cortical malformations – lissencephaly, schizencephaly, polymicrogyria, pachygyria, hemimegaloencephaly
- Dravet syndrome
Meet Your Care Team
Emma G. CarterMD
- Child Neurology, Developmental Delay, Epilepsy, Pediatric Neurology, Seizure Disorders
Why Choose the Epilepsy Program at Children‘s Hospital
- Exclusive care
Children's Hospital is the only facility in Middle Tennessee with video-EEG monitoring for the evaluation of children for epilepsy surgery. Our four-bed Epilepsy Monitoring Unit is ideal for diagnosing seizure disorders and providing precise treatment plans.
- Recognized care
The National Association of Epilepsy Centers identifies us as the only Level 4 center in Middle Tennessee. Level 4 centers have the highest level of care for epilepsy. U.S. News and World Report has also consistently ranked Monroe Carell as a top provider of pediatric neurology care.
- Team approach
With experts in pediatric neurology, pediatric neurosurgery, diet and nutrition, pharmacy and nursing, we have the expertise to treat even the most complex seizures and offer dietary and surgical options for epilepsy management. Our program coordinator helps you navigate your child’s treatment, from scheduling tests to obtaining medical records or insurance authorizations. Our coordinator can also answer any questions, help you find lodging near our hospital and refer you to other epilepsy resources.
- Clinical trials
Under the supervision of the Food and Drug Administration, we can prescribe new medicines that may help children whose symptoms have resisted more common epilepsy medications.
- Open to referrals
We accept all referred patients and promptly communicate our recommendations to your child's primary neurologist. We strive to see patients promptly after a referral placement.
What to Expect at the Epilepsy Clinic
Tests, Treatments and Services
We offer a full range of tests, treatments and services, including:
- Corpus callosotomy
- Extratemporal epilepsy resections
- Functional MRI
- Genetic testing
- Hemispherotomy