Epilepsy

As the only children’s hospital in Arizona with a level 4 designation, we have extensive training, advanced technology and treatment options that are not widely available. Our main goal is to help your child live free from seizures. 

Our family-centered team of experts includes some of the most highly respected pediatric epilepsy specialists in the country. We use the latest proven technology and techniques, such as laser ablation and responsive neurostimulation, to target seizures at the source.

We strive to provide exceptional care for every child. Our dedication has earned us continuous national rankings by U.S. News & World Report for neurology and neurosurgery. We treat even rare forms of epilepsy, and we have one of the world’s leading programs in research, evaluation and treatment of patients with hypothalamic hamartomas.

Customized Care with the Latest Treatment Options

Navigating your child’s care with newly diagnosed epilepsy can be challenging. Our team will make sure you and your family have the education and support you need. We’ll work with you to create a treatment plan just for your child. 

We are proud to be recognized as the only children’s hospital in Arizona with a  level 4 designation by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. Level 4 epilepsy centers have the professional expertise and facilities to provide the highest-level medical and surgical evaluation and treatment for those with complex epilepsy. We can provide access to the latest proven and promising treatment options, including:

• Surgery, including robotic guidance. Phoenix Children’s was the first hospital in the nation to use the Medtronic stereo electroencephalography (EEG) robot to provide visualization and guidance during neurosurgery and other procedures.
• Laser ablation
• Responsive neurostimulation (RNS)
• Vagal nerve stimulations (VNS)
• Ketogenic diet therapy

Your child may also benefit from participating in one of our clinical trials. Your child’s health care team can tell you more.

Hope for Intractable Epilepsy

While more than 65% of children with epilepsy may respond well to medications, approximately one-third of patients may not respond. Epilepsy that will not respond to standard treatments is called medically refractory or intractable epilepsy. 

Based on the severity, children may have difficulty in school, and in the future, may struggle in the workplace. Independence can be restricted with the inability to get a driver’s license, and quality of life may suffer. Any child who has not responded to two or more medications should be referred to a pediatric epilepsy center for evaluation. 

By providing treatment options and customized care plans, we can treat or manage intractable epilepsy so your child can have a safer, healthier life.