Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disorder that causes seizures or convulsions due to abnormal activity of brain cells, called neurons. In the United States, about 2 million people have this condition, including 300,000 children under the age of 14. A diagnosis of epilepsy may be made if more than one seizure originates in the brain. And while many people experience a seizure some time in their lives, they don't necessarily have epilepsy.

Often, the cause is unknown. Epilepsy may be caused by head injury, trauma, brain tumors or infections, such as meningitis or encephalitis. Conditions at birth or before birth also may lead to epilepsy, including an insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain, bleeding in the brain or abnormal blood vessels. Some types of epilepsy run in families and have been tied to specific genes. Although epilepsy may occur at any age, it typically develops in early childhood.

Pediatric neurologists and neurosurgeons at the Epilepsy Center at UCSF Children's Hospital specialize in the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of infants, children and adolescents living with epilepsy. Our diagnostic and treatment services have earned us a level four rating -- the highest level -- from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers.

All hospital services are provided in a pediatric environment, including a full range of diagnostic tests, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) to create images of the brain as well as electrical studies such as an electroencephalogram (EEG) to record and examine brain waves.

Treatments include medication, brain surgery, vagus nerve stimulation and experimental therapies that involve drugs, devices and surgery.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact the Epilepsy Center:

For help finding a doctor, please contact our Physician Referral Service:

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Children's Hospital.
Last updated October 30, 2008