Our Services

Epilepsy Surgery Program

Description of Services

An alternative to seizure medications.

The goal for every patient with epilepsy is to stop all seizures. Ongoing seizures prevent full enjoyment and fulfillment in life. Many children with epilepsy can become seizure-free with medication, but for the one-third of children who don’t respond to medication, surgery may be an option. At Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, children with difficult-to-control seizures receive a comprehensive assessment to determine whether or not they will benefit from epilepsy surgery. The goal of the Epilepsy Surgery Program at Children’s Hospital’s Brain Care Institute is to give every child a chance at seizure freedom, so that they can develop to their fullest potential.

The Epilepsy Surgery Program of the Brain Care Institute offers comprehensive assessment and care to children with medically refractory epilepsy, care that is on par with the best programs in the nation. On average, we perform brain surgery on 25 patients a year. In addition, about 50 patients a year undergo vagal nerve stimulator implantation. As the only center in the region that provides comprehensive preoperative evaluation, access to the full spectrum of epilepsy surgery procedures, as well as the opportunity to participate in the latest research into epilepsy, the Brain Care Institute offers access to all of the resources required for managing complex epilepsy cases.

Referral Requirements

To make a referral, schedule an appointment, or request an evaluation for a child or teen, contact us at 412-692-8717 or email epilepsysurgery@chp.edu.