Epilepsy
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Why choose UCSF Health for epilepsy treatment?
For many people living with epilepsy, medications alone can't control their seizures. People can find help and hope at the UCSF Epilepsy Center, a level 4 center — the highest designation given by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. We specialize in treating all types of epilepsy, including the most challenging drug-resistant cases.
We use the latest technology to monitor brain activity, including intracranial monitoring, only available in level 4 centers like ours. We offer inpatient and outpatient services for all stages of diagnosis, monitoring and treatment.
Advanced epilepsy treatments
UCSF Health scientists and epilepsy specialists are at the forefront of developing new epilepsy treatments. We've pioneered techniques for minimally invasive surgery for epilepsy and helped develop neurostimulation devices. These devices use electrical signals to alter or interrupt brain signals that cause seizures. Through our clinical trials, our patients have access to treatments that aren't yet widely available.
We're among the top epilepsy surgery centers in the West, with expertise in leading-edge procedures. We provide life-changing care to people living with epilepsy.
Why choose UCSF Health for epilepsy treatment?
For many people living with epilepsy, medications alone can't control their seizures. People can find help and hope at the UCSF Epilepsy Center, a level 4 center — the highest designation given by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. We specialize in treating all types of epilepsy, including the most challenging drug-resistant cases.
We use the latest technology to monitor brain activity, including intracranial monitoring, only available in level 4 centers like ours. We offer inpatient and outpatient services for all stages of diagnosis, monitoring and treatment.
Advanced epilepsy treatments
UCSF Health scientists and epilepsy specialists are at the forefront of developing new epilepsy treatments. We've pioneered techniques for minimally invasive surgery for epilepsy and helped develop neurostimulation devices. These devices use electrical signals to alter or interrupt brain signals that cause seizures. Through our clinical trials, our patients have access to treatments that aren't yet widely available.
We're among the top epilepsy surgery centers in the West, with expertise in leading-edge procedures. We provide life-changing care to people living with epilepsy.
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International experts in epilepsy diagnosis
We have one of the most advanced centers in the world for epilepsy diagnosis, using neuroimaging and brain wave recordings.Next-generation seizure mapping
We developed a system to create 3D video mapping of seizure activity in the brain, allowing us to pinpoint where seizures start.Comprehensive seizure monitoring
We have the most advanced epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) in the Bay Area, where we provide 24-hour continuous EEG.Top rankings for neurology care
We're a "best hospital" (highest rating) and one of the top hospitals in the nation for neurology and neurosurgery, according to U.S. News & World Report .
Related services
World-class epilepsy expertise
There are many treatments for epilepsy, and we help you understand your options. We've helped thousands of people become seizure-free.
Procedures for drug-resistant epilepsy
We perform the most advanced procedures for drug-resistant epilepsy:
Intraoperative brain mapping. This groundbreaking surgical technique enables us to pinpoint and treat seizures safely, without affecting normal brain function.
Laser ablation. In this minimally invasive procedure, we use a tiny laser to destroy brain tissue that's causing seizures. We're one of the first centers in California to use this focused treatment.
Surgical resection. Our surgeons remove a small section of brain tissue where seizures begin. After resection, many of our patients are seizure-free and have no side effects.
Neurostimulation devices for epilepsy
We're experts in the latest neurostimulation devices that can reduce or, in some cases, eliminate seizures. Over 70% of patients using neurostimulation see improvement. Treatment options include:
Deep brain stimulation (DBS). This device sends electrical pulses to the brain, stopping seizures. UCSF Health participated in the original study validating DBS.
Responsive neurostimulation (RNS). This implantable device acts as a pacemaker for the brain, detecting when a seizure is about to begin and stopping it in its tracks. We're one of the most experienced centers for RNS surgery.
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). A small device implanted in the chest reduces seizures by sending electrical signals to a nerve in the neck.
Effectively treating epilepsy takes time, and we continue to follow up with you years after surgery. We're committed to your long-term health.
Explore what we do
Conditions & treatments
Services
- Colon and Rectal Surgical Oncology
Conditions
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1
Treatments
- Deep Brain Stimulation
- Epilepsy Surgery
- Responsive Neurostimulation
- Vagal Nerve Stimulator
Award-winning excellence
Accreditations
Accreditations & memberships
Level 4 epilepsy centerOpens in a new window
We have the highest-level rating from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. Centers with this designation provide the most advanced epilepsy treatments.