Epilepsy Center
Our nationally recognized level 4 center brings together top neurologists, neurosurgeons, and specialists to provide comprehensive, innovative care.
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Why choose UCSF Health for epilepsy care?
The UCSF Epilepsy Center provides state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging and treatment for all forms of epilepsy. Our physician-scientists helped develop many of the modern approaches to epilepsy care and continue to lead the way in treatment innovations. Our patients have access to clinical trials of next-generation drugs, devices and surgical procedures.
Our team includes experts from many fields – neurologists and neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, neuroradiologists, nutritionists, nurses and pharmacists – all with specialized training in epilepsy. Our expertise and comprehensive care have earned us a level 4 rating – the highest possible rating – from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers.
Why choose UCSF Health for epilepsy care?
The UCSF Epilepsy Center provides state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging and treatment for all forms of epilepsy. Our physician-scientists helped develop many of the modern approaches to epilepsy care and continue to lead the way in treatment innovations. Our patients have access to clinical trials of next-generation drugs, devices and surgical procedures.
Our team includes experts from many fields – neurologists and neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, neuroradiologists, nutritionists, nurses and pharmacists – all with specialized training in epilepsy. Our expertise and comprehensive care have earned us a level 4 rating – the highest possible rating – from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers.
Leader in epilepsy care
UCSF Health is the leading provider in epilepsy care.Clinical trials
UCSF Health is conducting clinical trials.Second opinions
Get a second opinion related to your epilepsy diagnosis.Convenient locations
UCSF Health has many locations where you can see an epilepsy specialist.
Related Services
Overview
Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Seizures are caused by abnormal activity of nerve cells, called neurons, in the brain. In the United States, about 2 million people have epilepsy and as many as 150,000 more develop the condition each year. About a third of them are children.
Epilepsy has many possible causes, such as an imbalance of nerve-signaling chemicals, called neurotransmitters, or abnormal nerve connections that form after an injury such as head trauma or stroke. Other types of epilepsy run in families and have been tied to specific genes. Often, it may be difficult to understand why a specific person develops epilepsy, but this does not mean that effective treatment is impossible.
At UCSF, we treat all forms of epilepsy and offer state-of-the-art options for diagnosis and therapy. Treatments include medications, surgery and implant devices as well as access to clinical trials of potential new therapies. Our expertise, innovation and leadership in epilepsy care have earned us a level 4 rating (the highest possible rating) from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers.
We're known for outstanding care
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Related providers
Edward F. Chang, MD
Neurosurgery
Jon Kleen, MD, PhD
Neurology • Neurology (Epilepsy)
Christopher Hess, MD, PhD
Radiology • Radiology (Neuroradiology)
Brianna M. Paul, PhD
Neuropsychology
Research Initiatives
Responsive Neurostimulation
Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) is an epilepsy treatment that doesn't require the surgical removal of brain tissue.Brain mapping
Through groundbreaking research pioneered at UCSF, an advanced brain mapping technique has enabled doctors to remove as much of a brain tumor as possible while minimizing the impact on the crucial areas of the brain that control movement, speech and the senses.
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Accreditations & memberships
Accredited Cystic Fibrosis Care CenterOpens in a new window
Our center, certified by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), meets rigorous care standards and provides the highest quality care to people with cystic fibrosis.
Heart Valve SocietyOpens in a new window
The Heart Valve Society advances research on heart valve disease. Our surgeons participate in research and stay current on the latest innovations in heart valve disease care.
Certified ALS treatment center
We're an ALS Association-certified treatment center for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).