Condition
Pediatric Epilepsy and Seizures
Key points about epilepsy and seizure
- A seizure occurs when one or more parts of the brain has a burst of abnormal electrical signals that interrupt normal signals.
- There are many types of seizures. Each can cause different kinds of symptoms. These range from slight body movements to loss of consciousness and convulsions.
- Epilepsy is when a person has two or more seizures with no known cause.
- Epilepsy is treated with medicine. In some cases, it may be treated with vagus nerve stimulator or surgery.
- It’s important to avoid anything that triggers seizures. This includes lack of sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Epilepsy and Seizure Treatment at Children's National Hospital
The Comprehensive Pediatric Epilepsy Program offers a complete range of individualized treatments, including minimally invasive surgery and dietary therapies to eliminate seizures that can potentially injure a child’s brain. Discover more about the treatments we offer.
Epilepsy and Mental Health
Eleni Rizakos, Psy.D., a psychologist in the Epilepsy Program, discusses epilepsy and your child's mental health.
Meet the Providers Who Treat Epilepsy and Seizure
Patient Stories
Departments that Treat Epilepsy and Seizure
Neurosurgery
Our neurosurgery experts provide advanced care for newborns and children with complex neurological conditions.
Emergency Medicine and Trauma Services
As a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, we are uniquely qualified to provide emergency care for children, from the design of the department to our highly skilled professionals who understand the special needs of younger, smaller patients.
Neuropsychology
Children's National Hospital has some of the world's foremost experts in care for children with complex neurodevelopmental disorders affecting the brain and central nervous system.