Comprehensive Epilepsy Center
Life-changing epilepsy and seizure disorder care
We understand that living with epilepsy or a seizure disorder can affect every aspect of your life. Whether you’ve recently started having seizures or have lived with them for years, experts at our Comprehensive Epilepsy Center can help. Penn epileptologists are among the most experienced in the nation, recognized for their leadership in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy.
As a Level 4 epilepsy center, Penn Medicine has been designated by The National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) for our high level of expertise and modern facilities that allow us to provide all available epilepsy treatment options to people with seizure disorders and complex forms of epilepsy.
Advanced testing and imaging for an accurate epilepsy diagnosis
The best care starts with an accurate epilepsy diagnosis. Our epilepsy center and neurodiagnostic labs have the highest-quality imaging technology available. We are often able to identify certain indicators of an epilepsy diagnosis that others may miss.
For complex or unusual seizures, some patients may benefit from our state-of-the-art inpatient Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) which allows for close patient monitoring over several days. Here, our specially-trained staff will monitor you around the clock to better understand your seizures, provide the right diagnosis, and plan for treatment.
Personalized management of epilepsy and seizures
Our team at the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center is recognized as a national leader in epilepsy treatment and seizure management. Our specialists have expertise in providing treatment through epilepsy medications, lifestyle changes, and advanced surgical options.
When appropriate, our epilepsy experts work with other specialists to make sure you get the most effective care. This multidisciplinary collaboration is especially important for determining treatment plans for people with drug-resistant forms of epilepsy. Together with you and your family, we work to find the treatment that brings you the best seizure control and improves your quality of life.
If surgery is recommended, our neurosurgeons provide the most advanced surgical treatment options available, including:
Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
Sometimes, outpatient epilepsy testing isn’t enough to diagnose complex or unusual cases. Our EMU testing center provides continuous inpatient monitoring over several days to pinpoint a diagnosis and create the best possible care plan.
Global leaders in epilepsy research
As part of an academic medical center, many Penn Medicine physicians are also researchers. Our involvement in epilepsy research and clinical trials helps our patients access the most advanced therapies possible.
Our doctors
Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.
Related articles
Intervention after seizure may prevent long-term epilepsy
An experimental treatment administered after an individual experiences their first seizure may prevent long-term epilepsy and associated cognitive defects.
Researchers identify link between memory and appetite
Disrupted connections between memory and appetite brain circuits are directly proportional to BMI, notably in patients with disordered eating.
Patient stories
Actress returns to the stage after finding seizure relief
“Even though it had only been five years, epilepsy had taken away [the] career that meant so much to me.”
Epilepsy surgery gave Ann Rossi a new lease on life
“I was lucky if I could hold on to a thought for more than a few seconds. Now I’m retaining information for a couple of weeks. I’m having a hard time describing this experience as anything but life-changing.”
A tiny laser gave one patient relief from lifelong seizures.
"Minimally invasive surgery with lasers allows us access to areas [of the brain] that were traditionally not accessible in many patients."