Seizures and Epilepsy

Penn provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for patients with epilepsy, seizure disorder and all seizure-associated symptoms including memory and mood problems. Our program is led by experienced Penn neurologists and neurosurgeons who are recognized leaders in the research, diagnosis, and medical treatments for epilepsy. Our program delivers safe, effective, and innovative surgical treatments for these disorders.

  

What is a Seizure Disorder?

Seizure disorder is a general term used to describe any condition where seizures are a symptom. Seizures are characterized by abnormal electrical activity in the brain that affects physical and mental functioning.

There are two main types of seizures: generalized and partial. Generalized seizures involve the entire brain, while partial or focal seizures begin in one area of the brain.

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is defined as a group of related disorders characterized by a tendency to suffer recurrent seizures. Seizures can occur at any time, and often without warning. In most people, seizures can be controlled with treatment and may go away entirely, in others, seizures continue despite treatment and may last a lifetime.

The Penn Epilepsy Center

The Penn Epilepsy Center offers a comprehensive, individualized evaluation and a wide variety of surgical treatments particularly for patients whose epilepsy is difficult to manage. As a Level 4 epilepsy center, we have the expertise and facilities to provide the highest-level of medical and surgical evaluation and treatment for patients with epilepsy.

The Center offers comprehensive evaluation for people who have experienced:

• Long-standing seizures that are not adequately controlled
• One or more seizures
• Unacceptable side effects from epilepsy treatments
• Unusual events that a physician believes may have been seizures