If your child’s epilepsy isn’t getting better with medicine, it’s time for more answers. We bring together pediatric specialists who focus on hard-to-treat epilepsy—offering expert testing, second opinions and personalized treatment options designed just for kids.
Pediatric epilepsy care when medication isn’t enough
When seizures don’t stop despite trying two or more seizure medicines, your child may have medically refractory epilepsy—also called drug-resistant epilepsy. This condition is more common than many families realize and calls for a different kind of care.
Our team of board-certified pediatric neurologists, pediatric-trained neurosurgeons and other child-focused specialists understand how epilepsy affects every part of your child’s life—from brain development to school and daily routines. Together, we create a personalized plan that treats the whole child—not just the seizures.
If seizures continue, it’s time to take a new path forward—with experts who truly understand pediatric epilepsy and are here to support your family every step of the way.
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Conditions
Epilepsy can affect each child in different ways. Some kids have seizures that are hard to notice. Others have seizures that interrupt daily life. All types matter—and we’re here to help with them all.
We treat:
- Childhood epilepsy such as absence seizures and rolandic epilepsy
- Epilepsy related to brain injury and stroke
- Febrile seizures
- Focal epilepsy related to brain abnormalities like cortical dysplasias
- Genetic epilepsy like Dravet Syndrome
- Infantile spasms
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- Neonatal and infantile seizure disorders and epilepsy
- Tuberous Sclerosis Complex
Whether your child has a known epilepsy syndrome or you’re still searching for answers, we’re here to help. We bring together the right specialists to understand what’s happening and what steps will make the biggest difference.
Testing
When epilepsy is hard to control, we look deeper. We use advanced tests to understand how seizures start, where they happen in the brain and what might be causing them.
Pediatric radiologists help us read brain scans with extra care and attention. They work closely with the rest of the team to make sure every test is safe, accurate and made for kids. We also partner with child life specialists to help children feel calm and supported throughout the process.
We may recommend:
- Evaluations for non-medication options
- Genetic testing to look for inherited causes of epilepsy
- MRI or other imaging to check the brain structure
- Neuropsychological testing to understand learning and memory
- Video EEG monitoring to watch and record seizures
We know testing can feel overwhelming, especially when it involves your child’s brain. Our team will walk you through every test, explain results clearly and support your family through every step—so nothing feels unexpected or confusing.
Treatments
If medicine hasn’t worked, your child still has options. We offer the full range of advanced treatments for epilepsy, including newer technologies and research-based therapies.
Families work with a team that includes a pediatric epilepsy doctor (called an epileptologist), neurosurgeons, dietitians and social workers—so every part of care is covered. We’ll help you understand each option and choose what’s best for your child and your family.
Treatment options include:
- Access to clinical trials and new therapies
- Ketogenic diet therapy, guided by pediatric dietitians
- Responsive neurostimulation (RNS)
- Surgical evaluations with experienced pediatric epileptologists and neurosurgeons
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
We look at more than just seizure control—we focus on how treatment affects your child’s learning, sleep, mood and ability to enjoy being a kid. Every option is explained clearly, with space for questions and support in making the right choice for your family.
FAQs
What is medically refractory epilepsy?
It’s a type of epilepsy where seizures continue even after trying two seizure medicines or in some cases high doses of a single seizure medication. This happens in about one out of every three children with epilepsy. When medicines aren’t working, it doesn’t mean the seizures can’t be treated—it just means it’s time to look at other options, like surgery, devices or special diets.
How do I know if my child needs medically refractory epilepsy care?
If your child is still having seizures after trying medicine—even at different doses or combinations—they may have drug-resistant epilepsy. You may also notice side effects from medicines or that seizures are starting to affect school, sleep or daily life. These are signs it’s time to see specialists who focus on hard-to-treat epilepsy in children.
Will my child need epilepsy surgery?
Not always. Surgery is one option, but it’s not the only one. Some children do well with treatments like vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), responsive neurostimulation (RNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS) or a ketogenic diet. Our team carefully reviews each case to find the best and safest plan for your child. If surgery is recommended, we walk you through each step if a very thorough evaluation step by step.
Can you help if we already have a neurologist?
Yes. Many families continue to see their regular neurologist while also getting care from our team of epileptologists for more advanced testing and treatment. We stay in touch with your child’s home care team to make sure everyone’s working together.
Do you offer neurology support beyond epilepsy medical treatment?
Yes. Our team includes social workers, psychologists and child life specialists who can help with school accommodations, emotional health, family support and navigating care. We know epilepsy affects the whole family—and we’re here for all of it.
Our locations
From regular office visits to inpatient stays, find the healthcare you need and deserve close to home.
Our doctors + care team
Meet the doctors and care team devoted to supporting you every step of the way along your path to better health.