Comprehensive Epilepsy Program
Approximately one percent of the U.S. population is affected by epilepsy. Prognosis and treatment is dependent on the cause of epilepsy and seizure type. Every case of epilepsy is different and the best results stem from individualized treatment plans and comprehensive care teams.
The Comprehensive Epilepsy Program (CEP) at Rhode Island Hospital treats patients with seizures and epilepsy through a multidisciplinary team approach, using the latest diagnostic and therapeutic methods. Our team of experts includes neurologists (epileptologists), neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, neuropsychiatrists, neuroradiologists, and specialized nursing and technical teams, who work together to provide integrated, expert care that is unique in our region. Ours is the only epilepsy program in southeastern New England offering comprehensive care in one location. We have been serving southeastern New England for more than 10 years, treating thousands of adult and pediatric patients annually.
Contact the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program
For more information about the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program or to make an appointment, please call 401-444-7608.
The Highest Level of Care
Rhode Island Hospital's CEP is designated a Level 4 Epilepsy Center (the highest level) by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. This designation is earned by centers that provide the most comprehensive forms of intensive neurodiagnostic monitoring; most extensive medical, neuropsychological, and psychosocial treatments; and the complete range of surgical procedures for epilepsy. Ours is the only team in Rhode Island that includes experts in the surgical treatment of epilepsy. We have available the latest technologies needed to evaluate adult and pediatric patients, including long-term video-EEG monitoring and advanced neuroimaging (3T MRI, fMRI, PET and SPECT).
Pediatric patients with epilepsy receive evaluation and treatment that is carefully tailored to maximize seizure control and minimize impact on cognition, learning, and other developmental concerns.
Epilepsy Research and Education
Rhode Island Hospital is the principal teaching hospital of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, where our physicians are faculty members. Many ongoing collaborative and multidisciplinary clinical research efforts concerning epilepsy are being conducted by our physicians and The Warren Alpert Medical School.
With our ongoing involvement in education and research, we seek to discern the mysteries of this complicated condition and free as many patients as possible of their debilitating seizures. We may offer patients the opportunity to participate in clinical research trials. The patient's physician will discuss participation in a trial if the patient is a potential candidate.
Epilepsy Research and Clinical Trials
Research is currently being conducted to learn more about epilepsy and how it affects our patients.
Taking Control of His Life
Wesley Gwaltney turned to the functional neurosurgery department at Rhode Island Hospital, part of the Norman Prince Neurosciences Institute, to treat debilitating seizures caused by epilepsy. Now he works in a field that was once off-limits to him.