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 serve southeastern New England and treat thousands of adult and pediatric patients annually.

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 center in Rhode Island that includes experts in the surgical treatment of epilepsy as well as long-term video-EEG monitoring. We have the latest technologies needed to evaluate adult and pediatric patients, including 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.