Comprehensive Epilepsy Services
Kennedy Krieger Institute provides individualized care for children with epilepsy and seizure disorders from a team of specialists through evaluation, testing, treatment and counseling. We offer the most advanced neuroimaging testing available, including electroencephalogram (EEG) testing and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which is done in partnership with providers at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. Our team works to provide a diagnosis that leads to a personalized treatment plan for each child.
Our Epilepsy Services
We offer a variety of services and diagnostic tools for children who have diagnosed or suspected of having epilepsy. These include:
- Epilepsy Clinic
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) testing for children
- Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
- Refractory Epilepsy Clinic
- Polysomnogram (PSG) Recording
- Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory
- Neurology and Neurogenetics specialists
- Genetic counseling
- Neuropsychiatry in Epilepsy Program
- Pediatric Psychology Consultation Program
- Social Work
Our team
Our interdisciplinary team consists of physicians, nurses, genetic counselors, researchers, neuropsychologists and other professionals with a range of specialties, including:
- Child neurology
- Cognitive and behavioral neurology
- Medical genetics
- Neurodevelopmental disabilities
- Neurogenetics
- Pediatrics
As part of our comprehensive care model, our team collaborates closely with other specialists—including endocrinologists, speech-language pathologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists, and pediatric rehabilitation medicine specialists— for optimal care for each patient. Our highly specialized, interdisciplinary care is unique among epilepsy programs for children, and ensures the very best outcomes possible.
Treatments
We offer a variety of treatment options for children with epilepsy, including:
- Epilepsy and seizure medications
- Ketogenic diet
- Neurosurgery
- Vagus nerve stimulation
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
EEG Second Opinion
Kennedy Krieger Institute EEG specialists have expertise reading EEGs performed on patients with specific conditions see at the Institute. When patients of KKI providers have had EEGs at outside laboratories, our providers may sometimes request that the EEG be re-interpreted by KKI EEG specialists. This service is often paid for by insurance. Providers will fill out an order an EPIC order, and parents will assist by getting the electronic data files from the laboratory at which the study was performed. Data often comes in the form of DVD discs, USB drives or via secure FTP (which we can help arrange). Results should be expected in 2-3 weeks, depending on the length of the study being read.
Cognitive Testing
Under rare and very specific circumstances, it may be helpful for an EEG to be recorded during cognitive testing by our neuropsychologists. If recommended by your neurologist and neuropsychologist, these procedures may be helpful in determining whether abnormal EEG activity is interfering with cognitive processes on a minute-by-minute basis. Neurologists may order these studies through consultation with the Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory and Neuropsychology.