Epilepsy Center
The Stony Brook Level 4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Center is designated by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) as a Level 4 Epilepsy Center. To attain this level, an epilepsy center must have the professional expertise and facilities to provide the highest level of medical and surgical evaluation and treatment for patients with complex epilepsy.
According to NAEC Guidelines, a specialized epilepsy center is defined "to be a program which not only provides routine care to individuals with seizures or epilepsy, but also specializes in providing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services to individuals with uncontrolled seizures." This is important to note because of the 2.7 million Americans estimated to have some form of epilepsy, approximately 25 to 30 percent do not attain adequate seizure control and suffer from intractable epilepsy.
Led by Chief of EEG/Epilepsy, Rebecca Spiegel, MD, our center's unique capabilities include:
- A multidisciplinary team, including adult and pediatric epileptologists, neuropsychologists, radiologists, pediatric and adult neurosurgeons, and nurse practitioner coordinators. Seizures and epilepsy can involve and affect multiple body systems, so having a staff with broad-based expertise readily available helps achieve a more effective treatment plan.
- State-of-the-art diagnostic techniques for patients with epilepsy, including brain MRI modalities such as tractography to visualize neuronal tracts in the brain, functional brain MRI, and positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI), which is sometimes used to detect brain lesions that may not have been detected previously.
- All FDA-approved treatments, including surgical resection of the seizure onset zone; minimally invasive options such as laser ablation and neuromodulation with responsive neurostimulation (RNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS) and vagal nerve stimulation (VNS).
- An 11-bed dedicated video-EEG epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) with 24/7 EEG technicians and observation staff.
- Portable video-EEG epilepsy monitoring system that can be set up anywhere in the hospital for patients who may be experiencing seizures.
- State-of-the-art neuro ICU (neuro intensive care unit) with 10 EEG beds and one dedicated pediatric ICU bed.
- Dietitians trained in ketogenic, modified Atkins and other forms of specialized diets for epilepsy.
- Clinical trials
- Support group and education services for patients and their families.
To learn about the Stony Brook Level 4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, call (631) 444-2599.
Advances in Epilepsy Diagnosis
We invite you to watch our livestream video featuring Director Rebecca Spiegel entitled Advances in Epilepsy Diagnosis, Management and Support from Infancy to Adulthood.”
About Epilepsy
Epilepsy refers to a brain disorder resulting in multiple seizures. Epilepsy and seizures affect more than three million Americans of all ages, with about 200,000 new cases diagnosed each year.
It is important to know that:
- Properly diagnosed and treated, most people with epilepsy can expect to get their seizures under control.
- Patients who have persistent, recurrent seizures or those with an unconfirmed seizure diagnosis may benefit from the advanced diagnostic and treatment services of a comprehensive epilepsy center.
What Causes Epilepsy?
Epilepsy may be related to genetic factors or structural abnormalities of the brain or brain metabolism, and can begin in infancy and childhood. Epilepsy can also be acquired (become symptomatic) during the course of one's life due to infection of the brain, trauma, tumors or stroke. When no cause is found, the term "idiopathic" is used — that may mean one has to look harder for a proper diagnosis.
A Seizure or Epilepsy?
Seizures happen when your nerve cells fire more rapidly and with less control than usual, affecting how you feel or act. These range and may cause:
- Absence seizures, involving a brief lapse of conscious activity
- Complex, partial seizures where one is unaware and unresponsive
- Seizures where there is a full loss of consciousness with the potential for falling, shaking and difficulty breathing.
Epilepsy refers to a brain disorder resulting in multiple seizures, but seizures are not always related to epilepsy. Seizures can be a symptom of a disruption of brain function, such as from a high fever, a head injury or lack of oxygen. Ten percent of Americans will experience a seizure at least once in their lifetime, with the highest incidence occurring under the age of two and over the age of 65.
