According to the Epilepsy Foundation of America, one percent of Americans have some form of epilepsy. Because of the differences in severity and complexity of the disorder, treatment planning is a result of close communication between the epilepsy specialist, primary care physician, patient and family. Many physicians in the Sutter Health system provide routine treatment for patients with epilepsy.

When the diagnosis is not clear or a patient doesn't find relief through traditional antiepileptic drugs and seizure management, Sutter Neuroscience Institute specialists offer advanced inpatient and outpatient evaluation and care. Patients referred to the institute's Comprehensive Epilepsy Program include children and adults who experience intractable seizures, poorly controlled epilepsy and seizure-like spells that may be associated with brain tumors and other conditions.

The institute's Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) uses the latest technology to monitor and assess the exact nature of a patient's epilepsy. Additional advanced scanning and mapping tools complete the diagnostic picture, allowing doctors to determine the best approach to treatment. Options for treatment include improved seizure control through medications and surgery to treat seizures, such as temporal lobectomy, or vagus nerve stimulator placement. Sutter ensures that adults and children have access to the latest investigational clinical trials and the most recent treatments available.

Care through the institute combines warmth and compassion with the latest advances in diagnosis and therapy. Patients, families and staff work together as a team to help each patient achieve and maintain relief from seizures and the ability to live life to its fullest.