Epilepsy Treatment
The Epilepsy Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New
Brunswick, New Jersey provides evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and management
of complex epilepsy and seizure disorders in children and adults. Through
our partnership with
Rutgers Health and faculty from
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, the center includes neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists,
neuroradiologists, nurse practitioners, pharmacologists, psychiatrists,
neuropathologists and research coordinators dedicated to cutting edge
research and treatment in this specialized area of neuroscience.
Patients also have access to the latest clinical trials for new antiepileptic medications for various seizure types and are evaluated for epilepsy surgery. The Epilepsy Center also addresses quality-of-life concerns, including depression, memory issues, safe driving, bone health, reproductive health and pregnancy.
Diagnostic Testing
The Epilepsy Center performs diagnostic testing at our ABRET-accredited Neurophysiology Laboratory and within the hospital including:
- Evaluation by a clinical epileptologist
- High-resolution epilepsy protocol MRI brain scans
- Outpatient laboratory electroencephalogram (EEG) and evoked potentials (nerve responses) for infants, children and adults
- Phase 1 long-term inpatient video EEG monitoring with scalp electrodes to identify an area of the brain responsible for epileptic activity or to differentiate between epileptic events and nonepileptic symptoms
- Phase 2 video EEG with surgically placed intracranial electrodes (subdural, grid, or depth, etc.) to accurately pinpoint the epileptic focus for possible surgery
- Wada testing (cerebral angiogram with neuropsychological testing during EEG monitoring), which assesses language, memory and language dominance on one side of the brain at a time
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scans
- Sleep studies
- Focused genetic testing (as clinically indicated and covered by insurance)
Epilepsy Treatment Options
There are a variety of treatment options available for epilepsy, including:
- Anti-seizure medications
- Treatment for status epilepticus and other seizure emergencies
- Resective epilepsy surgery to remove specific brain tissues that may be responsible for seizures
- Laser thermal ablation surgery
- Vagus nerve stimulator (VNS) therapy
- Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) implants
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
Epilepsy Surgery
Epilepsy symptoms may be eased by removing specific brain tissues that may be responsible for seizures. Our skilled neurosurgeons, in collaboration with our neurologists, use the latest technology to ensure the greatest accuracy and least invasive methods that suit each individual patient’s situation.
We use an MRI-guided software system called ClearPoint Navigation that helps surgeons visualize the placement and operation of instruments or devices. Its 3D imaging capabilities are used to both plan the surgery and to guide surgeons during brain surgery.
The ROSA ONE Brain robotic system assists surgeons in planning and performing complex yet minimally invasive surgery on the brain to alleviate epilepsy symptoms.
Advancing the Science of Epilepsy Care
Our clinical teams are part of Rutgers University, one of the top research institutions in America. We are involved in research and in teaching about all aspects of epilepsy and other neuromuscular conditions. We use leading-edge knowledge to help patients achieve their best quality of life.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one are seeking diagnosis and treatment for epilepsy or a seizure disorder, make an appointment today.