Expertise and technology for the most complex cases

The University of Chicago Pediatric Epilepsy Center has the highly skilled staff and advanced technologies to treat even the most challenging cases. Our multidisciplinary team – experts in the fields of pediatric neurology, pediatric neurosurgery, pediatric nursing, social work, pediatric neuropsychology, pediatric neuropsychiatry, pediatric neurogenetics, radiology, and pediatric rehabilitation – collaborates effectively in the best interest of the epilepsy patient. Our families come to us from both the United States and abroad seeking better solutions to their children's problems with epilepsy. A significant number of our patients are referred to us by knowledgeable physicians seeking the best options for their patients.

One of the unique aspects of our center is the close collaboration between scientists and clinicians, successfully developing better diagnostic tools and treatment options for children with epilepsy.

Thanks to a generous gift, the new Falk Center for Advanced Study and Care of Pediatric Epilepsy, established within our Pediatric Epilepsy Center, assures you access to the most advanced technologies and innovative approaches.

The most sophisticated non-invasive diagnostics in the United States

The University of Chicago is the only pediatric center in the United States to offer the full range of advanced EEG multimodal imaging tools to identify the source of an epileptic seizure – without invasive intracranial EEG monitoring. Thanks to pioneering work by University of Chicago epileptologists, these techniques enable physicians to create three-dimensional images of the brain's electrical activity that aid in more accurate diagnosis. If surgery proves a desirable option, these same images enable our neurosurgeons to plan the procedure in advance and with greater precision.

Access to new technologies and medications

As a leading epilepsy research center, the University of Chicago Pediatric Epilepsy Center is at the forefront of the development of new treatments for epilepsy. Our team conducts clinical trials of promising epilepsy drugs... develops noninvasive tools to identify those who can benefit from surgery... develops better methods for determining surgical outcomes and selecting anticonvulsants... studies the molecular mechanism responsible for initiating seizures... studies the genetics of epilepsy and brain development, all with the goal of enhancing patient care. Because our physicians are at the forefront of research and development, they can begin using the newest methods and medications the moment they are proven safe and effective, affording our patients access to valuable options that may not yet be in place elsewhere.

An integral part of Illinois' highest rated hospital

The University of Chicago Hospitals has been ranked the best hospital in Illinois and one of the best in the United States by U.S. News & World Report – again, and again, and again. In fact, it is the only hospital in Illinois ever to be listed on this elite honor roll.

Multiple languages spoken

We welcome patients from throughout the world. In addition to English, pediatric epilepsy team members speak Spanish, French, Flemish, Dutch, Arabic, Korean, Chinese, and German.

For more information, click the links below.