Comprehensive Epilepsy Center

Beyond Seizure Control

The Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital is dedicated to the management of adults and children with epilepsy. The Center provides a multidisciplinary approach to the complex medical and social needs of patients with epilepsy. It is now the largest dedicated epilepsy center in Brooklyn, and one of the largest in the metropolitan area.

Epilepsy, also known as seizure disorder, is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical brain activity. Because it can strike both adults and children, the team of physicians at the Center includes both adult and pediatric neurologists who specialize in epilepsy.

People living with epilepsy benefit from the intervention of an experienced team that includes adult and pediatric neurologists who specialize in epilepsy, as well as neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, EEG technologists, clinical nurse specialists, neurophysiologists, and psychiatrists.

The Center's goal is to help people gain control of their seizures. The first steps are proper diagnosis which is achieved via neurological examination, patient history, and, most importantly, a test called EEG (electroencephalogram) to evaluate activity in the brain.

The treatment of epilepsy has changed dramatically over the past few years. State-of-the-art technology is now available for diagnosis, seizure classification, new effective medication, and evaluation to achieve the most effective treatment of epilepsy. The Center provides a variety of inpatient and outpatient diagnostic services and treatment plans are individually designed.

The Center recently unveiled its spacious new suite, designed to accommodate both the growing number of patients and the Center's high-tech equipment. It's equipped eight video EEG units, three EEG labs, and a control room. In addition, the Center has six ambulatory and routine EEG units which are used for shorter studies.

We offer same day video-EEG recordings, which is extremely beneficial for those with busy schedules. Video-EEG involves videotaping patients at the same time their EEG is recorded. This allows physicians to observe brainwave activity in real-time while a seizures or spell is occurring. Video-EEG is most helpful in determining whether seizures with unusual features are actually epilepsy, identifying the type of seizures, prescribe medication for most patients, and pinpointing the region of the brain where seizures begin.

Patients who need a thorough evaluation or who are not responding to their current medical therapy are appropriate for referral. They may be referred by their primary care physicians, or they can directly contact the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center for an appointment. We invite patients with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of epilepsy or seizures to explore and learn more about our center.

• Nearly all major insurance plans are accepted.
• We speak English, Spanish, French, Russian, German, Korean, Persian, Sinhala, Hungarian, and Hebrew.
• Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Epilepsy.
• View a blog post on When Seizure Types Change by Shahin Nouri, MD. View the following Question and Answer post.