Epilepsy Treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital

Epilepsy Treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital provides specialized evaluation and treatment for patients with epilepsy, recurrent seizures and complex seizure disorders. Care may include advanced seizure monitoring, EEG testing, brain imaging, medication management, dietary therapies, epilepsy surgery evaluation and other specialized treatment options.

Price

Price on Request

Why Price on Request?

The cost depends on the complexity of the epilepsy, diagnostic testing, EEG monitoring, imaging, medications, hospitalization and whether surgical evaluation or treatment is required. A personalized estimate is provided according to the patient's treatment plan.

Complete Description

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by a tendency to have recurrent seizures.

Seizures can result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain and may cause:

• Loss of awareness

• Unusual movements

• Staring episodes

• Muscle jerking

• Sensory changes

• Temporary confusion

• Other neurological symptoms

Who May Need Epilepsy Treatment?

Specialized epilepsy care may benefit patients with:

• Recurrent seizures

• Newly diagnosed epilepsy

• Unexplained seizure-like episodes

• Medication-resistant epilepsy

• Complex seizure disorders

• Seizures associated with brain abnormalities

Epilepsy Consultation

An epilepsy specialist may review:

• Seizure history

• Seizure frequency

• Symptoms before and after seizures

• Previous EEG results

• Brain imaging

• Medications

• Previous treatments

• Family history

Comprehensive Seizure Evaluation

Specialists may evaluate:

• Type of seizure

• Seizure triggers

• Seizure frequency

• Possible underlying cause

• Response to previous medications

• Impact on daily activities

EEG Testing

An electroencephalogram (EEG) records electrical activity in the brain.

EEG testing can help specialists:

• Detect abnormal electrical activity

• Classify seizures

• Support an epilepsy diagnosis

• Guide treatment planning

Video EEG Monitoring

Video EEG monitoring combines continuous EEG recording with video observation.

It can help specialists determine whether unusual episodes are epileptic seizures and identify the seizure type and origin.

Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

Selected patients may undergo extended monitoring in a specialized epilepsy setting.

Monitoring can help:

• Capture seizures

• Analyze seizure activity

• Clarify diagnosis

• Evaluate treatment options

• Determine whether surgery may be appropriate

Brain MRI for Epilepsy

MRI may be used to identify structural abnormalities that could contribute to seizures.

Imaging may help evaluate:

• Brain lesions

• Scarring

• Developmental abnormalities

• Tumors

• Other structural causes

Anti-Seizure Medication Management

Medication is a major component of epilepsy treatment.

Specialists may:

• Start anti-seizure medication

• Adjust medication doses

• Change medications

• Combine medications when appropriate

• Monitor treatment response

Medication-Resistant Epilepsy

Some patients continue to experience seizures despite appropriate medication treatment.

These patients may be evaluated at a specialized epilepsy center for additional treatment options.

Epilepsy Surgery Evaluation

Selected patients with medication-resistant epilepsy may undergo a comprehensive surgical evaluation.

The assessment may include:

• Video EEG

• MRI

• Neuropsychological testing

• Functional brain mapping

• Other specialized investigations

Epilepsy Surgery

For carefully selected patients, surgery may target the brain region responsible for seizures.

The type of procedure depends on:

• Seizure origin

• Brain anatomy

• Underlying condition

• Functional importance of the affected area

Neuromodulation Therapies

Selected patients who are not candidates for traditional epilepsy surgery may be evaluated for specialized neuromodulation approaches.

Treatment suitability depends on the patient's epilepsy and clinical circumstances.

Dietary Therapy

Certain patients, particularly selected individuals with difficult-to-control epilepsy, may be evaluated for specialized dietary treatment approaches.

Pediatric Epilepsy Care

Children with seizures may require specialized evaluation addressing:

• Development

• Learning

• School performance

• Seizure type

• Medication effects

• Family support

Epilepsy and Pregnancy

Women with epilepsy may require specialized planning regarding:

• Anti-seizure medications

• Pregnancy

• Medication safety

• Seizure control

• Maternal and fetal health

Long-Term Epilepsy Management

Ongoing care may include:

• Seizure monitoring

• Medication adjustments

• EEG testing when appropriate

• Safety counseling

• Lifestyle guidance

• Follow-up neurological assessment

Epilepsy Second Opinion

Patients may seek an epilepsy second opinion regarding:

• Seizure diagnosis

• EEG interpretation

• Medication selection

• Medication-resistant epilepsy

• Surgical evaluation

• Alternative treatment options

International Patients

International patients should provide relevant records whenever possible.

Useful documents may include:

• EEG reports

• Video EEG results

• MRI/CT scans

• Neurology reports

• Seizure history

• Medication records

• Previous surgical evaluations

• Laboratory results

Benefits of Specialized Epilepsy Care

Specialized epilepsy services may help:

• Confirm seizure diagnosis

• Classify seizure type

• Identify seizure origin

• Optimize medications

• Evaluate medication-resistant epilepsy

• Assess surgical options

• Coordinate long-term seizure management

Why Choose Massachusetts General Hospital for Epilepsy Treatment?

Massachusetts General Hospital provides specialized epilepsy care through multidisciplinary neurology and neuroscience programs, with access to advanced seizure monitoring, diagnostic testing, medical management and surgical evaluation when appropriate.

Cost & Price on Request

Price: Price on Request

Potential costs may include:

• Epilepsy consultation

• Neurological evaluation

• EEG

• Video EEG monitoring

• MRI

• Neuropsychological testing

• Anti-seizure medications

• Hospital monitoring

• Epilepsy surgery evaluation

• Surgery when indicated

• Follow-up care

A personalized cost estimate should be requested according to the patient's evaluation and treatment requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can epilepsy be treated with medication?

Yes. Many patients can achieve seizure control with appropriate anti-seizure medications, although treatment response varies.

2. What if seizures continue despite medication?

Patients with medication-resistant epilepsy may benefit from evaluation at a specialized epilepsy center for additional medical, surgical or neuromodulation options.

3. What is video EEG monitoring?

It combines continuous brain-wave recording with video monitoring to help characterize and diagnose seizure episodes.

4. Can epilepsy surgery cure seizures?

For carefully selected patients, epilepsy surgery can significantly reduce or potentially eliminate seizures, but outcomes depend on the underlying condition and seizure origin.

5. How much does epilepsy treatment cost?

Price is available on request. The final cost depends on consultations, EEG monitoring, imaging, medications, hospitalization and any surgical treatment required.

Product Details

Product Name: Epilepsy Treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital

Hospital: Massachusetts General Hospital

Brand: Massachusetts General Hospital

Country: United States

Specialty: Neurology & Neurosurgery

Service Type: Epilepsy Treatment

Customer-Facing Price: Price on Request

International Patients: Available

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA