Epilepsy Program

Faculty

• Andrew Bragdon, MD (Director)
• Robert Beach, MD, PhD
• Paul Kent, MD, PhD

This program serves patients with seizures, especially those for whom there are difficult diagnostic questions or the seizures have proved refractory to treatment with medications. Patients may be referred for consultation on diagnosis and management, or for treatment.

The program includes a state-of-the-art video-EEG monitoring unit at University Hospital where a patient's behavior and EEG are recorded simultaneously. This unit is indispensable for distinguishing epileptic seizures from non-epileptic spells, such as pseudoseizures. It is also essential for localizing the origin of seizure discharges in the brain in patients being considered for neurosurgical removal of epileptic foci.

Patients who meet the criteria for surgical therapy, and wish to have it, are operated upon by Dr. David Carter, the program's neurosurgeon.

The program provides the full range of surgical interventions including localization and removal of the epileptic focus, multiple subpial transection for foci in non-removable areas, and vagus nerve stimulation when neither of these is an option. Program physicians also participate in experimental trials of new drugs.

Appointments

Appointments with the program can be made by:

• Write to:

Comprehensive Epilepsy Program

Department of Neurology

90 Presidential Plaza, Room 4064

Syracuse, NY 13202

• FAX request to (315) 464-7328
• Phone the administrative office at (315) 464-5000.

  Patients are seen at the University Health Care Center, a few blocks from University Hospital.