Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Frequently Asked Questions

A level 4 epilepsy center is the highest ranking you can receive from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC).

This ranking means the UPMC Comprehensive Epilepsy Center provides:

• Thorough expert assessments and complete testing to help make a correct diagnosis of epilepsy.
• All approved treatment options, including the latest seizure drugs and non-drug treatments.
• Benefit of getting a consensus expert opinion by the multidisciplinary team.
• The chance to meet with an epilepsy surgeon to discuss brain surgery and help you decide if it's right for you.

We'll make sure you've tried the best possible medical treatment for your seizure type. And if drugs don't help, epilepsy surgery might be the best treatment to free you from your seizures.

An appointment with the epilepsy experts at our center doesn't mean you have to leave the care of your current neurologist.

We work with your neurologist to make sure you have a precise diagnosis so you can start your journey toward seizure freedom.

If your seizures don’t stop after trying two different drugs, you should see an epileptologist at a comprehensive epilepsy center. Our epileptologists have special training in diagnosing and treating epilepsy.

Depending on the type of seizure and where it starts in the brain, our experts on your multidisciplinary team may decide that you may be a candidate for epilepsy surgery.

Before deciding on a treatment, you can meet with an epilepsy surgeon to see if surgery is right for you.