Epilepsy is a broad term used for a brain disorder that causes seizures. There are many different types of epilepsy. There are also many different kinds of seizures. Learn more about epilepsy and how to keep children with epilepsy safe.
Seizures are typically classified into two main groups: Generalized Seizures & Focal Seizures
The person may feel tired after a tonic-clonic seizure.
Seizures may last as long as a few minutes.
(CDC, 2020)
Our Pediatric Neurology and Neurosurgery Team has extensive training in treating patients with epilepsy. We review all patient medical history to come up with a thorough plan to ensure your child is receiving the care they need. In addition to seeing our Pediatric Neuroscience Team, this care many consist of having the child undergoing an Electroencephalogram (EEG), Neurocognitive Testing, Autonomic Testing, or having a visit with our Nutritionist and/or Psychologist. If you are concerned your child may be having seizures, not matter the magnitude, please call our office to schedule a consultation.Â
Overview of Services Above
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures electrical activity in the brain using small, metal discs called electrodes. Our experienced EEG Technologist will attach these tiny electrodes to the scalp (it is pain-free!). The helps the brain cells communicate by sending electrical impulses. Brain cells are active all the time, even when you are asleep. This activity shows up as wavy lines on an EEG recording, that is then interpreted by our Epileptologist.Â
Routine EEG (Duration is one-hour)
A Routine EEG is performed in the office with one of our experience EEG Technologists. After the EEG tech places on the electrodes, the recording system will run for approximately 1 hour. During this time, the EEG Tech will be working with the patient to capture brain activity as they undergo common stimulations, photic stimulation (fast, flashing lights or pattern) and hyperventilation (very quick breathing).Â
Overnight EEG (Duration is approximately 16 hours)
An Overnight EEG may also be performed in the office. We have two Overnight EEG spaces that have full bathrooms, TVs, beds, a crib if necessary and comfortable chair for parents to stay the night. Our EEG Technologist is trained to stay overnight in our facility to monitor the patient. During this time the EEG Tech will place on the electrodes and perform similar stimulations as they do during a one-hour EEG. The electrodes will then remain intact for the duration of the study. At times, due to patients possible moving in their sleep, please be aware an adjustment may need to be made to the electrode in order for us to receive the best possible brain wave recording. An overnight EEG will help us determine when if a patient is have any seizure-like activity while they are asleep, that may not have appeared during their one-hour study.Â
Ambulatory EEG (Duration of 24 hours at home)
Ambulatory electroencephalography (aEEG) monitoring is an EEG that is recorded at home. It has the ability to record for up to 72 hours. The aEEG increases the chance of recording an event or abnormal changes in the brain wave patterns. With this study, the patient will come into the office first, to have our EEG Technologist place on the electrodes and review the instructions of how to use the Ambulatory EEG monitoring equipment.Â
Once the patient’s EEG study is completed, the recording will be reviewed and interpreted by our Epileptologist. We will then share the results with patients at your next visit.
 Neurocognitive Testing is an assessment procedure that utilizes scientifically validated, objective, and reliable computerized neuropsychological tests to evaluate the neurocognitive status of patients. The testing covers a range of mental processes from simple motor performance, attention, and memory, to executive functions. Age-standardized scoring of the assessment eliminates variability and rater bias. The assessment can be repeated over time to monitor progression of disease and/or response to treatment. With a epilepsy, this will help our team to evaluate your child’s thinking ability and how different areas and systems of the brain are working.Â
A pattern of your child's strengths and weaknesses will be used to help diagnose the type of epilepsy and plan treatment.
The evaluation will assess:
Autonomic testing is a neurologic procedure in which the function of the autonomic nervous system is evaluated. The autonomic nervous system is the part of the nervous system that controls your breathing, your blood pressure, your heart rate, the movement of your gastrointestinal tract, your skin temperature, and numerous other functions. To assist in the treatment plan of epilepsy, Autonomic Testing may be recommended by your Pediatric Neurologist to see what might be contributing to the epileptic episodes. This is a pain-free test as well!Â
A balanced diet from different food groups help the body and brain to function, helping us to stay healthy! Our Pediatric Nutritionist can provide you with suggestions on a healthy diet, such as ketogenic diet or modified Atkins diet, that may help reduce the risk of seizures for some people with epilepsy. We will provide you with easy safe recipes to help stay on a healthy track.Â
Pediatric Psychological evaluations are individualized comprehensive assessments that target an individual’s patterns of current functioning to better understand cognitive abilities, socio-emotional functioning, behavior, and/or personality. We may refer you to see our Pediatric Psychologist to assist in finding a psychological intervention to fit the needs of your child. This may include, relaxation therapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and education interventions that have been used in studies to reduce the frequency of seizures and improve the quality the life.
NOTICE: This website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or as a substitute for a patient/physician relationship.
NJPNI is committed to creating a culturally diverse, inclusive and collaborative community for patients and their families, employees and associates where each person is celebrated and has a sense of equal belonging. See our DEI Statement Page for more information.
NJPNI does not exclude, deny benefits to, or otherwise discriminate against any person on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, or on the basis of disability or age in admission to, participation in, or receipt of the services and benefits of any of its programs and activities or in employment therein. This statement is in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Regulations of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued pursuant to the Acts, Title 45 Code of Federal Regulations part 80, 84, and 91.
