Pediatric Epilepsy Program

A program of Boys Town Pediatric Neuroscience, the Boys Town Pediatric Epilepsy Program provides state-of-the-art, life-changing care for pediatric patients affected by epilepsy – from newborns to teens.

Who can receive treatment from the Boys Town Pediatric Epilepsy Program?

Our epilepsy center is designed for the care of complex epilepsies for children and adolescents. We serve patients from ages 0 to 18 years who have been diagnosed with one of the many forms of epilepsy.

For kids with recent undiagnosed or new-onset seizures, the Boys Town First-Time Seizure Clinic is designed specifically for finding the cause of new, changing or undiagnosed seizures in infants, children and teens.

A Level 4 Epilepsy Center That’s Just for Kids

​The National Association of Epilepsy Centers has named Boys Town National Research Hospital a level 4 epilepsy center, certifying the program’s comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric epilepsy patients. Level 4 epilepsy centers serve as regional or national referral facilities for patients with complex epilepsies and provide patients with the most advanced care available.

Our Approach to Life-Changing Epilepsy Care

When you seek care with the Boys Town Pediatric Epilepsy Program, you are giving your child access to the expertise of the Midwest's largest neuroscience team. Our fellowship-trained team includes pediatric epileptologists, neurologists and neurosurgeons.

We know that each diagnosis is unique. Our providers have access to a number of tools and specialists to find individualized solutions that address the physiological, social and emotional needs of each patient.

• The Most Advanced Seizure Monitoring – To Achieve Optimal Patient Comfort
  The Boys Town Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) is one of the most technically advanced inpatient imaging units in the region that's dedicated exclusively to monitoring seizures in pediatric patients. Patients and a guardian typically spend three to five days in the unit so that our specialists can develop the most appropriate treatment plan to control, stop or reduce seizure occurrence.​
  
• World-Leading Imaging – To Allow for Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery
  Boys Town is the only facility in the world with two next-generation MEG (magnetoencephalography) systems. The Boys Town Pediatric Epilepsy Program uses this technology to pinpoint the area of the brain that is causing a patient's seizures, down to the millimeter. This provides our board-certified pediatric neurosurgeons with the most complete picture of the brain possible prior to surgery.
• Neurostimulation Capability – To Provide Individualized Epilepsy Management
  Neurostimulation is an FDA-approved treatment method that can help patients whose epilepsy cannot be properly controlled with medication. Our board-certified pediatric neurosurgeons are trained to implant vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) devices. The treatments regulate brain waves using electrical impulses to stimulate either the nerve or brain.
• Dedicated Ketogenic Diet Program – To Design Tailored Lifestyle Solutions
  Did you know certain diets can help manage epilepsy symptoms? Boys Town Dietitians understand how diet therapy can be used to manage chronic conditions. We work with patients and families to create tailored plans based on a patient's specific health needs and follow up to ensure patients are following and benefiting from their nutrition plans.
• Behavioral Healthcare Experts – To Care for the Whole Health of Our Patients
  At the Boys Town Pediatric Epilepsy Program, we understand that health goes beyond physical well-being. Your child's and your family's mental wellness is important to us. That's why our neurologists work alongside child and adolescent psychiatrists when managing and treating epilepsy.

Life-Changing Care in Action: Pediatric Epilepsy is Not Stopping this Teen

Kendall's parents have two main goals as they move forward: for Kendall to feel empowered and able to care for herself, and for Kendall's epilepsy to be manageable without medication. With specialized epilepsy physicians on their side, they are confident that they can reach these goals. Read Kendall's story with pediatric epilepsy.​​