Epilepsy is a condition where irregular nerve cell activity in the brain causes seizures. It interrupts the electrical pulses that brain cells use to send commands to the body. This results in abnormal bodily behavior, such as unusual muscle movements and sensations (seizures) and even loss of consciousness.
Epilepsy can affect a person’s ability to walk, drive, and perform other daily tasks. The seizures often can be controlled with medication, or with surgery in more serious cases. Children diagnosed with epilepsy may outgrow it.
The UAB Epilepsy Center
UAB Medicine is home to some of the nation’s most experienced epilepsy specialists, with expertise in all types of epilepsy. Our neurologists and neurosurgeons work together to develop care plans that are personalized to each patient. Our history of innovative patient care in diagnosing, treating, and managing this condition helped the UAB Epilepsy Center achieve a Level IV Center designation – the highest available – from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers.
The UAB Epilepsy Center uses advanced imaging technology to evaluate patients. UAB Medicine is the only hospital in the Birmingham area with such a wide range of technology, including:
- Magnetoencephalography (MEG) brain scanning
- High-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Combined electroencephalogram (EEG) and MRI scans
- Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scanning
Epilepsy Transition Clinic
For people who are born with epilepsy or develop it in their youth, the process of moving to adult care can be challenging. Our Epilepsy Transition Clinic works closely with the UAB STEP Program to make that process easier and help patients who have multiple chronic conditions. This team includes pediatric and adult neurologists who are board-certified in epilepsy, as well as social workers, a mental health liaison, and a transition coordinator. The program includes regularly scheduled clinic visits and helps prepare pediatric patients for adult care.ordinator. The transition program includes regularly scheduled clinic visits and assistance in preparing pediatric patients for adult care.
Care Providers
Resources
- Information About Epilepsy Surgery
- What to Expect at the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
- UAB Division of Epilepsy
- CDC – Epilepsy
- NIH – Epilepsy Information
- Epilepsy Surgery Booklet
Related Specialties
Clinical Trials
Speak to your physician about your options and browse the link below for more information
Latest News
View All News-
How chronic stress rewires the brain
April 15, 2025
-
$10 million endowment to UAB will support Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s and ALS research and education
April 14, 2025
-
UAB eMedicine launches Online Second Opinion service
March 31, 2025
-
NARSAD award will allow rare glimpse into the neural mechanisms of depression
December 19, 2024
-
UAB adds new MEG technology to enhance research and clinical care for epilepsy and other brain diseases
November 21, 2024