Local Epilepsy Centers – Metro DC

What is an Epilepsy Center?

Epilepsy centers provide a comprehensive team approach to the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. A patient-oriented team will typically include epileptologists (neurologists with expertise in treating seizures), neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, nurse specialists, EEG technologists, social workers, and others with training and experience in epilepsy care. Specialized epilepsy centers provide routine care to individuals with seizures or epilepsy and specialize in providing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services to individuals with uncontrolled seizures (i.e., intractable or refractory epilepsy).

Levels of Epilepsy Care

The greater Washington, DC area is fortunate to have several outstanding epilepsy centers. The National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) recognizes four levels of epilepsy care. The levels of epilepsy care are a useful tool for both patients and healthcare providers to evaluate the appropriateness and quality of specialized epilepsy care.

NAEC defines four levels of epilepsy care and accredits epilepsy centers that provide level 3 and 4 care:

Level 1 epilepsy care typically occurs at an emergency room or a primary care physician’s office with an epilepsy evaluation.
Level 2 epilepsy care involves a consultation with a general neurologist. This consultation may occur at a specialized epilepsy center.
Levels 3 and 4 care takes place at specialized epilepsy centers.