Neurology & Neurosurgery

Epilepsy Center

The UCSF Epilepsy Center provides state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging and treatment for all forms of epilepsy. Our physician-scientists helped develop many of the modern approaches to epilepsy care and continue to lead the way in treatment innovations. Our patients have access to clinical trials of next-generation drugs, devices and surgical procedures.

Our team includes experts from many fields – neurologists and neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, neuroradiologists, nutritionists, nurses and pharmacists – all with specialized training in epilepsy. Our expertise and comprehensive care have earned us a level 4 rating – the highest possible rating – from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers.

We are part of the UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences.

Learn more about clinical trials and how they work.

Our locations (1)

    Explore what we do

    "Rebooting" the brain of a patient with epilepsy

    Kimberly began having debilitating seizures and anxiety while overseas. After two brain surgeries at UCSF, her condition was finally under control.

    Visualizing the source of one patient’s lifelong seizures

    Rashetta's life was seriously impacted by nearly 30 years of seizures. Surgeons used 3-D heat maps to find and remove the seizure-causing part of her brain.

    Read Rashetta's story on ucsf.edu

    Minimally invasive surgery for epilepsy

    When does surgery make sense for epilepsy? Dr. Edward F. Chang explains the options for patients experiencing uncontrolled seizures.

    Patient materials

    Conditions we treat

    • Brain inflammation

    • Drug-resistant epilepsy

    • Epilepsy

    • Epileptic encephalopathy

    • Focal epilepsy

    • Frontal lobe epilepsy

    • Generalized epilepsy

    • Loss of awareness

    • Loss of consciousness

    • Petit mal seizure

    • Seizures

    • Seizures due to a tumor, stroke, or traumatic brain injury

    • Status epilepticus

    • Temporal lobe epilepsy

    Treatments we specialize in

    Our team

    Decorative Caduceus

    Model-based Electrical Brain Stimulation

    A personalized decoder is trained for each patient using the recorded neural activity and self-reports. Then this decoder is used to estimate the biomarker purely from neural activity; that is, based on neural activity, it will re...

    Recruiting

    Awards & recognition

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF as part of its 2024-2025 Honor Roll

      Among the top hospitals in the nation

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF as number 3 in the country for neurology and neurosurgery for 2024 to 2025

      Best in the West and No. 3 in the nation for neurology & neurosurgery

    • n1-2x

      in the West for number of epilepsy surgeries performed

    • Level4-2x

      Accredited level 4 epilepsy center (National Association of Epilepsy Centers)

    Support services

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    Patient Resource

    Case Management & Social Work

    Connect with a team that can help you find resources, solve problems and advocate for you during treatment at UCSF.

    Class

    Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Class

    This eight-week class teaches mindfulness practices that can reduce stress and improve your overall health, such as meditation and body awareness.

    Support Group

    Neurology Support Groups

    Find support for caregivers, families and patients dealing with aneurysm and AVM disorders, Parkinson's, MS and other neurological disorders.

    Patient Resource

    Patient Relations

    We welcome feedback about your experience at UCSF Health. Find out how to contact us with comments, questions or concerns.

    Patient Resource

    Spiritual Care Services

    Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers.

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your condition
    • List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    International Services

    If you live outside the United States and are coming to UCSF for medical treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

    Learn more

    Interpreting Services

    UCSF offers interpreters in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as well as services for deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired patients.

    Learn more

    Hospital Stays

    Make your hospital stay as smooth and comfortable as possible by finding out how to prepare and what to expect.

    Learn more

    Your Doctor Visit

    See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

    Learn more

    Related clinics

    Neurosurgery Clinic

    See all seven of our locations and learn more about the clinic.

    Our research initiatives

    • UCSF-Epilepsy-Center-Research-2x

      UCSF Epilepsy Center Research

      The UCSF Epilepsy Center conducts research on medical imaging and both surgical and nonsurgical treatments for epilepsy. Research findings play a key role in shaping the center's patient care.

      Learn more

    Do you need pediatric care?

    UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
    UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals

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    UCSF Help Center

    (888) 689-8273
    [email protected]

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