Epilepsy Diagnosis and Treatment

Wake Forest Baptist Health is recognized internationally for the management of epilepsy. We routinely perform advanced diagnostic mapping to identify seizure origination and we recommend treatment based on those findings.

Brain Mapping

At Wake Forest Baptist we have the most sophisticated brain mapping capabilities in North Carolina. Our brain mapping includes analysis based on a variety of information gathered from the patient including EEG, MEG, PET, SPECT, Source Analysis, and 3D imagery construction.

Magnetoencephalography (MEG) is a unique brain imaging technique used at Wake Forest Baptist. MEG measures the magnetic fields emitted by brain cells (neurons), allowing the mapping of brain activity with great precision in real time. By using this technology, our doctors can pinpoint exactly where seizures originate. We are one of only 29 clinical sites in the country, and the only site in North Carolina and surrounding states, to utilize MEG. Learn more about MEG.

Ketogenic Diet

The ketogenic diet is a high fat, adequate-protein, and very-low-carbohydrate diet that causes a state of ketosis. Ketosis allows the body to use fat for energy. For some people with seizures not well-controlled by anti-seizure medications, entering into a state of ketosis improves their seizures. Learn more about the ketogenic diet.

Medication to Manage Epilepsy

Because of our leadership in medication development and treatment, our epilepsy patients have access to the newest medications. Our epileptologists, including specialists in pediatric epilepsy, are experts in selecting the drug combinations most suitable for each patient.

Surgery for Epilepsy at Wake Forest

When medication alone cannot control seizures, we evaluate patients for other treatment options, including surgical removal of the epileptic focus (where the seizures originate in the brain) or implantation of the vagal nerve stimulator. Learn more about epilepsy surgery.