The Epilepsy Institute of New Jersey

If you’ve been following our recent posts on what can happen at a surgical consult, we want to mention another less used...
09/12/2025

If you’ve been following our recent posts on what can happen at a surgical consult, we want to mention another less used, but still sometimes offered neurostimulation option: DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation).

DBS involves a device placed under the chest that connects to electrodes deep in the brain. It delivers continuous stimulation to help regulate abnormal activity and reduce seizures.

While DBS is not as common as RNS or VNS, it may be considered for certain adults with drug-resistant epilepsy.

VNS for EpilepsyVagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is a small device implanted under the skin in the chest that sends gentle ...
09/04/2025

VNS for Epilepsy
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is a small device implanted under the skin in the chest that sends gentle electrical signals to the vagus nerve. These signals help calm the brain’s activity and reduce seizures.

VNS is usually considered when:
• Medications haven’t controlled seizures
• Surgery isn’t the right option
• Seizures come from multiple areas in the brain

It’s often used for people with generalized epilepsy or when seizures aren’t coming from one single spot. Over time, VNS can reduce seizure frequency, shorten seizure length, and improve recovery after a seizure.

RNS for EpilepsyResponsive Neurostimulation (RNS) is a small device placed under the skull that monitors brain activity ...
09/03/2025

RNS for Epilepsy
Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS) is a small device placed under the skull that monitors brain activity and sends tiny electrical pulses when it detects the start of a seizure.

RNS is typically used when:
• Medications haven’t controlled seizures
• Surgery isn’t the right option
• Seizures start in one or two specific areas of the brain

It’s most often used for people with focal epilepsy, where seizures come from a defined spot. RNS doesn’t “cure” epilepsy, but it can significantly reduce seizure frequency and improve quality of life.

At a surgical consult, there are typically three main pathways that may be presented to you after the evaluation:1. Neur...
09/03/2025

At a surgical consult, there are typically three main pathways that may be presented to you after the evaluation:

1. Neurostimulation Options

• RNS — for focal epilepsy when seizures start in one or two specific areas.
• VNS — for generalized epilepsy or when seizures come from multiple spots.

2. Surgical Options

• Resective surgery — removing the seizure-causing area of the brain.
• Hemispherotomy — for very severe cases when one side of the brain causes most seizures.

3. Further Testing

Sometimes more information is needed before deciding on treatment. This can include:
• SEEG — placing tiny electrodes inside the brain to map seizure activity.
• MEG scan — measures brain waves to see where seizures start.
• PET scan — shows areas of the brain that aren’t working normally.
• MRI or fMRI — helps plan surgery by mapping important functions like language and movement.

What to Expect at a Surgical Consult Coming in for a surgical consultation doesn’t mean you’re scheduling surgery. At yo...
08/30/2025

What to Expect at a Surgical Consult
Coming in for a surgical consultation doesn’t mean you’re scheduling surgery.

At your visit, our team will:
✅ Review your history and test results
✅ Talk through your options together
✅ Consult with your neurologist or epileptologist
✅ Connect you with other specialists if needed
✅ Arrange additional testing, if necessary

Our goal is simple: to give you clarity, answers, and support — never to rush you into any decisions. You are always in control.

For children, especially those with developing brains, uncontrolled seizures are more than just moments of electrical ac...
08/28/2025

For children, especially those with developing brains, uncontrolled seizures are more than just moments of electrical activity… they can disrupt critical brain development and have lasting effects on: Cognition & learning – frequent seizures can interfere with memory and attention.
Behavior & mood – children may struggle with emotional regulation and social development.
Physical safety – uncontrolled seizures increase the risk of injuries.
Overall brain health – ongoing seizures can cause lasting changes in how the brain forms connections.

If your child’s seizures aren’t controlled after trying two or more medications, it’s time to consider a surgical evaluation. We specialize in identifying advanced treatment options — from SEEG evaluations to surgical interventions — that can make a life-changing difference.

Early action matters. The sooner we intervene, the better the chances of protecting your child’s brain and helping them thrive. 💜

Thinking about epilepsy surgery? Swipe through to see the facts behind the fear — and why epilepsy surgery is safer, mor...
08/17/2025

Thinking about epilepsy surgery? Swipe through to see the facts behind the fear — and why epilepsy surgery is safer, more effective, and more transformative than most people realize. We’re here to answer questions, provide guidance, and help you explore every option.

📍 Jersey City, NJ
📧 info@epilepsyinstitute.com
🔗

When reviewing EEG and MRI together, knowing one result can bias interpretation of the other — but it can also provide v...
07/30/2025

When reviewing EEG and MRI together, knowing one result can bias interpretation of the other — but it can also provide valuable additional information:

🧠 Additional information:
• Targeted review of MRI after EEG abnormalities helps detect subtle structural lesions (e.g. FCD, hippocampal sclerosis) that might otherwise be missed.
• EEG findings guide focus in complex or subtle MRI cases — e.g., in epilepsy surgery planning, functional-structural correlation is essential.
🔍 Bias:
• Bias after looking at the EEG results may lead to overlooking findings elsewhere or misjudging clinical relevance, especially in self limited epilepsies, which can often have unilateral EEG abnormalities.
💡 Bottom line:

Knowing EEG findings can bias MRI interpretation — but when used thoughtfully, this “bias” becomes clinical context that enriches rather than distorts decision-making.

Sturge-Weber Syndrome & Epilepsy 🧠💜Sturge-Weber is a rare condition that can affect the brain, skin, and eyes — and up t...
07/29/2025

Sturge-Weber Syndrome & Epilepsy 🧠💜

Sturge-Weber is a rare condition that can affect the brain, skin, and eyes — and up to 90% of patients develop epilepsy.

Seizures often begin in infancy or early childhood and can be resistant to medication. When that happens, neurosurgical evaluation can help determine if surgery might reduce or even eliminate seizures.

At the Epilepsy Institute, we specialize in identifying the best treatment path — including surgical options — for children with complex epilepsy conditions like Sturge-Weber.

📍Early referral = better outcomes
📩 Let’s work together to find answers for families sooner.

✏️ Instagram Caption:What is SEEG — and how does it help in epilepsy surgery?SEEG (stereo-electroencephalography) is a m...
07/19/2025

✏️ Instagram Caption:

What is SEEG — and how does it help in epilepsy surgery?

SEEG (stereo-electroencephalography) is a minimally invasive procedure that helps pinpoint exactly where seizures start in the brain — especially when standard scans don’t show a clear answer.

Tiny electrodes are carefully placed in specific areas of the brain to “listen” for seizures. With this precise brain mapping, we can plan the safest and most effective surgery.

It’s one of the most advanced tools in epilepsy care — and it’s changing lives.

💡 Still having seizures despite medications?
You or your child might be a candidate for epilepsy surgery.

💬 DM us or visit epilepsyinstitute.com to learn more.


🧠 Pediatric & adult epilepsy surgery
📍 Jersey City, NJ

When seizure meds don’t work… what’s next?Whether it’s your child, a loved one, or yourself — if seizures continue despi...
07/16/2025

When seizure meds don’t work… what’s next?

Whether it’s your child, a loved one, or yourself — if seizures continue despite multiple medications, you’re not alone. And you’re not out of options.

At the Epilepsy Institute, we specialize in both pediatric and adult epilepsy surgery. Through advanced techniques and personalized care, we help individuals and families find answers — and hope.

DM us or visit epilepsyinstitute.com to learn more.

🧠 Pediatric & adult epilepsy surgery
📍 Jersey City, NJ

Today is World Epilepsy Day — March 26At our clinic, we care for children whose lives are shaped by seizures. Some have ...
03/27/2025

Today is World Epilepsy Day — March 26

At our clinic, we care for children whose lives are shaped by seizures. Some have tried countless medications. Some have missed school, sleepovers, birthdays. Some are still waiting for answers.

Today, we stand with them — and with families all over the world navigating epilepsy.

Epilepsy affects over 50 million people globally, and nearly 1 in 5 are kids. For many, seizures don’t stop with medication. But for some, the right kind of surgery can make all the difference.

We work with incredible families who make brave decisions. We see children who’ve gone from daily seizures to running, laughing, and living freely. And we know there’s still so much work to do.

So today, we wear purple to honor them — the children, the parents, the siblings, the caregivers. The ones still searching. The ones who’ve found peace. The ones who never give up.

You are not alone.

Address

150 Bay Street, Suit 317
Jersey City, NJ
07302

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12013615445

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