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Armed with the information provided by video/EEG monitoring, neuropsychological testing and brain mapping, Akron Children's neurosurgeons can safely perform a resection on a portion of the brain. Akron Children's surgeons can safely perform a resection on a small portion of the brain, an entire lobe or an entire hemisphere. Images produced by the hospital's 3T MRI, combined with an advanced GPS-like OR navigational system, provide high resolution guidance during procedures. This is especially criti- cal for cases such as cortical dysplasia, a cluster of 'misfiring' abnormal cells that accounts for approximately a third of the epilepsy cases treated at Akron Children's. Thanks to the precise nature of Children's epilepsy surgery, many patients are free of seizures right after surgery. For others, the frequency of seizures tapers off over time. In some cases, the surgical workup determines that seizures are not coming from a single area of the brain but from multiple areas all at once. These patients are not surgery candidates and may be treated instead with an implantable vagus nerve stimulator. By stimulating the vagus nerve in the neck, similar to a pacemaker for the heart, this device is designed to alter brain signals and reduce the frequency of seizures. While high tech tools are not uncom- mon in advanced pediatric epilepsy programs, Dr. Hudgins says it is the totality of epilepsy care Akron Children's is able to provide that sets their epilepsy program apart. "One of our strengths is the impor- tance we place on family-centered care. There was a time when epilepsy patients were simply dismissed once their disease was cured. Now, we understand that problems can extend much deeper. We are fully invested in working through family dynamics so the entire family can heal," he says. Once seizures are under control, the neuropsychologist can help families and teachers understand a child's cognitive and behavioral strengths and weaknesses to implement a plan for accommodations in school and at home as needed. The pediatric psychologist, play therapist and social worker may work with children on self-esteem, integration back into school, or family dynamics. In most cases, the earlier a child is diagnosed and treated, the greater the chance for success. "The longer seizures persist, the greater the chance of developing psy- chological and social issues. A child can't go swimming, for example, or may still sleep with his parents," says Dr. Hudgins. "If we can deal with this disease in the pediatric population, most children with epilepsy can go on to lead normal lives." "Our goal is to stop a child's seizures before he or she is old enough to know they're having seizures," says Dr. Holder. "If we can do this, the child has a better chance of developing normally." For more information about the Akron Children's Hospital Pediatric Epilepsy Program, visit www.akronchildrens.org/epi- lepsy. To refer a patient, call 330-543-8050. ■ SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2012 ■ MDNEWS.COM ■ MD NEWS Cleveland-Akron-Canton | 29