Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Series

Of the roughly 500,000 children in the U.S. with epilepsy, nearly 30% will continue to have seizures despite medications. In this series, parents and caregivers will learn when to consider additional treatments, what surgical options are available, and how to talk to their child and other family members about epilepsy surgery. There will also be the opportunity to meet families that have taken the epilepsy surgery journey and hear about their experiences first-hand.

Talk #1 • When Medications Aren't Enough: Considerations for Epilepsy Surgery

Monday, Nov. 7 • 6–7 p.m. EST
In this presentation, CHOP Pediatric Neurologist Sudha Kessler, MD, MSCE, will give an overview of epilepsy treatment options when standard antiseizure medications are not controlling seizures, with a focus on surgical treatments. Dr. Kessler will explain what to expect from the evaluation process, what types of surgeries children have for epilepsy and why, and how to talk with your neurologist about these treatment options.
Moderator: Kathleen Galligan, MS, PA-C

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Talk #2 • Minimally Invasive Epilepsy Surgery

Wednesday, Nov. 9 • 6–7 p.m. EST
In this presentation, Benjamin Kennedy, MD, Attending Neurosurgeon and Director of Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery at CHOP, will discuss minimally invasive means of providing epilepsy surgery for kids with drug-resistant epilepsy, including the rationale for these surgeries and an individualized approach. Techniques and outcomes will also be discussed.
Moderator: Kathleen Galligan, MS, PA-C

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Talk #3 • Preparing for Epilepsy Surgery

Wednesday, Nov. 16 • 6–7 p.m.  EST
In this presentation, a team of CHOP specialists — including Psychologist Amanda Riisen, PsyD; Psychologist Carinna Scotti-Degnan, PhD; Child Life Specialist Elana Breitenbucher, MS, CCLS; Social Worker Jillyan Lynch, MSW; and Social Worker Margie Canales, MSW — will review how to help you and your child prepare for epilepsy surgery. They will focus on how to discuss epilepsy surgery in a developmentally appropriate way and the role of a pediatric psychologist, child life specialist, and social worker in supporting the entire family throughout this process. Their goal is for families to know how and when to access members of the behavioral health team.
Moderator: Kathleen Galligan, MS, PA-C

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Talk #4 • My Epilepsy Surgery Journey: Family Stories

Thursday, Nov. 17 • 6–7 p.m. EST
Hear testimonials from families about their epilepsy surgery journey, how they navigated decisions, and what life is like after surgery.
Moderator: Alexandra Bullock, LCSW, MSW

Register here