Epilepsy care in Dallas, Texas
The Epilepsy Center at Medical City Dallas provides advanced seizure evaluation for children and adults.
We offer comprehensive, around-the-clock patient care through our Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. Our specialized unit is equipped with private rooms and state-of-the-art technology, including 24-hour video EEG monitoring, to help diagnose and treat seizures more effectively.
Whether you’ve had epilepsy for years or are just beginning your diagnostic journey, our goal is to pinpoint the cause, type, and exact location of your seizures—so you can receive the most accurate and personalized treatment possible.
Related specialties
Learn more about our related specialties.
Epilepsy services at Medical City Dallas
At our Epilepsy Center, our neurologists and neurosurgeons provide a full range of advanced diagnostic and treatment options for patients with epilepsy. Our goal is to deliver personalized, effective care that improves seizure control and quality of life. Our comprehensive epilepsy services include:
- Neuroradiology: Advanced brain imaging to detect structural abnormalities and seizure origins
- Neurodiagnostics: Continuous EEG, video monitoring, and other tools for precise diagnosis
- Epilepsy surgery: Surgical procedures to remove or interrupt seizure-causing brain tissue
- Laser ablation and resective surgery: Minimally invasive or open procedures to target seizure foci
- Neuropsychology: Cognitive and behavioral assessments to guide treatment planning
- Neuromodulation therapies, including:
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS): A device implanted in the chest to deliver electrical impulses to the vagus nerve
- Responsive neurostimulation (RNS): A system that detects abnormal brain activity and responds with targeted stimulation
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS): E;ectrodes placed in specific brain areas to reduce seizure activity
Our multidisciplinary team works closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate approach—whether it involves medication, device therapy, or surgery. We are committed to helping you live with fewer seizures and greater confidence.
What is the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) and why is it important?
Epilepsy monitoring
The EMU is a hospital-based unit designed to monitor your brain activity and physical symptoms over several days in a safe and controlled setting. Patients are admitted for long-term monitoring, which allows our team to:
- Record seizures as they occur in real time
- Determine if seizures are truly epileptic in nature
- Identify where in the brain the seizures begin (seizure focus)
- Understand seizure frequency and patterns
- Evaluate whether medications are working—or need adjusting
- Gather information to determine the best treatment option for you and your family
Who needs epilepsy monitoring?
Epilepsy monitoring may be recommended if:
- Your seizures are difficult to diagnose or treat
- You’re experiencing unusual spells or episodes, and it’s unclear if they are seizures
- Your current medications aren't working effectively
- You're being considered for epilepsy surgery or a vagus nerve stimulator
- You need a medication change or dose adjustment that requires close supervision
We care for patients of all ages, from children to seniors, with individualized care tailored to each person's unique health history and seizure type.
What to expect during your stay
Each patient stays in a private, comfortable room designed for both safety and long-term observation. The room is equipped with:
- 24/7 video EEG recording, monitored by trained EEG technologists and nursing staff
- Advanced digital systems to capture brain wave activity, video, and sound at all times
- A multidisciplinary care team, including neurologists, neuroradiologists, epileptologists, neurosurgeons, and registered EEG technologists who review your data daily
Our team meets to review your recordings and adjust your care plan based on observations during your stay. Depending on your needs, your stay may be shorter or longer than initially expected, and your physician will keep you informed every step of the way.
Your comfort and safety matter
We understand that staying in the hospital for several days can be stressful. That’s why we provide:
- A quiet, private environment, allowing you to bring activities with you and a companion
- Staff who are specially trained in epilepsy monitoring and seizure response
- Constant monitoring to keep you safe throughout your stay
- Compassionate, clear communication for both patients and caregivers
What happens after monitoring?
Once monitoring is complete, the provider team reviews in detail the patient’s medical and seizure history, as well as the testing results from EEG monitoring, neuroimaging, neuropsychiatric evaluation, and any other tests performed. Once a consensus is reached, a treatment plan is developed, and we may recommend:
- Lifestyle and safety recommendations
- A new or adjusted medication plan
- Referral for device-based therapy, such as VNS
- Referral for surgical evaluation
- A detailed report will be forwarded to the referring physician.
Our goal is to create a personalized care plan to improve the quality of life for every individual we treat, offering hope and innovative solutions for those living with epilepsy.