Epilepsy is far more common than many people realize, affecting one in 26 people during their lifetime.
In Louisiana, more than 55,000 children and adults live with epilepsy. For families, the challenges go beyond seizures. As pediatric neurologist Yash Shah, MD, explains, “Seizures are just the tip of the iceberg. Below the surface, children may struggle with learning, behavior, anxiety, or sleep.”
But there is good news: with proper treatment, most children with epilepsy go on to live full, active lives, playing sports, graduating and thriving.
Why Families No Longer Have to Leave Baton Rouge
For years, many families traveled to Houston or Atlanta for specialized pediatric epilepsy care. Dr. Shah and his colleagues wanted to change that.
“Why should Louisiana families have to leave the state?” he asks. “We built something special right here at home.”
The comprehensive epilepsy program at FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital now provides the most advanced care in Louisiana, bringing together a multidisciplinary team that includes neurologists, nurse specialists, neuropsychologists, social workers, dietitians and pediatric neurosurgeons.
The New Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
The centerpiece of the program is the hospital’s new Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU). This unit allows specialists to observe a child’s brain activity in real time during a seizure episode, leading to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.
“It’s a game changer,” Dr. Shah says.
Innovative Treatments and Research
From advanced MRI technology that detects subtle brain changes, to implantable devices like vagus nerve stimulators (“a pacemaker for the brain”), the team offers the latest therapies.
They are also conducting clinical trials and using genetic testing to personalize treatment so families don’t have to travel far for cutting-edge options.
Signs Parents Should Watch For
Dr. Shah urges parents to trust their instincts. Some red flags include:
- Sudden episode of drops with loss of muscle tone
- Unexplained staring spells where a child is unresponsive where care giver cant snap them out of it
- Episodes in sleep with sudden, vigorous movements, like thrashing, kicking, or twisting, and may include loud vocalizations or getting out of bed
- Sudden jerky movements, especially in the morning or at bedtime
- Seizures not improving with the prescribed seizures medication
- A child who suddenly struggles in school or with behavior or with speech or cognitive regression
“If your gut tells you something is wrong, don’t wait,” he says. “Specialized care can make all the difference.”
More Than Medicine: A Village of Support
The program also partners with the Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana, connecting families with advocacy, school resources and support networks.
For families in Baton Rouge and the surrounding area, the message is clear: epilepsy care is now available close to home, backed by hope, innovation and a dedicated team.
Your pediatrician can help you recognize concerning symptoms and connect your child with pediatric specialists.
- Find a pediatric provider in Baton Rouge.
- Find a pediatric provider in Acadiana.
- Find a pediatric provider in Greater Jackson.
- Find a pediatric provider in Northeast Louisiana.
- Find a pediatric provider in Bogalusa.
