There are two types of epilepsy doctors — neurologists and epileptologists. A neurologist specializes in the brain and nervous system, while an epileptologist is a neurologist who specializes in epilepsy.

Depending on a person’s experience with epilepsy, they may have also seen emergency room doctors, family doctors, and pediatricians. After an epilepsy diagnosis, most people receive their ongoing epilepsy management from an epileptologist or a neurologist. They may also continue to receive care for other health issues from their primary care doctor.

When seizures require complex management, a person may see a neurologist or epileptologist in an epilepsy center. Epilepsy centers offer highly specialized care and involve other healthcare professionals such as neurosurgeons, neurology nurses, and psychologists.

Read on to learn more about the types of epilepsy doctors, the levels of care they provide, how to find one, and more.

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There are two types of doctors who specialize in epilepsy treatment: neurologists and epileptologists.

Neurologists

A neurologist specializes in brain and nervous system health. They diagnose and treat neurological diseases, such as migraine, epilepsy, stroke, and multiple sclerosis.

Generally, a neurological examination assesses a person’s:

  • movement
  • sensation
  • hearing
  • speech
  • coordination
  • balance
  • vision
  • mood
  • behavior

A person usually receives an epilepsy diagnosis from a neurologist. They may speak with an epileptologist if they have a particularly complicated epilepsy condition or need an evaluation for epilepsy surgery.

If they respond well to anti-seizure medication, they may spend most of their time with a family doctor or primary care physician, who will continue to monitor their condition.

Epileptologists

According to Cure Epilepsy, an epileptologist is a neurologist who has undergone additional years of training to specialize in epilepsy. This means they are experts in the different subtypes of epilepsy, especially those that are complex or difficult to treat.

Epileptologists may be able to help someone get access to new or emerging epilepsy treatments. These approaches can benefit people who are taking multiple anti-seizure medications or who are experiencing intolerable side effects.

People with more complex needs may also require specialist care from an epileptologist. For example, they may need this if they are pregnant or have a rare genetic epilepsy syndrome, such as Angelman syndrome.

Most epileptologists work for a major hospital or academic epilepsy center, while some also operate in private practice.

Epilepsy resources

Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on epilepsy and seizures.

According to the National Association of Epilepsy Centers, epilepsy care ranges from level 1 to level 4.

  • Level 1 epilepsy center: This care tends to occur in the emergency room or a family doctor’s office. A person may receive an epilepsy evaluation here.
  • Level 2 epilepsy care: A neurologist examines the person, and this appointment may take place at an epilepsy center.
  • Level 3 and 4 epilepsy care: This care takes place in a specialist epilepsy center, where a range of healthcare professionals work. These professionals include epileptologists.

According to Cure Epilepsy, another healthcare professional, such as a primary care physician or family doctor, typically refers a person to an epilepsy doctor.

If a person’s epilepsy requires specialized care, they may need to go to an epilepsy specialist who works in an epilepsy center.

Sometimes, people who have epilepsy experience several seizure types, requiring a combination of medications. Also, neurodevelopmental conditions relating to epilepsy require special interventions, such as hormone therapies. Additionally, epilepsy devices and surgery require extensive pre-testing.

When a person has their first seizure, they will likely need to go to an emergency room. Depending on the symptoms, a person may have an immediate referral to a neurologist. In other cases, individuals will likely see their primary doctor afterward as a follow-up appointment.

The primary care physician will also likely review the person’s medical history, conduct a physical exam, and order tests, such as brain imaging scans, electroencephalograms (EEGs), blood tests, and echocardiograms. They may prescribe anti-seizure medication to prevent seizures from recurring.

Usually, a person will also receive a referral to consult a neurologist, who will review the brain imaging and EEG test results.

Some people will have a referral to an epileptologist, especially if their epilepsy likely needs special interventional treatment, such as epilepsy devices or epilepsy surgery. Like a neurologist, an epileptologist may work in an epilepsy center or in private practice.

Which doctor diagnoses epilepsy?

Neurologists and epileptologists typically diagnose epilepsy.

Can epilepsy go away?

According to the Epilepsy Society, epilepsy can sometimes go into remission.

What is epilepsy versus seizure?

Seizures can occur in people who do not have epilepsy. During a seizure, the neurons in the brain send and receive disrupted electrical signals, which causes a burst of electrical activity. Epilepsy is a disease that causes seizures as a symptom, and there are many different types, each with its own cause.

Epilepsy doctors include neurologists and epileptologists. Both have expertise in treating problems with the brain and nervous system. However, epileptologists specialize in treating epilepsy.

If a person has epilepsy with complex needs, they would likely receive a referral to an epileptologist. Epileptologists work in epilepsy centers, which are attached to hospitals. These healthcare professionals also work in private practice.