neuroepileptologist

A neuroepileptologist is a physician who concentrates on the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy within the field of neurology. The term is often used interchangeably with epileptologist, and in some contexts may refer to a neurologist with additional expertise in clinical neurophysiology and EEG interpretation. Training typically includes medical schooling, a residency in neurology, and a fellowship in epilepsy or clinical neurophysiology. In many regions, board certification in neurology with a subspecialty in epilepsy is pursued.

Practice and scope: Neuroepileptologists lead the evaluation of patients with suspected or established epilepsy, including long-term video-EEG monitoring, ambulatory EEG, and the integration of neuroimaging with clinical data. They classify seizure types and syndromes, assess prognosis, and manage antiepileptic drug therapy while addressing comorbidities. For patients with refractory epilepsy, they participate in pre-surgical evaluation and planning, collaborating with neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, and neuropsychologists. They may oversee or participate in neurostimulation therapies—such as vagus nerve stimulation, responsive neurostimulation, or deep brain stimulation—and involvement in surgical resections or ablative procedures when appropriate.

Setting and research: Neuroepileptologists often work in academic medical centers, tertiary care hospitals, or specialized epilepsy centers within multidisciplinary teams. They may engage in clinical or translational research on seizure mechanisms, EEG interpretation, imaging biomarkers, and personalized treatment strategies to improve outcomes for people with epilepsy.

Note: The term is less common in some regions; many clinicians use “epileptologist” or “clinical neurophysiologist with epilepsy specialization” to describe similar roles.