Why Level IV Epilepsy Centers matter

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes recurring, unprovoked seizures. Your doctor may diagnose you with epilepsy if you have two unprovoked seizures or one unprovoked seizure with a high risk of more.

Epilepsy affects more than 3 million adults in the U.S., and more than 108,000 here in Michigan. For many, managing seizures is a daily challenge. While medications help many people live seizure-free, others continue to experience seizures despite trying multiple treatments. 

That’s where Level 4 epilepsy centers come in—offering hope, answers, and advanced care.

What is a Level 4 Epilepsy Center?

Level 4 epilepsy centers are the highest designation awarded by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC). These centers provide the most comprehensive care available for people with epilepsy, especially those with complex or drug-resistant epilepsy. 

These centers offer the highest level of medical and surgical evaluation and treatment for epilepsy and are staffed by a multidisciplinary team of experts including epileptologists, neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, EEG technologists, and more. 

Leading epilepsy care in West Michigan

At Trinity Health Grand Rapids Level IV Epilepsy Center, we don’t just treat epilepsy – we transform lives. Our center features:

• Six board-certified epileptologists. These are neurologists who have additional fellowship training specifically in epilepsy.
• Epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) with video EEG monitoring. An EMU allows us to provide a comprehensive evaluation for a correct diagnosis and treatment plan with the best chance of success for the patient.  
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique condition. This may include medication management or non-drug treatments such as dietary therapy, devices or surgery.
• Surgical evaluations and procedures such as minimally invasive robotic-assisted surgery, laser ablation and neurostimulation treatments. Approximately 70 to 80% of our patients with drug-resistant epilepsy achieve seizure freedom following surgical intervention.

Granted, epilepsy surgery can be overwhelming to consider, but it can help those who are experiencing continued seizures that can’t be controlled with medications, dietary therapy, or implanted devices.

Who should consider a Level 4 center?

A Level 4 epilepsy center may be the right next step if you or someone you love has epilepsy and:

• Has tried two or more medications without success
• Experiences frequent or severe seizures
• Needs a second opinion or surgical evaluation

Final thoughts

Living with epilepsy can be overwhelming, but specialized care makes a difference. Level 4 epilepsy centers—like Trinity Health Grand Rapids—offer the highest level of expertise, technology, and hope.

If seizures are still part of your life despite treatment, it may be time to explore what this exceptional team can do for you.

Learn more about epilepsy care at Trinity Health Michigan. 

Hussam Shaker, MD is a board-certified neurologist and fellowship-trained epileptologist. He leads the Level IV Epilepsy Center care team at Trinity Health Hauenstein Neuroscience Center, Grand Rapids.