The Complex Epilepsy Program at the Duke Comprehensive Epilepsy Center is a clear pathway for patients with medically intractable epilepsy, or epilepsy that does not fully respond to medications. Despite there being greater than 20 anti-seizure medications available, approximately one-third of epilepsy patients seizures are not fully-controlled on seizure medications. Research shows that patients who have tried 2 or 3 different seizure medications and still haven't reached full control of their seizures are less than 5% likely to ever find a combination of medications that will fully control their seizures. In these patients, it may be time to consider other treatment options such as surgery or surigically implanter neuromodulation devices to improve seizure control.

As part of this program all patients are assigned to a Patient Navigator who will help the patient organize appointments and know what to expect every step of the way.