Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG)

What is Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG)?

The Neurology and Neurosurgery Division at the Children's Hospital of Michigan offers an advanced technology called stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG). This diagnostic method is also known as stereo-EEG, and used to identify the source of a child's seizures in their brain. A child may be recommended for SEEG when their seizures don't respond to medicines or other treatments, and other tests suggest that the seizures are coming from a single area of the brain.

A Minimally Invasive Diagnostic Tool to Pinpoint Seizures

SEEG is a minimally invasive procedure that uses sophisticated technology to implant electrodes through tiny holes in the skull into the tissue of the brain. The electrodes monitor a child's seizures and help pinpoint where the seizures start. For kids with difficult-to-treat seizure, epilepsy monitoring with SEEG before epilepsy surgery can help pinpoint the exact source of the seizure activity. After SEEG monitoring is complete, the immediate next step in the treatment is to remove the seizure focus via a minimal craniotomy. The general principles of epilepsy surgery are to eliminate or reduce the seizures, minimize the risk of its side effects, and to optimize the quality of life of children and their caregivers.

What are the Advantages of SEEG?

• Doctors can implant electrodes into the brain without having to remove the skull. This minimally invasive technique can lead to less post-operative pain and shorter length of stay in the hospital.
• With SEEG, pediatric neurosurgeons and epilepsy specialists can precisely identify where seizures originate and safely reach areas of the brain that can't be reached with other methods.
• SEEG will help to identify areas of the brain that must be preserved, including those responsible for language, motor, and sensory function. Epilepsy specialists at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan employ novel 4D brain mapping to accurately identify such functionally-important areas.

Who do I contact with further questions about SEEG?

The procedure is offered as part of the comprehensive services available in the Pediatric Epilepsy and Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program. For further information on epilepsy specialists at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan or to arrange an appointment visit the Meet the Specialists section.