National Association of Epilepsy Centers

National Association of Epilepsy Centers

The National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of care for patients with epilepsy. The NAEC is composed of specialized epilepsy centers across the United States that provide comprehensive care for individuals with epilepsy and seizures.

History

The NAEC was established in 1987 with the goal of setting standards for epilepsy care and promoting the development of specialized epilepsy centers. Over the years, the organization has grown to include a wide network of centers that offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options for epilepsy patients.

Mission

The mission of the NAEC is to support epilepsy centers in delivering high-quality care to patients with epilepsy. This includes promoting the use of best practices, facilitating research and education, and advocating for policies that improve patient outcomes.

Epilepsy Centers

Epilepsy centers that are part of the NAEC are classified into different levels based on the services they provide:

• Level 3 Epilepsy Centers: These centers provide a comprehensive range of medical, neuropsychological, and psychosocial services for patients with refractory epilepsy. They have the capability to perform complex neurodiagnostic monitoring and offer a range of treatment options.

• Level 4 Epilepsy Centers: These centers offer the most complex forms of intensive neurodiagnostic monitoring, as well as more extensive medical, neuropsychological, and psychosocial treatment. They also provide a complete evaluation for epilepsy surgery, including intracranial electrodes and a broad range of surgical procedures.

Standards and Guidelines

The NAEC develops and maintains standards and guidelines for epilepsy centers to ensure high-quality care. These standards cover various aspects of care, including:

• Diagnostic evaluation
• Treatment planning
• Surgical evaluation and management
• Patient education and support

Advocacy and Education

The NAEC is actively involved in advocacy efforts to improve epilepsy care and increase awareness about the condition. The organization also provides educational resources for healthcare professionals, patients, and families to enhance understanding and management of epilepsy.

Membership

Membership in the NAEC is open to epilepsy centers that meet the organization's standards for care. Members benefit from access to a network of professionals, resources for improving patient care, and opportunities for collaboration and research.

See Also

• Epilepsy
• Seizure
• Epilepsy surgery
• Neurodiagnostic monitoring