Our pediatric epilepsy center has been accredited as a level 4 epilepsy center for 2024 and 2025. The designation was granted by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers.
“Accreditation as a level 4 epilepsy center signifies that CHoR can offer the most advanced and specialized services for epilepsy whether it be surgical, dietary or medical,” said Dr. Nassim Zecavati, director of epilepsy services at CHoR.
CHoR was previously designated as a level 4 center as part of the shared adult and pediatric epilepsy monitoring unit at VCU Medical Center. When the pediatric specific unit opened in our Children’s Tower last June, a separate, rigorous application and review process was required.
“We were accredited by the NAEC as a level 4 center within our first year of opening the Children’s Tower and our new epilepsy monitoring unit. Our accreditation is specific to pediatrics with our entire team being highly trained and skilled in caring for children with complex epilepsies,” added Dr. Zecavati. “I am truly proud of our team and the innovative and compassionate care we provide to the children of our region.”
This specialized, quality care includes everything families need under one roof – EEG (electroencephalogram, which measures electrical activity in the brain to diagnose epilepsy and other brain disorders), clinic, imaging, lab and more, with a specific focus on the pediatric population. The Children’s Tower EMU also includes its own playroom with monitoring capabilities so kids can safely enjoy time outside their hospital rooms, an important part of nurturing their overall health and wellbeing.
Victoria Monarrez has stayed in the EMU twice, the first time last November to determine the cause of her seizures, and again recently to assess the effectiveness of her medication.
“Being in the new Children’s Tower for Vicotria's EMU stay allowed the team to make her feel comfortable while better understanding her epilepsy needs,” said Ashley Perry, nurse practitioner on our neurology team. “Nursing was able to help the family with medication administration, and Victoria was able to enjoy her time with child life and in the playroom. With these benefits making her stay more enjoyable, Victoria was able to tolerate a more prolonged EEG allowing the team to make adjustments to her care plan while monitoring the EEG.”
While the clinical team was focused on Victoria’s medical needs, the 5-year-old loved the playroom.
“Victoria has autism too, so she really needed that opportunity to step out of the room during the day and have some fun,” said Victoria’s mom, Crystal. “The Children’s Tower was awesome. It was so comfortable and the care we got in the EMU was amazing.”
CHoR is one of two Level 4 pediatric epilepsy centers in Virginia, and the only that offers EEG capabilities around the clock so children can receive this important care when they need it, day or night.
“This accreditation would not have been possible without the collaborative effort of our entire team which includes our neurodiagnostics/EEG team, neuroradiology and neurosurgery colleagues, inpatient and outpatient nurses and nurse practitioners with specialized epilepsy training, neuropsychologists, nutritionists, child life and education specialists, social workers, IT specialists and pharmacists. Each of these individuals plays an important role in helping us provide an exceptional level of care to children with epilepsy,” added Dr. Zecavati.
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