FIND A HEMI CENTER
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Selecting a surgical center for hemispherectomy should be a decision that is well thought out, taking into consideration many different factors such as credentials, experience, participation in research, patient satisfaction and outcome. Speak with your personal physician as to his thoughts and opinions on the best available choices. Narrow down your choice to one or two hospitals. You may want to visit these facilities to help make a decision. Patient and family testimonials can also be helpful. The following testimonials have been provided by our members who have volunteered to share their firsthand experience with hemispherectomy surgery.
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Excellent neurologist (Mary Zupanc), Excellent surgeon (Sean Lew). Extremely caring, and careful. The Finest!
Marie
*The Hemispherectomy Foundation does not make recommendations, nor support one institution over another.
This is a very personal decision that MUST be made by the patient's family and their neurologist.
Share Your Hemi Center Testimonial
*The Hemispherectomy Foundation does not make recommendations, nor support one institution over another.
This is a very personal decision that MUST be made by the patient's family and their neurologist.
"An exceptional team of doctors performed our son's surgery. Unlike other hospitals, at UCLA, the surgeon oversees the evaluation process to determine if surgery is necessary. Dr. Mathern was the first person at UCLA that I spoke with regarding my son. He is calm, confident, and so very experienced. After surgery he said, "It was another day in the office." That's what we wanted to hear!"
Saasha
"Everyone at UCLA's Mattel Children's Hospital gave my son top-level care. Neurologist, Dr. Raman Sankar has extensive knowledge and experience with Sturge-Weber Syndrome. I couldn't have picked a better surgeon than Dr. Mathern. He came highly recommended by other parents, even doctors. He even came in to check on Aiden, and his other patients every day, even on his days off."
Rachel
I am very glad that we decided to have the surgery done for our daughter Sarah. It truly saved herlife. Dr. Mathern, Dr. Sankar and Sue Yudoven at UCLA Medical Center were very kind and supportive. My daughter is now 5 years old happy, bright, loving, healthy and has a future. We are all very blessed.
Victoria
"UCLA is the most magnificent, life-saving place I have encountered. Dr. Mathern is an extraordinary surgeon and man and his team is beyond exceptional."
Alexia
"Dr. Gary Mathern is wonderfull from the beginning he always gave us hope. Reassuring there was something that could be done. Dr.Michelle Van-hirtum is a great Neurologist she is no longer at UCLA now she is at Cedars Sinai in California."
Christina
"UCLA and Dr. Mathern and Lerner have been amazing. They saved our son's life. No doubt. It was the worst two weeks of our life, but we have our son again. It's like a light switch was turned on...No seizures!"
Jack
"Dr. Mathern and his team at UCLA, Sue Yudovin in particular, were a godsend during a terrifying time. We consider ourselves blessed to have been taken care of by these doctors."
Tammy
"Had a great experience with Dr. Mathern and UCLA Medical Center."
Sarah
"After extensive research, we chose UCLA Medical Center for the place for our 5 year old daughter's hemispherectomy, due to intractable epilepsy and suspected Rasmussen's Encephalitis. We originally sent an e-mail to Dr. Mathern describing our daughter's unique/complex case and signed it with our name and number. He called us within a couple hours of sending the e-mail to answer our questions. We chose UCLA because of the number of hemispherectomies Dr. Mathern has performed (>180) and because they specialize in pediatric cases (birth - five). They also have seen a large number of Rasmussen's cases and have a world-renown pediatric neurologist, Dr. Sankar there. We were very pleased with the neuro-surgery and neurology team, there. Dr. Mathern still sends us e-mails from time-to-time inquiring how our daughter is doing. He likes to keep track of his patients."
Roxanne
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*International
"Dr. P. David Adelson at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh has done approx. 30. However, he was trained at UCLA and Children's Hospital of Boston. Excellent care and communication."
Randi
"Amazing care, responsible specialist counsel and expert surgeon. We're only a few days out of surgery, but our 4.5 month old son is moving all extremities and no signs of seizures. Hybrid surgery performed to treat Hemimegalencephaly at Boston Children's Hospital by Joseph Madsen, MD."
Jonathan
"Boston Children's is great!! Dr. Black was amazingly smart and caring for the patient and the family."
Stephanie
Our daughter received excellent care at Children's National Medical Center in DC. The doctors were thorough, informative, and supportive. We had other hospital options but chose to stay at Children's because of our trust in her doctors, Dr. Derek Bruce & Dr. John Myseros.
Kerry & Karan
"The staff at Children's National Medical Center, Washington D.C. were great! They were very supportive and very accomidating. The team of doctors (Dr. Philip Pearl and Dr. Amanda Yaun) were very informative and always answered our questions with clear and simple answers. We are so glad we picked Children's. Our son has been seizure free since his surgery in August 2008 and is only one med away from being meds free!!"
Christie
"Spenser was 9 years old when he had a left anatomical hemispherectomy performed by Dr. Derek Bruce at Children's National Medical Center. Prior to the surgery, he had no quality of life: constantly in the ICU, multiple meds. He has been seizure free since then, and has been medication free since six months post-hemi. The physicians and entire staff at CNMC were absolutely outstanding! Spenser is happy, healthy, and is now reading at a third grade level despite having the dominant hemisphere removed at age 9. CNMC's program is top-notch."
Lisa
"We had the BEST experience with our daughter's surgery. Sutter Memorial is an awsome hospital, child life, nurses, Dr. Asakair and Dr. Ciricillio. I would for sure recommend them to anyone who is looking."
Teresa
"Jayna has been seizure free since her surgery at 28 days old. We believe her life was put in the most capable hands in the country and we are thankful to live in the same state as Dr. Jeffery Ojemann and Dr. Saneto. I would highly recommend Seattle Children's Hospital, even if it means flying in from another state."
Sunshine
Wonderful people at Children's Hospital Seattle! Everyone was kind and you could tell they loved working with children. You never felt like your child was just another patient there.
Becky
"The Epilepsy Center, as well as Johns Hopkins Children's Center Hospital are world-class institutions. They work together to create one of the best Neurosciences Centers in the US and world. Johns Hopkins Epilepsy Center is a 4th or 5th generation institution, while many great hospitals in the nation are building their 1st or second generation of neurologists and neurosurgeons. Hopkins has regularly performed hemispherectomy surgeries for as long as any institution in the world, and longer than most. Although our child's surgeon was Dr. Ben Carson, now Dr. George Jallo is the surgeon who regularly performs hemispherectomy surgeries for the Epilepsy Center. Several of the Neurologists in the Clinic, however, are in charge of these surgeries, including Dr. Vining, Dr. Kossoff and Dr. Hartman. Sometimes it can be very difficult to get into Hopkins. The Epilepsy Center, The EMU, and the surgical staff are extremely busy. It can sometimes be frustrating, however, worth the wait, in our opinion. We believe that there a few other centers in the US that are as good as Hopkins, but unfortunately, we only have firsthand knowledge of Hopkins. Appointments can be made by calling 410.955.9100. If calling from outside Maryland, Ask for Diana Pillas, the Out-Of-State Coordinator."
Cris and Kristi
"We are glad we did the surgery. Even though Mike still has seizures. But they are better then back in 1990's. He had over 300 a day and now he may have an absentee blackout about once or twice a month. Functional hemispherectomy performed at Johns Hopkins by Dr Benjamin Carson."
Crystal
"Sugery went great! Her surgery was performed at Johns Hopkins by Dr. Ben Carson. Dr. Eric Kossoff was her neurologist. However 3 months later Mehra needed a shunt. Has not had a seizure since the surgery and has been off of medication for 1.5 years. She was on 3 before the surgery. She walks/runs and is talking in 4-5 word sentences at times. She did not say any words before the surgery. She does have some behavioral issues. She is attending full day Kindergarten at a elementary school in which she is in the developmentally delayed Kindergarten group. She continues doing speech, OT, PT and aquatic therapies regularly."
Sima
"The surgery completely eliminated my seizures and I do not require any medication whatsoever. I had my surgery at Johns Hopkin's Hospital performed by Ben Carson in 1987."
Elizabeth
"Dr Bingaman and his staff at Cleveland Clinic made us feel completely comfortable with our decsion to have a hemispherectomy. They kept us informed before, during and after our daughters surgery."
Jesse
"Dr Elaine Wirrell sent us to Cleveland Clinic for our functional hemispherectomy. Dr Wirrell went beyond her call of duty to help us through our prehemispherectomy challenge."
Angie
"Mara was supposed to have a complete hemi at Cincinnati Children's and there were two pieces left. She is now scheduled for a second surgery to finish the job at Cleveland Clinic. Cincinnati Children's has been telling us for 2 1/2 years that the recurrance of seizures is psychological and so we went to Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion when they progressed. They are epileptic and now surgery #2. I would definately not recommend Cincinnati Children's hospital."
Holly
"Our experience at the Cleveland Clinic was very positive. Everyone was professional and caring from the staff in the long term monitoring unit, the Parent Support Group, the Childlife Enrichment, Sugical team, Dr. Bingaman, Neurologists, MRI techs and Therapists. We were so pleased and felt like Allison was in the best hands possible for this very scarey surgery. And now, 5 years later, seizure-free! Yeah!"
Barb
"We were sent to Cleveland Clinic from Dallas for a second opion, per request of our Dallas doctor. We love the doctors and their staff. They explained everything and did not rush us. They are truly wonderful!"
Melissa
"We absolutely picked the right place and the right people for our family when we selected the Cleveland Clinic for our daughter Mora's 6/25/08 left functional hemispherectomy. The staff is simply top notch."
Ann and Seth
"Dr. Moss at Phoenix Children's Hospital did an excellent job of screening prior to the surgery, and made sure I had all the information available to make the decision to go ahead with the surgery. His technical skills as a surgeon are above reproach and he has a very good bedside manner."
Joy
"My son Brendan 'Ali'i' survived one of the most drastic brain surgeries of his life. Thanks to Dr.Danielpour and his team at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Ali'i is 9 months seizure free. We thank Dr.Danielpour from the bottom of our hearts."
Kellie
"I can't even say enough good about our physicians (David Franz and Kerry Crone) at Cincinnati Children's. We traveled to many different hospitals before we made the decision to do surgery at Cincinnati. Our physicians were respectful and never belittled us in any way. I was impressed with how much time they spent with us and with the concern they always showed our son, as well as for us. The hospital was amazing and is so far above any of the other "renowned" hospitals we experienced. Every staff member at that hospital makes it a point to keep the patient and family happy and comfortable. I was and continue to be impressed with the nurses on the neurology floor. They are so knowledgable about hemispherectomies and other neurological procedures. I will forever be grateful to Dr. Crone and the wonderful staff at Cincinnati Children's."
Angie
"Mara was supposed to have a complete hemi at Cincinnati Children's and there were two pieces left. She is now scheduled for a second surgery to finish the job at Cleveland Clinic. Cincinnati Children's has been telling us for 2 1/2 years that the recurrance of seizures is psychological and so we went to Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion when they progressed. They are epileptic and now surgery #2. I would definately not recommend Cincinnati Children's hospital."
Holly
"St. Louis Children's and its staff were a God send for our daughter. Their care for our entire family was great, especially the time they took with explaining everything to us and making sure we understood our options before deciding on surgery. The post surgery care is very personal. Nellie wasn't just another patient, the doctors and staff are part of our family. Going in for check-ups is like visiting relatives. It is a great place and we highly recommend Dr.s Zimpel and Smyth and the entire Pediatric Epilepsy Team at SLCH."
Nikki
"At 14 months old Zoe was diagnosed with Cortical Dysplasia. Dr. Wong her neuro doc was the frist and the only neuro doc we see. in 2000 she underwent parieto-occipital region removed by neurosurgeon Dr. Parks did the surgery. All doctors and nurses with a big shout out to the hospitals 12th floor nurses. Zoe has only had 3 seizures since. SLCH is the best hospital in the world to our family."
Laurie
"Excellent! Dr. Smyth is the greatest, very caring and very smart. Dr. Thio is also very smart and kind, very understanting."
Pam
Good even though my sons operation was only 50% completed the outcome is amazing hes seizure free catching up in all areas and has a bright future thanks to this surgery.
Neurologist Name Dr Newton
Neurosugeon Name Mr Josan
Year of Surgery 2009
Joanne
"Dr. Wisoff at New York University Hospital, NYC was amazing. No other doctor in the country would operate on a 41 day old child. We were very lucky to find Dr. Wisoff. He is and always will be our hero!!"
Susan
"Medical College of GA is an excellent center set up for families. Dr. Park cares about the patient, and develops an ongoing relationship with each family. He gave his time to us like no other doctor I've ever met. There is definitely a good team of people in place at this facility.
Kelly
"Hospital for Sick Children Toronto was the best place we could have been with the best technology and surgeon Dr. James Rutka."
Susie
"Dr. Daniel Yoshor from Baylor College of Medicine/Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, TX is beyond GREAT!!! He perfomed a functional left hemi on our daughter. He made sure we were 100% sure we wanted to do the surgery before he proceded. He is not just a Doctor he is an Angel, Hero, and Friend! I would recommend him any day!"
Erica and Oscar
"It is my very strong opinion that this surgery has saved my little girl. Dr. Michael J Burke (at Driscoll Childrens Hospital in Corpus Christi, TX) truly is a miracle worker and i would recommend him to ANYONE considering this type of surgery, either for themselves or their child."
Andrea
"Surgery was a amazing experience. Everyone at Duke University Medical Center kept us well informed thorugh out the process and was able to answer all of my numerous questions. The surgery has reduced his seizures by at least 90%. Dr George has sinced moved to Texas and Dr Lewis, his neurologist as retired. He is currently followed by Dr Mikati for neurology and Dr Grant for neurosurgery. The only thing I would change about the surgery is that I wish we would have done it sooner."
Michelle
This surgery was so very serious yet so important to my daughter's life. We had a amazing surgeon and a wonderful neurologist that took my concerns to heart. it took along time to me to get some information but when we found out that she had rasmussen the ball was rolling. Roger Hudgins CHOA
Chiquita
"The doctors and staff of MCH treated Connor with great care. They were available to us immediately and never a wait for an appointment. Connor recieved the best care possible full of love and support from the staff. MCH is like a family to us and we are forever greatful for the extent they went for our little boy."
Rebecca
"My daughter Melanie suffered a prenatal stroke in the first trimester of my pregnancy. It damaged the whole left side of her brain. Because of this she was having seizures, unfortunately I didn't find out until she was 3 because she was misdiagnosed a lot. When she was diagnosed she was put on high doses of Tegretol and her seizures increased abundantly. Her seizures were so severe they were damaging the Right side of her brain as well and by the time she had her surgery she was having over 200 clinical seizures a day and 24 hours a day non stop sub-clinical seizures. Melanie had been given less than a year to live. Our Epileptologist Dr. Donald Olson said to me "You really have nothing to lose by doing the surgery, right now she is a body but nobody is home. If you do the surgery, Melanie has hope of a better life to come". Making the decision to let Melanie have the surgery was the hardest decision of our lives, but the best one. It did indeed save her life and it has now been 19 years since her surgery. Dr. Robert E. Maxwell did her surgery at the University of Minnesota Hospital. We had great doctors and nurses and they were all very supportive to us."
Teresa
Beth Israel - NYC
"Sophia who is 11 years old has had a hemispherectomy 2 years and 2 months ago. Sophia's surgery was performed by Dr. SAADI GHATAN (Columbia University), and the Epliptogist was Dr. Steven M. Wolf and his assistant Patricia Mcgoldrick . The surgery was performed at Beth Israel (NYC). This team of doctors, as well as the hospital itself, was certainly one of the best decisions that we had made for Sophia's well being. The kindness and sensitivity ,and personal interest that each one of these physicians showed goes way above and beyond then anything we have witness in the past eleven years ( we have certainly seen plenty). The bedside manner of each physician and every nurse was overwhelming. I would recommend anyone to this team and hospital. Needless to say, Sophia has been seizure free for 2 years and 2 months and is on no medication (praise God). She is sooo full of life and wants to do everything."
Diana
