Lawrence J. Hirsch, MD, is Professor of Neurology, Chief of the Division of Epilepsy and EEG, Co-Director of the Yale Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, and Co-Director of the Critical Care EEG Monitoring Program.
Yale's epilepsy center, which has existed for over 50 years, was one of the first centers of its kind, internationally known for its clinical excellence and innovative research for adult and pediatric patients. His goal in caring for patients with epilepsy is to return them to the point where they can live normal, seizure-free lives. “Over the years, we have cured several hundreds of patients of their chronic, disabling seizures. It's immensely satisfying for everyone,” he says.
Dr. Hirsch is an active researcher in such areas as epilepsy surgery, brain stimulation to treat epilepsy, anti-seizure medications, seizure clusters, and brain monitoring in the critically ill. He has published over 200 manuscripts, has won multiple teaching awards, and speaks internationally on a regular basis. He is excited about the development of less invasive, more tolerable techniques and tools, including stimulators and lasers, which provide excellent options in even the most difficult cases.
One of the greatest challenges in the field is that many patients do not obtain access to the best tests and treatments, Dr. Hirsch says. “My goal is to help close this gap in access to care via telemedicine, home video/EEG services, remote consults, and educational outreach to patients, families, and clinicians,” he says. “We will continue to push our ability to prevent or cure epilepsy in as many people as possible, and to maximize quality of life in all people with seizures.”
Dr. Hirsch has been included in Castle Connolly Medical Ltd.’s lists of Top Doctors.
