EpiKIDS Neuro-center H.U.B

The EpiKids Neurocenter at the Brussels University Hospital (H.U.B) brings together a team of dedicated specialists focused on the care and research of pediatric epilepsy. The center pursues a dual mission: delivering state-of-the-art care to young patients while advancing scientific knowledge in the field.

Relying on the latest medical advances, the EpiKids Neurocenter enhances diagnostic precision and optimizes treatment strategies, with particular attention to the impact of epilepsy on children’s development and quality of life.

By integrating medical expertise with specialized allied health support, the center offers personalized care tailored to each child’s needs

Prof. Alec Aeby

Head of the Department of Pediatric Neurology

An integrated Center

The EpiKids Center is a joint initiative between the Erasme Hospital and the Children’s Hospital, designed to provide comprehensive and individualized management of pediatric epilepsy. Around a core team of specialized pediatric neurologists, a multidisciplinary group includes neurosurgeons, nurses, clinical psychologists, neuropsychologists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists.

This synergy allows for an in-depth understanding of how epilepsy affects a child’s development, cognition, and daily life. Together, these professionals explore all available therapeutic options, leveraging the latest advancements to build customized care pathways.

Innovation

The H.U.B. is equipped with Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT), a cutting-edge, minimally invasive surgical technique that is transforming the management of certain types of drug-resistant epilepsy. By precisely targeting epileptogenic zones using laser technology, this approach significantly reduces seizure frequency while preserving healthy brain tissue and minimizing postoperative effects.

In parallel, several research projects are underway to deepen our understanding of epilepsy mechanisms. Studies led by Dr. Sarah Duerinckx focus on benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes and its neurodevelopmental impacts, as well as the identification of genetic causes of epilepsy.

Our Experts

Prof. Alec Aeby – Head of the Pediatric Neurology Department, H.U.B

An internationally recognized expert in pediatric neurological disorders, Prof. Aeby is deeply committed to the care of children with epilepsy. Actively involved in clinical research, he contributes to numerous studies on the underlying mechanisms of pediatric epilepsies, including benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes and genetic causes of epilepsy.

Dr Sophie Schuind – Neurosurgeon

Dr. Schuind specializes in epilepsy surgery and successfully performed the H.U.B.'s first laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) procedure on a patient with drug-resistant epilepsy.

Dr. Claudine Sculier – Pediatric Neurologist & Epileptologist

Dr. Sculier is an epilepsy specialist with extensive experience in epilepsy surgery and intracranial EEG, developed at the Rothschild Foundation in Paris. She has also conducted research on inflammatory epilepsies during her training at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Her approach combines individualized care with therapeutic innovation, particularly for children with pharmacoresistant epilepsy.

Simon Baijot, PhD - Neuropsychologist

Head of the “Cognition in Infants, Children, and Adolescents” unit within the Neuropsychology and Speech Therapy Department at H.U.B., Dr. Baijot specializes in pediatric neuropsychology. He assesses and monitors cognitive functioning in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (such as ADHD and dyspraxia) or neurological and systemic diseases that affect cognition (such as epilepsy, narcolepsy, and autoimmune conditions).
In the context of epilepsy care, he emphasizes the importance of personalized cognitive and behavioral follow-up to reduce the impact of seizures on child development.

Sophie Carlier – Clinical Psychologist

Sophie Carlier works with children and adolescents affected by epilepsy. She specializes in the evaluation and support of neurodevelopmental disorders, and provides individualized psychological care to help patients and families understand the disease, overcome daily challenges, and maintain optimal quality of life..

Our Team

Pediatric Neurologists: Prof. Alec Aeby, Dr. Claudine Sculier, Dr. Cynthia Prigogine
Neurologist specializing in epilepsy genetics: Dr. Sarah Duerinckx
Epilepsy Surgery: Dr. Sophie Schuind
Clinical Psychologist: Sophie Carlier
Neuropsychologist: Dr. Simon Baijot

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