Memorial Earns Level 4 Epilepsy Accreditation

Springfield Memorial Hospital recently earned a three-year accreditation as a Level 4 Epilepsy Center from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers for 2026-2028.

The designation recognizes the hospital’s ability to provide advanced testing, treatment and support for patients living with drug-resistant or difficult-to-manage seizures.

“This Level 4 designation means our team performs the most advanced testing and provides wide-ranging treatment and support for individuals living with drug-resistant or difficult-to-manage seizures,” said Christopher McDowell, MD, interim chair for SIU Department of Neurology. “This designation affirms our commitment to delivering advanced and comprehensive care for patients and providing the most advanced technology to detect and treat epilepsy.”

The team, in partnership with SIU Medicine, includes specialists in neurology, neurosurgery and neuropsychology, along with epilepsy-trained nurses, mid-level providers, pharmacists, social workers and other clinical and administrative staff.

Patient services include epilepsy and seizure diagnosis, imaging, intracranial EEG, management of withdrawal from epilepsy medications, neuropsychology, neurosurgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, presurgical evaluations, psychiatry, routine EEGs and treatment of neurologic dysfunction, including language difficulty, sensory disturbances and weakness.

The NAEC accreditation process includes an independently reviewed evaluation of personnel, technology, safety protocols and patient outcomes. The accreditation underscores the expertise of SMH’s multidisciplinary epilepsy team and strengthens its role as a regional center for individuals and families seeking advancements in seizure care.