Expanding Epilepsy Treatment Options at Atlantic Health

Expanding Epilepsy Treatment Options with Neuromodulation at Atlantic Health

At Atlantic Health, innovation in neurology is not just a goal; it’s a clinical reality. Nowhere is that more evident than in our work in neuromodulation for epilepsy, where world-class experts like Ronald Benitez, MD are pioneering less invasive, highly effective solutions that restore lives and change the trajectory of this chronic neurological disorder. With active programs at both Overlook Medical Center and Morristown Medical Center, we’re transforming how epilepsy is managed and redefining what’s possible in the broader field of neurology.

Advanced Epilepsy Surgery Is Only Part of the Story

Epilepsy is a complex, often debilitating condition, and for many patients, medication alone is not enough to reduce or prevent seizures. “For patients who aren't candidates for traditional resective surgery, neuromodulation opens the door to real control,” explains Dr. Benitez, neurosurgeon at Atlantic Health with more than two decades of experience. “We’re talking about patients who have tried multiple medications, often in high-dose combinations, and still live with breakthrough seizures. This technology gives them hope and function again.”

While technologies like the Responsive Neurostimulation System (RNS) and Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) are not new, how they’re used and who benefits from them have changed.

“The LITT was originally for a specific location and type of seizure, but we’re now expanding beyond those kinds of standard locations to other parts of the brain where appropriate. That’s, I would say, where the major focus is right now,” says Dr. Benitez.

Atlantic Health offers minimally invasive options to more patients who might have been told surgery isn’t an option.

Rethinking the Treatment Timeline

We also advocate for earlier evaluation, particularly for patients with persistent breakthrough seizures, recognizing that delayed intervention can lead to more entrenched seizure pathways. When referring to AHS, your patient gets leading-edge care and a streamlined path to surgical clarity.

One of the key messages Dr. Benitez hopes referring providers will hear is that earlier consideration for surgical evaluation matters. “Historically, there’s been hesitancy around referring epilepsy patients for surgical options, understandably so,” he notes. “But the longer seizures persist, the more entrenched they become in the brain’s circuitry. Waiting too long can mean losing the opportunity for seizure freedom.”

Seamless, Multidisciplinary Coordination

What makes the Atlantic Health epilepsy program stand out is its deeply collaborative model.

Our strength lies not just in the tools, but in the process: highly integrated multidisciplinary case reviews, advanced imaging techniques, and collaborative decision-making that reduce delays and uncertainty for both patients and referring providers.

“The referring neurologist is vital to our ecosystem,” says Dr. Benitez. “Whether they’re directly involved in multidisciplinary meetings or prefer to maintain oversight from afar, we support their role in guiding patients through what is often a long but rewarding journey.”

This coordinated model means patients don’t just receive a surgical recommendation; they receive a comprehensive neurological roadmap, including advanced testing (like MEG scans and stereo EEG), recovery planning, and long-term medication management.

Where Innovation Meets Compassion

Dr. Benitez’s passion for neurosurgery began during medical school when he witnessed the powerful impact of brain surgery on a patient with a tumor (which included AC/DC’s Back in Black blasting at full volume in the OR). That early experience sparked a lifelong dedication to improving neurological care. Today, his commitment is deeply focused on helping patients regain control of their lives. “I’ve seen patients go from having multiple seizures a day to driving, working, and parenting again,” he reflects. “That’s the impact of what we do.”

Both Overlook and Morristown Medical Centers serve as hubs for this specialized care, offering patients in the Northeast access to cutting-edge epilepsy management without needing to leave the region.

What Referring Providers Should Know

The message for primary care providers, neurologists, and epileptologists in the Northeast is clear: Atlantic Health offers a destination for patients needing advanced epilepsy evaluation and intervention. Whether a patient is suffering from frequent seizures despite medication or is newly diagnosed and facing complex treatment decisions, Dr. Benitez’s team is prepared to help navigate the options.

Key benefits of referring to our program include:

• Minimally invasive solutions like laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) and RNS implantation
• Highly personalized care, reviewed by a dedicated team of epilepsy specialists
• Continued co-management with the referring neurologist throughout recovery and follow-up
• Access to innovative research and ongoing clinical trials

Refer With Confidence

If you have patients struggling with epilepsy despite medication, don’t wait. Refer them to the epilepsy and neurosurgical team at Atlantic Health. With leading experts, minimally invasive options, and a proven record of improved outcomes, we are committed to helping your patients and supporting your care decisions every step of the way.