Comprehensive Epilepsy Center and Epilepsy Research Unit at Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience have a dedicated multidisciplinary team of epileptologist, neurologists, neurosurgeon neuropsychologists and research team whose sole purpose is to improve the quality of life of patients with epilepsy and seizure disorders from all Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific Rim.
We specialize in helping patients who were told by other doctors that there is nothing else could be done or where the diagnosis is not clear. Our professionals are experts in many diverse areas, from new medication development and state of the art diagnostic procedures including overnight Long Term
Video-EEG Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) to improve the cognitive and behavioral functions in patients with epilepsy, implantation, and programming of innovative neuro device to cutting-edge
groundbreaking research therapy. Our specialists are bound laulima together by a deep, shared sense of teamwork and compassion including our tireless effort dedicated to advance the understanding of epilepsy and collaborating with other world-class leaders in the epilepsy field in developing better treatments for our patients. At the center, our philosophy isn’t simply “no seizures, no side effects”; it is a balance that allows children and adults with epilepsy to lead full, high-quality lives as our Ohana. Our Epilepsy Center is recognized nationally for its work not only in providing most advanced cutting edge treatments, but also work with other centers in US and global to offer groundbreaking Clinical Research at our Epilepsy Research Unit
Epilepsy Clinical Trials available at Epilepsy Research Unit
Publications by our specialists and researchers at the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center
Our specialists and staff are passionate about making a difference not just for our patients but for their precious families and caregivers. We understand the challenges of facing these issues and want to be sure you do not feel alone in this journey and have local resources available to you. Therefore, we work closely with and support Hawaii’s local support group. Please visit their website. Epilepsy Foundation Hawaii
Honolulu, May 2026 — The Hawaii Comprehensive Epilepsy Center & Epilepsy Research Unit has been awarded the FOCUS 2 study investigating RAP-219, an investigational modulator of AMPA receptors, for adult patients with focal seizures. RAP-219 is a first-in-class, selective negative allosteric modulator of AMPA receptors. Precision Targeting TARPγ8 clinical PET: high expression in the neocortex […]
Honolulu, June 2026 — The Hawaii Comprehensive Epilepsy Center & Epilepsy Research Unit has been awarded a study investigating JZP926 or Epidiolex for the treatment of Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME). JME is the most common generalized epilepsy syndrome. Myoclonic jerks or seizures in JME typically occur within one to two hours of waking in the […]
The team at Hawaii Comprehensive Epilepsy Center & Epilepsy Research Unit. Honolulu, June 2026 — The Hawaii Comprehensive Epilepsy Center & Epilepsy Research Unit has been awarded a study investigating BMB-101 for the treatment of Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies (DEEs). BMB-101 acts exclusively through the Gq-protein signaling pathway while avoiding β-arrestin recruitment. This functional selectivity […]
Recognition & Excellence Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience Physicians Named 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctors Four specialists at Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience — along with the center itself — have earned a place among the nation’s most recognized physicians and practices, with Castle Connolly designating them 2026 Top Doctors. Nicholas Anderson, MD; Darren Dugas, MD; Natalia Gonzalez, MD; […]
Epilepsy Research · Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience · Published 2026 Epilepsy Research, Volume 225, 2026 · Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience A new study published in Epilepsy Research by researchers at Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience reveals that Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) patients with epilepsy face a disproportionate “triple burden” of obesity, diabetes, and tobacco use — and […]
Epilepsy Research · Hawaii Comprehensive Epilepsy Center Hawaii Awarded Study to Investigate Novel Anti-Galectin-3 Monoclonal Antibody for Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Honolulu, Hawaii · May 2026 · Hawaii Epilepsy Research Unit Dr. Darren Dugas, MD — Neurologist & Epilepsy Specialist, featured on HI Now Hawaii The Hawaii Comprehensive Epilepsy Center and its Epilepsy Research Unit have been […]
Concussion, a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), is commonly caused by direct or indirect trauma to the head and can lead to temporary neurological dysfunction. While awareness of concussion has increased in recent years, understanding of the condition and attitudes toward reporting symptoms remain inconsistent—especially among young adults. Kevin Nguyen1,2, Ryan Nakamura1,2, Natalie […]
A two-year international study highlights the potential benefits of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy for individuals living with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome (LGS), a rare and severe form of childhood epilepsy. The findings demonstrate that long-term VNS therapy can reduce seizure frequency, improve quality of life, and maintain a favorable safety profile in a population that is […]
A peer-reviewed study published in Epilepsia (October 2025) evaluated the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of single-dose Staccato® alprazolam in adolescents with epilepsy. The findings support appropriate dose selection for adolescents aged 12–17 years, contributing important evidence toward the clinical development of rapid-acting rescue therapies for seizure management . Addressing the Need for Rapid-Acting Seizure Rescue […]
The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) official continuing medical education journal, Continuum: Lifelong Learning in Neurology®, has referenced research conducted by University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) neurologists and former medical students in its February 2025 epilepsy-focused issue. This national recognition underscores the impact of Hawaiʻi-based research on the understanding and […]
Co-Director, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center
Co- Investigator, Epilepsy Research Unit
Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience
Fellowship: Epilepsy, EEG, Yale University
Neurology Residency: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
Our team is committed to reducing the disparity in health status of its racial and ethnic minority, rural, low-income, and other underserved populations. We have therefore focused our efforts in caring for underserved, minority, diverse patient populations. Click to review our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and work undertaken by Center for Neuroscience Diversity especially for the Asian Americans and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Population (AANHPI).
Dr. Darren DuGas was extremely helpful and I would recommend him to anybody. I had neurological concerns early last year and in a world where many doctors seem overworked and exhausted, I truly felt like he made time for me, cared, and would "go to bat" for me so to speak. He really helped me get to the bottom of what I was going through and am in a much better headspace this year thanks to him. This review was long overdue, thank you again Dr. DuGas!
Tyler Conaway Hawaii