Comprehensive Epilepsy Center

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological.......

What causes Seizure?

Causes of epilepsy vary by age of the person.

Types of Seizures

Seizures are generally described in two major......

How do you diagnose Epilepsy?

Knowing if a person is having a seizure and.......

Managing and Treating Epilepsy

Comprehensive Information from the Top Experts........

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

Darren DuGas, M.D.

Director, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center
Principal Investigator, Epilepsy Research Unit Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience
Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Hawaii
John Burns School of Medicine

Fellowship: Epilepsy, EEG, Yale University
Neurology Residency: Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

Comprehensive Epilepsy Updates for Hawaii

2026 Hawaii Comprehensive Epilepsy Center & Epilepsy Research Unit Awarded Study to Investigate (JZP926 or Epidiolex) for the Treatment of Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE)

October 25, 2026

Honolulu, October 2026 The neurologists, epileptologists and research team of Hawaii’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center & Epilepsy Research Unit. The Hawaii Comprehensive Epilepsy Center and Epilepsy Research Unit have been awarded a new Phase 3 study investigating JZP926 (CBD oral solution, Epidiolex) for the treatment of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). The study brings an advanced […]

Epilepsy-Associated Labor Force Exclusion in a NHPI Multi-Ethnic Cohort

September 18, 2026

Honolulu, September 2026 Published in Epilepsy Research, Volume 228, 2026. A new study from researchers at Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience (HPN) and the University of Hawai‘i John A. Burns School of Medicine has been published in the journal Epilepsy Research. The study, “Epilepsy-Associated Labor Force Exclusion in a Multi-Ethnic Neurology Cohort,” examines how epilepsy affects employment […]

RAP-219 FOCUS 2 Focal Seizure Study | Hawaii Epilepsy

June 7, 2026

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 […]

JZP926 & Epidiolex JME Study | Hawaii Epilepsy Center

June 7, 2026

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 […]

BMB-101 Epilepsy Study (DEEs) | Hawaii Epilepsy Research

June 6, 2026

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 […]

Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience Physicians Named 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctors

May 12, 2026

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; […]

A Triple Burden In Native Hawaiian And Pacific Islander Patients With Epilepsy: The Cardiometabolic Risks Of Obesity, Diabetes, Smoking, And Their Association With Seizure Control

May 6, 2026

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 […]

2026 Hawaii Comprehensive Epilepsy Ctr & Epilepsy Research Unit in Hawaii Awarded Study to Investigate Novel anti-Galectin-3 monoclonal Antibody for the Drug-Resistant Epilepsy (DRE)

May 6, 2026

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 […]

Assessing the Understanding of Neurological Conditions in Young Adults and Leveraging Media Outlets and Social Media Platforms for Neurology Awareness

March 3, 2026

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 […]

Two-Year Study Shows Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy Benefits Patients With Lennox–Gastaut Syndrome

December 19, 2025

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 […]

Epilepsia Publishes Study on Pharmacokinetics and Tolerability of Staccato® Alprazolam in Adolescents with Epilepsy

December 19, 2025

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 […]

American Academy of Neurology (AAN) official CME journal Continuum 2025 February Issue Referenced the work and publication of University Hawaii John Burns School of Medicine neurologists and medical students. August 2025 Honolulu

December 16, 2025

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 […]

2025 Oct Epilepsia – Pharmacokinetics and tolerability of single-dose Staccato alprazolam in adolescents with epilepsy, and population pharmacokinetic analysis to support dose selection in adolescents

2025 Vagus nerve stimulation therapy in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome of a 2-year study

American Academy of Neurology (AAN) official CME journal Continuum 2025 February Issue Referenced the work and publication of University Hawaii John Burns School of Medicine neurologists and medical students.

2025 Epilepsy Freedom Run July

2024 Sept Comprehensive Epilepsy Center awarded BHV-7000 selective activator of potassium channels Research

Meet Our

Multidisciplinary Team

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).

Sharing

Patient Experience

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

ABOUT US

OUR TEAM

PROVIDERS

Comprehensive Epilepsy Center

What is Epilepsy?

What causes Seizure?

Types of Seizures

How do you diagnose Epilepsy?

Managing and Treating Epilepsy

Comprehensive Epilepsy Updates for Hawaii

Meet Our

Multidisciplinary Team

Kore Kai Liow, M.D.

Natalia Gonzalez Caldito, M.D.

Darren DuGas, M.D.

Eonjung Angeline Kim, M.D.

Michael Sonson, M.D.

Candace Miyaki, D.O.

Janette Abramowitz, M.D.

Chris Larrinaga, APRN-BC, MSN, CNRN

Nicole Evans, PA-C

Qi Zhi, DNP, MPH, FNP-BC

Kelli Keahiolalo Hanashiro

Qing X. Li PhD

Katy Tarrit, Ph.D.

Chathura Siriwardhana, PhD

Patient Experience

Honolulu

West Oahu

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