Comprehensive Epilepsy Center

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

Comprehensive Epilepsy Updates for Hawaii

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

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

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

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

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

Meet Our

Multidisciplinary Team

Kore Kai Liow, M.D.


Neurology

Founder & Neuroscience Chair,
Hawaii Pacific Neuroscience
Clinical Professor of Medicine (Neurology), Clinical & Translational Research,
University of Hawai`i John A. Burns School of Medicine

Nicholas Anderson, MD


Sleep Medicine

Director, Sleep and Insomnia Center
Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine,
University of Hawai`i John Burns School of Medicine

Paul Smith, M.D., M.P.H.

Self-Care and Wellness Center


Diplomate, American Board of Lifestyle Medicine
Residency: Occupational and Environmental Medicine
MPH: University of Hawaii
Medical School: University of Hawaii, John A Burns School of Medicine

Darren DuGas, M.D.


Neurology

Director, Video-EEG Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)
Co-Director, Comprehensive Epilepsy Center
Sub- Investigator, Epilepsy Research Unit

Natalia Gonzalez Caldito, M.D.


Neurology

Director, MS & Neuroimmunology Center
Director, ALS & Neuromuscular Center & IV Infusion Center
Sub investigator, MS & Neuroimmunology & Neuromuscular Research Unit

Eonjung Angeline Kim, M.D.


Neurology

Director, Headache & Facial Pain Center
Sub- Investigator, Headache Research Unit

Michael Sonson, M.D.


Neurology
Alzheimer's and Memory Disorders


Director, Memory & Alzheimer’s Research Institute (MARI)

Candace Miyaki, D.O.


Sleep Medicine
Sleep Wake Center

Janette Abramowitz, M.D.


Neurology

Research Faculty, Brain Mapping Lab, Brain Research, Innovation & Translation Labs
Residency: Combined Neurology & Psychiatry University of Massachusetts Medical School Medical School: University of Massachusetts Medical School

Alexander Takayesu, M.D., M.P.H.


Psychiatry

Perinatal Psychiatry, Post Partum Depression
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Hawaii John A Burns School of Medicine
SubInvestigator, Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience

Chris Larrinaga, APRN-BC, MSN, CNRN


Neurology, Neuroscience

Sleep Medicine
Sub-Investigator, Clinical Research Center

Nicole Evans, PA-C


Neurology, Neuroscience

Sub-Investigator, Clinical Research Center

Qi Zhi, DNP, MPH, FNP-BC


Neurology, Neuroscience

Memory Disorders
Sub-Investigator, Clinical Research Center

Barbara Pitts, Ph.D.


Neuropsychology

Sub Investigator
Alzheimer’s Research Unit
Memory Research Scientist, Hawaii BRAIN Lab.

Qing X. Li PhD


Basic Science, Neuroscience

Professor, Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu

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). 

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