Hal Blumenfeld, Ph.D.

Dr. Blumenfeld studies childhood absence epilepsy and has made important contributions using fMRI and electrophysiology to explore the pathophysiology of seizures. He has shown how seizures produce a loss of consciousness, how to restore consciousness through electrical stimulation, and how early treatment with anti-epileptic drugs can disrupt disease development in animal models. Using a genetic rat model, Dr. Blumenfeld is currently investigating the neuronal basis for why seizure episode severity can vary. His research aims to guide treatment development for preventing seizures and improving long-term cognition in children with epilepsy.