Endowed Chair: Lennox-Gastaut Comprehensive Care Center led by Cynthia Keator, M.D.
Cook Children's has awarded Cynthia Keator, M.D., an Endowed Chair to establish a new standard of care for patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), a rare, severe form of epilepsy that typically begins in childhood. This type of epilepsy causes frequent seizures that are difficult to control with medication. Dr. Keator and her comprehensive clinical team collect data, monitor patients and identify patterns that enable the early identification of high-risk patients before LGS onset. This proactive approach allows for evaluation and intervention before the syndrome develops. The program aims to establish the natural history of LGS, identify biomarkers and create best practices for treatment. It also will be the first program in the country to comprehensively target LGS, making a dramatic, meaningful impact on this devastating condition.
Meet Dr. Keator
Dr. Keator has dedicated her career to guiding families of children with epilepsy, and discovering effective treatments that can assist in improving their quality of life.
Neuromodulation Strategies in Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: Practical Clinical Guidance from the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium. Samanta D, Augaroon G, Fine A, Karakas C, Chiu M, Jain P, Seinfeld S, Knowles J, Mohamed I, Stafstrom C, Dixon-Salazar T, Patel A, Bhalla S, Keator C, Vidaurre J, Warren A, Shellhaas R, Perry M. Epilepsy Research, 201 (2025).
Meet our researchers
Christopher Hagen, Ph.D., Research Scientist
Originally from Austin, TX, I received my master's degree in Biology and my Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Texas Christian University, where my focus was in behavioral neuroscience. During my master's research, I investigated how different environmental factors affect learning, memory, and Alzheimer's pathologies. Transitioning into my doctoral research, my projects explored the brain's response to negative emotions like depression, frustration, and loss. I was specifically interested in how different neural circuits within a set of brain areas known as the basal ganglia contribute to both the onset of and recovery from these emotions. After receiving my Ph.D., I began working at Cook Children's as a Research Scientist in neurology, where our research aims to identify novel biomarkers of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my partner, playing board games, and going to the symphony.
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Support this research
Be part of the innovative and life-changing work we’re doing at Cook Children's. Support the Endowed Chair Program today.