Under the leadership of Dr. Moran Heusman-Kedem, the clinic has become part of the Pediatric Neurovascular Center within the Institute of Pediatric Neurology and is focused on the long-term care of children with this diagnosis from the very first days of life.
Opening of the Department for Children with Sturge–Weber Syndrome
At the Dana-Dwek children’s hospital at Ichilov medical center, a specialized unit for children with Sturge–Weber syndrome has been opened. This is a rare congenital condition that requires particularly precise and well-coordinated medical care. The new unit was created so that patients with this complex diagnosis can receive all types of treatment and follow-up in one place, without the need for constant transfers between different medical institutions.
24, Jan 2026
Features of the syndrome. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach in treatment
Sturge–Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare neurocutaneous disorder that is usually evident at birth through a characteristic skin mark, most often on the face. However, the visible changes are only the external part of the problem. The condition may be accompanied by abnormalities of the blood vessels in the brain, the development of epilepsy, visual impairments including congenital glaucoma, and delays in psychomotor development.
For this reason, treating such patients cannot be limited to a single medical specialty. The disease requires a multidisciplinary approach, as it affects multiple body systems: the skin, the brain, the eyes, the blood vessels, and the child’s overall development. Stable control of the condition requires regular neurological examinations, ophthalmologic follow-up, management of epileptic seizures, and treatment of cutaneous and vascular lesions using laser technologies.
Until recently, families in Israel had to seek care at several different hospitals. Some specialists treated epilepsy, others dealt with eye complications, and still others addressed the skin manifestations of the syndrome. This made coordination of care difficult and placed a heavy burden on parents and children. The creation of a single specialized structure at the Dana-Dwek Hospital at Ichilov has made it possible to bring all necessary services together in one clinical setting and, whenever possible, to carry out examinations and consultations in a single visit.
Dana-Dwek children’s hospital unit: all care in one place
The uniqueness of the Dana-Dwek pediatric clinic at Ichilov medical center lies in its team of specialists covering the full range of issues associated with Sturge–Weber syndrome. The team includes pediatric neurologists and neurosurgeons, experts in pharmacoresistant epilepsy, ophthalmologists specializing in congenital glaucoma, dermatologists and laser medicine physicians, as well as clinical nutrition specialists, including those experienced in the ketogenic diet. In addition, physiotherapists, other paramedical services, and social workers are involved to support families in their daily lives and in adapting to the condition.
This comprehensive approach makes it possible to achieve better control of symptoms and improve the quality of life of children and their parents by providing continuous medical care at all stages of development. If your child needs medical assistance, you can consult the specialists at the following link
