Daniel J. Luciano, MD

When I was 10 years old, I read a book about the brain and behavior. I was fascinated and knew instantly I wanted to pursue a career in this area. I studied psychology and neurobiology in college, and then I went to medical school. During my residency, I became interested in epilepsy, a brain disorder that causes recurrent seizures. I learned that patients’ lives could be improved dramatically with the proper treatment.

Simultaneously, my 11-year-old sister developed severe epilepsy, and I had the same concerns and fears as my patients and their families. A year later, she passed away during a seizure. This experience reinforced my career choice and has made me more sensitive to and understanding of my patients’ concerns. I then dedicated my life to helping other families avoid losing a loved one.

I am a founding member of NYU Langone’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, where I diagnose and manage epilepsy. I prescribe medication, and if a patient’s symptoms persist, evaluate them to determine whether surgery is an option.

I have expertise in diagnosing and managing psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, also known as pseudoseizures. This condition, which is often misunderstood, is caused by a psychological disorder, such as anxiety, rather than abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

To provide comprehensive care, I work with a multidisciplinary team of doctors, including neurosurgeons, psychiatrists, and neuropsychiatrists. If a person is having psychogenic seizures, I help them to understand the nature of their episodes, as well as how to control them. I also refer them to a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist for more comprehensive treatment.

I partner with patients to make decisions about their treatment plan. I explain treatment options and potential side effects and help guide people to the right choice for them.