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Giuseppe Erba, M.D.

Giuseppe Erba, M.D.

he/him/his

Contact

Appointment (585) 341-7500
Fax (585) 756-2311
Administrative (585) 275-9403

About Me

Giuseppe Erba, M. D., joined the Faculty at U of R as Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics in 1989 with the specific goal of organizing a Comprehensive Epilepsy Program that would address the needs of patients with this disorder in Western New York State, especially those who respond poorly to medi...
Giuseppe Erba, M. D., joined the Faculty at U of R as Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics in 1989 with the specific goal of organizing a Comprehensive Epilepsy Program that would address the needs of patients with this disorder in Western New York State, especially those who respond poorly to medications. He came from Harvard University where he had gained extensive experience in this field at the Boston Children's Hospital "Seizure Unit," under the mentorship of Cesare T Lombroso M.D. He had previously trained in Pediatrics at the University of Rome, Italy and in Neurology at Mc Gill University, Montreal, Canada.

The first five years of his tenure in Rochester were devoted to building a multidisciplinary team of dedicated professionals and staff, capable of delivering a comprehensive array of services and treatments to patients with intractable seizure disorders, from surgery to psycho-social support. The goal of the next five years was to earn national prominence
through participation to important multicenter clinical trials and striving to make Rochester a model of comprehensive care for patients with any type of seizure disorder. After reaching the age limit of his tenure as Chief of the Epilepsy Unit, Dr. Erba has continued to be fully active, providing services in the EEG Laboratory, in the in-patient and out-patient divisions of the Program. Since 2008, after spending a sabbatical period in Northern Italy, he has been conducting a research project abroad that is still in progress.

He has retired from active service in May, 2011. However, his commitment to the cause of Epilepsy continues as Professor Emeritus of Neurology through teaching and mentoring young physicians who are in training to become accomplished neurologists and epileptologists.

Faculty Appointments

Professor Emeritus - Department of Neurology, Epilepsy (SMD)

Credentials

Education

MD | University of Pavia Medical School. Medicine. 1960

MD | Italy-Fac Med U Pavia. Medicine. 1960

BA (Baccalaureate) | Liceo Classico "Daniele Manin". 1954

Awards

Professional Advisory Board. 1997 - 2005

Honorary Member. 1988

Examiner. 1985

Fellow. 1970

Medical Degree "Cum Laude". 1960

Best Graduation Thesis in the field of Neurology (EEG). 1960

Baccalaureate Degree with High Distinction. 1954

Publications

Journal Articles

Utility and limitations of homemade videos in differentiating functional seizures from other paroxysmal events: An Italian cohort study.

Gasparini S, Giussani G, Bianchi E, Magaudda A, Labate A, Laganà A, Martellino C, Casazza M, Didato G, Chiesa V, Canevini MP, Belcastro V, Bocci T, Domina E, La Neve A, Meletti S, Poloni M, Salsano E, Velucci V, Martini S, Bova V, Mammì A, Pascarella A, Cianci V, Ferlazzo E, Aguglia U, Erba G

Epilepsia open.. 2025 April 28 Epub 04/28/2025.

Erratum to 'In memoriam: Ettore Beghi' [Seizure Volume 104, January 2023, Page 38].

Erba G, Bianchi E, Pupillo E, Franceschi S, Leone M, Giussani G

Seizure.. 2023 January 20106 :7. Epub 01/20/2023.

Mortality in patients with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures a population-based cohort study.

Zhang L, Beghi E, Tomson T, Beghi M, Erba G, Chang Z

Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry.. 2022 April 93 (4):379-385. Epub 01/27/2022.

Improved ictal assessment performance in the epilepsy monitoring unit via standardization.

Hanrahan B, Gross RA, Wychowski T, Erba G, Birbeck GL, Liu L

Epilepsy & behavior : E&B.. 2021 September 122 :108067. Epub 06/17/2021.

Psychodynamic interpretation of linguistic findings in patients with epileptic and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: the role of metaphors.

Cornaggia CM, Piscitelli D, Beghi E, Diotti S, Magaudda A, Mazzucchelli M, Perin C, Peroni F, Erba G, Beghi M

Rivista di psichiatria.. 2021 56 (6):340-348. Epub 1900 01 01.

The semantics of epileptic and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures and their differential diagnosis.

Beghi M, Cornaggia I, Diotti S, Erba G, Harder G, Magaudda A, Laganà A, Vitale C, Cornaggia CM

Epilepsy & behavior : E&B.. 2020 October 111 :107250. Epub 06/27/2020.

History of violence/maltreatment and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures.

Beghi M, Zhang L, Beghi E, Giussani G, Erba G, Longinetti E, D'Onofrio BM, Bianchi E, Fang F, Tomson T, Chang Z

Seizure.. 2020 October 81 :8-12. Epub 07/14/2020.

Self-Report questionnaires for the diagnosis of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures in clinical practice. A comprehensive review of the available instruments.

Giussani G, Erba G, Bianchi E, Beghi E

Seizure.. 2020 July 79 :30-43. Epub 04/26/2020.

Management of psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: a multidisciplinary approach.

Gasparini S, Beghi E, Ferlazzo E, Beghi M, Belcastro V, Biermann KP, Bottini G, Capovilla G, Cervellione RA, Cianci V, Coppola G, Cornaggia CM, De Fazio P, De Masi S, De Sarro G, Elia M, Erba G, Fusco L, Gambardella A, Gentile V, Giallonardo AT, Guerrini R, Ingravallo F, Iudice A, Labate A, Lucenteforte E, Magaudda A, Mumoli L, Papagno C, Pesce GB, Pucci E, Ricci P, Romeo A, Quintas R, Sueri C, Vitaliti G, Zoia R, Aguglia U

European journal of neurology.. 2019 February 26 (2):205-e15. Epub 11/29/2018.

Self-reporting versus clinical scrutiny: the value of adding questionnaires to the routine evaluation of seizure disorders. An exploratory study on the differential diagnosis between epilepsy and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.

Bianchi E, Erba G, Beghi E, Giussani G

Epilepsy & behavior : E&B.. 2019 January 90 :191-196. Epub 12/19/2018.

Patients' and caregivers' contributions for differentiating epileptic from psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. Value and limitations of self-reporting questionnaires: A pilot study.

Erba G, Bianchi E, Giussani G, Langfitt J, Juersivich A, Beghi E

Seizure.. 2017 December 53 :66-71. Epub 11/08/2017.

Engaging psychiatrists in the diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures. What can they contribute?

Beghi M, Erba G, Cornaggia CM, Giussani G, Bianchi E, Porro G, Russo M, Beghi E

Seizure.. 2017 November 52 :182-187. Epub 10/16/2017.

Antiepileptic drug discontinuation by people with epilepsy in the general population.

Giussani G, Bianchi E, Canelli V, Erba G, Franchi C, Nobili A, Sander JW, Beghi E,

Epilepsia.. 2017 September 58 (9):1524-1532. Epub 07/26/2017.

In response: Towards a quantitative assessment of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures.

Erba G, Beghi E, Magaudda A, Bianchi E, Giussani G, Di Rosa G, Laganà A, Chiesa V, Juersivich A, Langfitt J

Epilepsia.. 2016 June 57 (6):1011-2. Epub 1900 01 01.

The semiology of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures revisited: Can video alone predict the diagnosis? Preliminary data from a prospective feasibility study.

Erba G, Giussani G, Juersivich A, Magaudda A, Chiesa V, Laganà A, Di Rosa G, Bianchi E, Langfitt J, Beghi E

Epilepsia.. 2016 May 57 (5):777-85. Epub 03/07/2016.

A population-based study of active and drug-resistant epilepsies in Northern Italy.

Giussani G, Canelli V, Bianchi E, Franchi C, Nobili A, Erba G, Beghi E,

Epilepsy & behavior : E&B.. 2016 February 55 :30-7. Epub 12/28/2015.

Characteristic Features of the Interictal EEG Background in 2 Patients With Malignant Migrating Partial Epilepsy in Infancy.

Selioutski O, Seltzer LE, Burchfiel J, Paciorkowski AR, Erba G

Journal of clinical neurophysiology : official publication of the American Electroencephalographic Society.. 2015 August 32 (4):e23-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

The perceived burden of epilepsy: Impact on the quality of life of children and adolescents and their families.

Cianchetti C, Messina P, Pupillo E, Crichiutti G, Baglietto MG, Veggiotti P, Zamponi N, Casellato S, Margari L, Erba G, Beghi E,

Seizure.. 2015 January 24 :93-101. Epub 09/16/2014.

Acceptance of epilepsy surgery in the pediatric age - what the parents think and what the doctors can do.

Erba G, Messina P, Pupillo E, Beghi E,

Epilepsy & behavior : E&B.. 2013 October 29 (1):112-20. Epub 08/10/2013.

Acceptance of epilepsy surgery among adults with epilepsy--what do patients think?

Erba G, Messina P, Pupillo E, Beghi E,

Epilepsy & behavior : E&B.. 2012 July 24 (3):352-8. Epub 05/30/2012.

Early surgical therapy for drug-resistant temporal lobe epilepsy: a randomized trial.

Engel J, McDermott MP, Wiebe S, Langfitt JT, Stern JM, Dewar S, Sperling MR, Gardiner I, Erba G, Fried I, Jacobs M, Vinters HV, Mintzer S, Kieburtz K,

JAMA.. 2012 March 7307 (9):922-30. Epub 1900 01 01.

Barriers toward epilepsy surgery. A survey among practicing neurologists.

Erba G, Moja L, Beghi E, Messina P, Pupillo E

Epilepsia.. 2012 January 53 (1):35-43. Epub 10/05/2011.

Design considerations for a multicenter randomized controlled trial of early surgery for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy.

Engel J, McDermott MP, Wiebe S, Langfitt JT, Erba G, Gardiner I, Stern J, Dewar S, Sperling MR, Jacobs M, Kieburtz K,

Epilepsia.. 2010 October 51 (10):1978-86. Epub 1900 01 01.

Photic- and pattern-induced seizures: expert consensus of the Epilepsy Foundation of America Working Group.

Harding G, Wilkins AJ, Erba G, Barkley GL, Fisher RS,

Epilepsia.. 2005 September 46 (9):1423-5. Epub 1900 01 01.

Photic- and pattern-induced seizures: a review for the Epilepsy Foundation of America Working Group.

Fisher RS, Harding G, Erba G, Barkley GL, Wilkins A,

Epilepsia.. 2005 September 46 (9):1426-41. Epub 1900 01 01.

"Deep Red" Alert - The Visual System is Under Attack: The Role of Color (Commentary).

Erba G.

Neurology. 2005; 64: 771.

Photic - and pattern- induced seizures: A review for the Epilepsy Foundation of America working group.

Fisher RS, Harding G, Erba G, Barkley GL, Wilins AJ.

Epilepsia. 2005; 49: 1426-1441.

The Family Experience of "Sudden Health:" The Case of Intractable Epilepsy.

Seaburn DB, Erba G.

Family Process. 2003; 42: 453-67.

The family experience of "sudden health": the case of intractable epilepsy.

Seaburn DB, Erba G

Family process.. 2003 42 (4):453-67. Epub 1900 01 01.

Preventing seizures from "Pocket Monsters": a way to control reflex epilepsy.

Erba G

Neurology.. 2001 November 2757 (10):1747-8. Epub 1900 01 01.

Preventing seizures from "Pocket Monsters". A way to control reflex epilepsy.

Erba, Giuseppe.

Neurology. 2001; 57(10): 1747-8.

The coordinated psychosocial and neurologic care of children with seizures and their families.

Ziegler RG, Erba G, Holden L, Dennison H

Epilepsia.. 2000 June 41 (6):732-43. Epub 1900 01 01.

Family interactions as targets for intervention to improve social adjustment after epilepsy surgery.

Langfitt JT, Wood BL, Brand KL, Brand J, Erba G

Epilepsia.. 1999 June 40 (6):735-44. Epub 1900 01 01.

Factors distinguishing families of patients with psychogenic seizures from families of patients with epilepsy.

Wood BL, McDaniel S, Burchfiel K, Erba G

Epilepsia.. 1998 April 39 (4):432-7. Epub 1900 01 01.

Failure of standard magnetic resonance imaging in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy.

McBride MC, Bronstein KS, Bennett B, Erba G, Pilcher W, Berg MJ

Archives of neurology.. 1998 March 55 (3):346-8. Epub 1900 01 01.

Ictal contralateral paresis in complex partial seizures.

Oestreich LJ, Berg MJ, Bachmann DL, Burchfiel J, Erba G

Epilepsia.. 1995 July 36 (7):671-5. Epub 1900 01 01.

Temporal lobectomy for complex partial seizures that began in childhood.

Erba G, Winston KR, Adler JR, Welch K, Ziegler R, Hornig GW

Surgical neurology.. 1992 December 38 (6):424-32. Epub 1900 01 01.

Cerebral hemicorticectomy for epilepsy.

Winston KR, Welch K, Adler JR, Erba G

Journal of neurosurgery.. 1992 December 77 (6):889-95. Epub 1900 01 01.

Results of surgery for extratemporal partial epilepsy that began in childhood.

Adler J, Erba G, Winston KR, Welch K, Lombroso CT

Archives of neurology.. 1991 February 48 (2):133-40. Epub 1900 01 01.

Sturge-Weber Syndrome: Natural History and Indications for Surgery.

Erba G, Cavazzuti V.

J Epilepsy. 1990; 3 (suppl);: 287-291.

Partial Epilespy and Tuberous Sclerosis: Indications for Surgery in Disseminated Disease.

Erba G, Duchowny M.

J Epilepsy. 1990; 3 (suppl);: 315-319.

Epilepsy surgery in children.

Green RC, Adler JR, Erba G

Journal of child neurology.. 1988 July 3 (3):155-66. Epub 1900 01 01.

Primary generalised epileptic myoclonus: a frequent manifestation of minipolymyoclonus of central origin.

Wilkins DE, Hallett M, Erba G

Journal of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry.. 1985 June 48 (6):506-16. Epub 1900 01 01.

Extraction of clinical information from electroencephalographic background activity: the combined use of brain electrical activity mapping and intravenous sodium thiopental.

Duffy FH, Jensen F, Erba G, Burchfiel JL, Lombroso CT

Annals of neurology.. 1984 January 15 (1):22-30. Epub 1900 01 01.

Electroencephalographic correlates of near-drowning encephalopathy in children.

Janati A, Erba G

Electroencephalography and clinical neurophysiology.. 1982 February 53 (2):182-91. Epub 1900 01 01.

Sleep Hypoxemia in Young Adults with Cystic Fibrosis.

Stokes DC, McBride JT, Wall MA, Erba G, Streider DJ.

Electroenceph Clin Neurophysiol. 1980; 13: 741-743.

Memory Deficits After Left Hemispherectomy in Patients with Infantile Spastic Hemiplegia.

Cavazzuti V, Erba G.

Riv Speriment Freniat. 1976; Vol C: 586-612 (Italian).

Two-dimensional Echoencephalography in the Pediatric Age.

Erba G.

Acta Paediat Latina. 1974; 27: 583-603.

The Lennox Gastaut Syndrome.

Erba G, Lombroso CT.

Prospective in Pediatria. 1973; 10: 145-165 (Italian).

The concentration of homovanillic and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acids in ventricular and lumbar CSF. Studies in patients with extrapyramidal disorders, epilepsy, and other diseases.

Papeschi R, Molina-Negro P, Sourkes TL, Erba G

Neurology.. 1972 November 22 (11):1151-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Two-dimensional sonar scanning for detection of intracranial lesions. A comparison with isotope scans, electroencephalograms, and radiological studies in 97 cases.

Lombroso CT, Erba G, Yogo T, Logowitz N, Hilaire JS

Archives of neurology.. 1970 December 23 (6):518-27. Epub 1900 01 01.

Primary and secondary bilateral synchrony in epilepsy; a clinical and electroencephalographic study.

Lombroso CT, Erba G

Archives of neurology.. 1970 April 22 (4):321-34. Epub 1900 01 01.

Detection of Ventricular Landmarks by Two-dimensional Ultrasonography.

Erba G, Lombroso CT.

J Neurol., Neurosurg Psychiatr. 1968; 31: 232-244.

Two-dimensional Ultrasonography: A Method to Study Normal and Abnormal Ventricles.

Lombroso CT, Erba G, Yogo T, Logowitz N.

Pediatrics. 1968; 42: 154-174.

Books

Textbook of Adolescent Medicine (1992)

Chapter: Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders.

"Does Your Child Have Epilepsy?" (1991)

"Does Your Child Have Epilepsy?" (1983)

Echoencephalography (1983)

Chapter: Brain Tumors in the Young

Epilepsy: Diagnosis and Management (1983)

Chapter: Simple Partial Seizures (Focal Seizures).

Epilepsy: Diagnosis and Management (1983)

Chapter: Atypical Absences, Myoclonic, Atonic and Tonic Seizures and the Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.

XIIIth Epilepsy International Symposium. (1982)

Chapter: Myoclonic Seizures: Considerations in Taxonomy. Advances in Epileptology.

Advances in Epileptology - 10th International Symposium. (1980)

Chapter: Rapid Stimulation in Continuous Performance Tasks Under EEG Monitoring.

Proceedings of 2nd Nat'l Congress of the Societa Italiano di Neuropediatria. (1976)

Chapter: The Contribution of Ultarsonic Echo-tomography in the Assessment of Ventricular Size in Infancy and Childhood.

Ultrasonographia Medica. (1971)

Chapter: Two-dimensional Echo encephalography in Supratentorial Mass Lesions.

Proceedings in Echo Encephalography. (1968)

Chapter: Two-dimensional Ultrasonography for Visualization of Ventricular Landmarks.