Affecting one in every 26 people, epilepsy is the fourth most prevalent neurological disorder. Using state-of-the-art tests, our neurologists are able to learn more about the symptoms of your epilepsy to design a custom treatment plan geared towards reducing your risks and restoring your quality of life.
Epilepsy is a disorder in which nerve activity in the brain is disrupted, leading to seizures, irregular behavior or a loss of awareness. This chronic neurological disorder can affect patients of all ages, genders, races and ethnicities.
Head trauma, prenatal injuries and diseases like meningitis can lead to epilepsy, but there is often no identifiable cause for epilepsy. Some patients exhibit a genetic predisposition for epilepsy or develop it as a result of a brain tumor or stroke.
Epilepsy seizures can affect different parts of the brain resulting in a range of possible symptoms. Dramatic seizures that result in total loss of body control are rare. These subtler signs of a seizure are much more common and should prompt diagnosis and treatment:
The risk of seizures increases with age, as do chances of developing diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Our team of neurologists perform a comprehensive exam incorporating electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG) to monitor the electrical activity in your brain, nerves and muscles. These tests allow your doctor to identify abnormalities, diagnose your condition and classify your seizures.
While there is no cure for epilepsy, our neurologists are able to design a treatment plan to reduce or prevent seizures and other symptoms of epilepsy. In addition to anti-seizure medication, your doctor may also prescribe nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation and dietary changes to manage your condition.
Surgery is sometimes an option for patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The types of epilepsy vary, and the condition can affect people differently depending on the areas of the brain involved.
Epileptic seizures are caused by sudden, abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain. Triggers can include stress, sleep deprivation, illness, or flashing lights, although the cause is not always identifiable.
Seizures can occur for various reasons, such as epilepsy, head injuries, brain infections, or metabolic imbalances. In adults experiencing seizures for the first time, underlying conditions like stroke or tumors may also be a cause.
Fits and seizures, terms often used interchangeably, are caused by abnormal electrical signals in the brain. These can result from epilepsy disease, traumatic brain injuries, or conditions affecting the brain’s structure or chemistry.
If someone has a seizure, stay calm, move nearby objects to prevent injury, and place them on their side if possible. Do not hold them down or put anything in their mouth. Seek medical attention if the seizure lasts more than five minutes or if it’s their first seizure.
Seizures can feel different depending on their type. Some people experience an aura, such as a strange sensation or smell, before the seizure. Others may lose awareness, feel sudden jerks, or experience convulsions. The sensations can range from mild disorientation to full-body convulsions.
First-time seizures in adults can be caused by epilepsy, stroke, head trauma, brain infections, or metabolic disturbances. Comprehensive evaluation by a neurologist is essential to determine the underlying cause.
There are many types of seizures, including absence seizures (petit mal epilepsy), grand mal seizures, and focal seizures. Each type has distinct characteristics, such as loss of awareness, convulsions, or repetitive movements.
For some individuals, epilepsy can go into remission, especially if seizures are well-controlled with treatment. However, for others, it may be a lifelong condition requiring ongoing management.
Epilepsy does not necessarily worsen with age, but the condition can change over time. Some individuals may experience fewer seizures as they get older, while others might see changes due to health factors like medication or other conditions.
Epilepsy can start at any age, but it often begins in childhood or later in life during the senior years. Age of onset can influence the types of epilepsy experienced.
Yes, many people with epilepsy live full and normal lives. With proper treatment, such as medications or therapies like vagus nerve stimulation, seizures can often be well-managed. The experts at Brain & Spine Center work closely with patients to develop personalized care plans.
Epilepsy can cause physical symptoms such as convulsions, muscle stiffness, or loss of consciousness during seizures. Repeated seizures may also lead to fatigue, headaches, or injuries depending on their severity and frequency.