Epilepsy

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a chronic (long-term) condition affecting your brain that causes recurring seizures (uncontrolled body movements). While the cause isn’t always clear, epilepsy is common and can disrupt your daily life. Seizures can be dangerous when left untreated. Treatment at Rapha Neurology and Neurocritical Care provides symptom relief.

An epilepsy diagnosis requires having at least two seizures at least 24 hours apart without a clear cause.

What are the symptoms of epilepsy?

The following symptoms can indicate epilepsy:

• Seizures (uncontrolled muscle movements)
• Staring spells
• Confusion
• Short-term confusion
• Loss of consciousness or awareness
• Problems understanding or talking
• Jerking body movements
• Fear, depression, and/or anxiety caused by seizures

You might experience visual changes (aura), dizziness, loss of balance, or other symptoms before a seizure begins.

What are the risk factors for epilepsy?

What causes epilepsy isn’t known in about half of the people with the condition. Possible risk factors include:

• Previous head trauma
• Head injuries
• Family history of epilepsy
• Brain tumors
• Brain infections
• Dementia
• Injuries prior to birth
• Stroke
• Some medications
• Autoimmune diseases
• Developmental disorders

Things that appear to trigger seizures in people with epilepsy include flashing lights, drug and/or alcohol use, skipping anti-seizure medications, dehydration, and stress. Hormonal changes, illnesses, certain foods, overexertion, and skipping meals might also be triggers.

Seizures raise the risk of falls, auto accidents, memory loss, drowning, and complications during pregnancy. Seizures can be life-threatening in some cases.

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

Diagnosing epilepsy at Rapha Neurology and Neurocritical Care requires a review of your medical history, medications, and symptoms. Your provider will conduct physical and neurological exams and may order blood work, brain wave studies (EEG), and brain imaging scans. You may be asked to complete assessments of your memory, thinking, cognition, and speech.

How is epilepsy treated?

Your personalized epilepsy treatment (seizure treatment) can include:

• Dietary changes
• Healthy lifestyle changes
• Medication management
• Seizure treatment
• Therapy
• Surgery

About 70% of people treated for epilepsy eventually become seizure-free. If you’re a candidate for surgery, Rapha Neurology and Neurocritical Care refers you to another specialist to complete the procedure. They follow up to ensure effective, long-lasting results.

Schedule an in-person or virtual epilepsy evaluation today at Rapha Neurology and Neurocritical Care by calling the office or booking an appointment online.