Seizures Specialist

What is a seizure?

A seizure is a sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that may cause changes in your behavior, feelings, muscle movements, or level of consciousness.

Though not a disease in and of itself, a seizure is a common symptom of many different health conditions. Epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures. People who have had more than two unprovoked seizures are diagnosed with epilepsy.

What are different types of seizures?

There are two major types of seizures, each of which contains subtypes:

Focal seizures

Also called partial seizures, this type involves abnormal activity in only one part of your brain.

• Focal onset aware seizures happen when you’re conscious and aware, but may alter sensory perception and cause involuntary twitching.
• Focal seizures with impaired awareness can make you confused, dazed, and unaware of your environment.

Symptoms of focal seizures may resemble other neurological conditions, such as a migraine, narcolepsy, or mental illnesses.

Generalized seizures

Generalized seizures involve abnormal activity in both sides of your brain at the same time. Subtypes of generalized seizures include:

• Absence seizures that often involve staring into space
• Tonic seizures that cause muscles to stiffen
• Atonic seizures that cause a loss of muscle control
• Clonic seizures that involve repetitive muscle jerking

Tonic-clonic seizures, also known as grand mal seizures, cause extreme symptoms that may include stiffening and shaking of the body as well as a sudden loss of consciousness and tongue biting.

How do you diagnose and treat seizure disorders?

First, the team at The Center for Neurology and Neurophysiology performs a thorough neurological exam and reviews your symptoms and medical history. They may also take tests, such as:

• Blood tests
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan

Once they diagnose epilepsy or determine the cause of your seizure, the team at The Center for Neurology and Neurophysiology works with you to create a seizure management plan. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:

• Anti-seizure medications
• Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
• Following a low-carb, high-fat diet

If your seizures always originate from the same location in your brain, they may recommend surgery. To learn more about preventing and managing seizures, call The Center for Neurology and Neurophysiology or book an appointment online.