What is epilepsy?
Unpredictable and unprovoked seizures characterize epilepsy. A seizure occurs when there is an interruption to normal brain activity.
There is a varying range of seizure types, and each epileptic patient has a different level of control. Some people can sense a seizure coming on, while others may not know they’re having a seizure until it’s over.
Epilepsy can cause other health problems, making diagnosis and treatment essential.
What causes epilepsy?
For some, epilepsy is genetic or occurs as a result of brain trauma. In most cases, the cause is unknown.
Some known risk factors for epilepsy include:
- Low birth weight
- Babies who are born with brain abnormalities
- Bleeding in the brain
- Brain tumors
- Stroke
- Cerebral palsy
- High fever
- Use of illegal drugs
- Head trauma
What triggers a seizure?
Identifying triggers can prevent future seizures. Triggers include:
- Sleep deprivation
- Fevers and other illnesses
- Flashing bright lights or patterns
- Certain times of day
- Alcohol or drug use
- Stress
- Hormonal changes
- Low blood sugar
- Specific foods or caffeine
- Certain medications
What types of seizures are there?
Generalized onset seizures
Generalized onset seizures occur at the same time in both sides of the brain. This category includes tonic-clonic, absence, and atonic seizures.
Focal onset seizures
Focal onset seizures begin in one area of the brain or one type of cell on one side. They include focal aware seizures -- formerly called simple partial seizures -- and focal onset impaired awareness seizures (formerly called complex partial seizures).
Unknown onset seizures
In this type, the affected origin area of the brain is unknown. They occur at night during sleep or when someone lives alone and has no witness to describe the seizure. They can be reclassified with further testing.
How is epilepsy diagnosed?
Epilepsy is diagnosed after two unprovoked seizures with no known cause, like trauma or alcohol withdrawal.
Video-EEG monitoring is the diagnostic gold standard. The EEG transmitter cap is placed on your head while wall-mounted video cameras record your movements.
Dr. Ata utilizes your data collected by the video-EEG, comparing your movements to your recorded brain activity to make a diagnosis.
How is epilepsy treated?
Dr. Ata provides all treatment options, including medications, devices, dietary therapy, and clinical trials.
If you or a loved one suffers from epilepsy, call or schedule an appointment online today for help at NeuroCare of Texas.
