Ian Purcell MD PhD Monali Patel MD Otoneurology Call 858 223 2172
Educational Resources
Patient education

Seizure Disorders

Seizures are bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Some cause convulsions, while others cause brief staring spells, altered awareness, or unusual sensations.

At a glance

Symptoms
Convulsions, staring spells, altered awareness, or brief unusual sensations
Common causes
Brain injury, stroke, tumors, genetics, or no identifiable cause
How it's diagnosed
EEG, MRI, and blood tests
Treatment
Anti-seizure medication, lifestyle measures, and devices or surgery for some

Overview

Seizure disorders, or epilepsy, are chronic neurological conditions characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Seizures can vary in intensity and may involve changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and levels of consciousness.

Symptoms

  • Convulsions: Involuntary muscle contractions, often involving the entire body.
  • Loss of Consciousness: Temporary loss of awareness during a seizure.
  • Aura: Sensory or emotional experiences that precede the onset of a seizure.
  • Sensory & Motor Disturbance: That may last seconds to minutes, and sometimes hours in duration. This may involve any part of the body.
  • Postictal State: Confusion, fatigue, or other neurological symptoms following a seizure.

Diagnosis

  • ZETO Electroencephalogram (EEG): Records electrical activity in the brain to detect abnormalities that may cause seizures.
  • MRI Scans: Essential for visualizing structural abnormalities in the brain.
  • Blood Tests: To rule out metabolic causes of seizures.

Treatment

  • Medication: Anti-seizure drugs such as Levetiracetam or Lamotrigine are commonly prescribed to control seizure activity.
  • Surgical Intervention: Considered for patients with seizures that do not respond to medication.
  • Lifestyle Management: Stress reduction, regular sleep, and avoiding seizure triggers are key components.

At our clinic

  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): A device implanted under the skin by outside surgeons that sends electrical impulses to the brain via the vagus nerve. We provide VNS programming at this clinic.
  • Video EEG Monitoring: Combines EEG with video recording that may last 24-72 hours. This is used to capture seizures in real-time for accurate diagnosis. We work closely with outside neurologists in the county to provide this service for our patients.

Living with Seizure Disorders: Management strategies focus on maintaining quality of life through:

  • Medication Management: Regular monitoring and adjustment of anti-seizure medications.
  • Seizure Safety Measures: Including precautions to avoid injury during a seizure.
  • Support Services: Counseling and support groups for patients and families.

Testing that can help

Testing is chosen from your history and examination. These are the tests most often used here.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)Brain-wave recording used when spells, altered awareness, or neurologic symptoms raise concern for seizure activity or other cortical patterns.
Memory Loss/DementiaMemory loss has many causes, some of them treatable. A neurologic evaluation separates normal aging from dementia, medication effects, and other conditions.Post-Concussive Syndrome/Traumatic Brain InjuryAfter a concussion or other head injury, dizziness, headache, imbalance, and trouble concentrating can persist for weeks or longer, and they often respond to targeted treatment.Cardiac ArrhythmiasAn arrhythmia is a heartbeat that is irregular, too fast, or too slow. When the heart pumps less effectively, it can cause lightheadedness, palpitations, or fainting.

When to seek urgent care

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if dizziness or imbalance starts suddenly together with any of the following, since these can be signs of a stroke or another emergency:

  • Weakness or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side
  • Trouble speaking or understanding speech
  • Double vision or sudden loss of vision
  • A sudden, severe headache
  • Inability to walk or stand
  • Chest pain, fainting, or a seizure

Further reading

This article is for general education and does not replace a medical evaluation. Testing and treatment are chosen for each patient after a full history and examination.