What You Need to Know About Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a brain condition caused by nerve cells sending wrong signals. Treatments are available to reduce seizures and other symptoms.
By Brian Flynn, DO, Neurologist — Virtua Neurosciences
On television and in movies, people with epilepsy are often depicted as mysteriously dropping to the ground and shaking uncontrollably. In reality, epilepsy can cause a wide range of symptoms—some more subtle than others—and is one of the most common neurological conditions.
Some people may experience convulsions where they repeatedly twitch their arms and legs, while others may stare blankly for several seconds or lose consciousness. The good news is that we have the tools to help people with epilepsy achieve the best possible outcomes.
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a brain condition where groups of nerve cells, or neurons, sometimes send the wrong signals and cause seizures. Epilepsy affects people of all ages. The condition may be triggered by a stroke or traumatic brain injury, but often, there is no identifiable cause.
What Are the Symptoms of Seizures?
Seizures may involve one (focal) or multiple (generalized) areas of the brain. Symptoms may include:
- Uncontrollable jerking or twitching of the arms and legs
- Temporary confusion
- Staring spells
- Stiff muscles
- Performing repetitive movements such as hand rubbing or walking in circles
- Changes in the way things look, feel, taste, smell, or sound
- Loss of consciousness
- Stopping speaking mid-sentence
- Feelings of fear, anxiety, or déjà vu
If you experience a seizure, seek treatment at the nearest emergency room.
How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed?
Epileptic seizures can sometimes be mistaken for fainting caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure or a sleep-related condition.
To definitively diagnose epilepsy, a Virtua neurologist will begin by discussing your symptoms and examining your behavior, movements, and mental function. You also may undergo blood tests and brain imaging, including an MRI to identify structural abnormalities and an electroencephalogram (EEG) to record your brain’s electrical activity.
Virtua offers EEGs at home and in our new Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at Virtua Voorhees Hospital. In the unit, specialists will closely monitor you, with the ability to safely adjust or start medications to relieve your symptoms and trigger a seizure, if necessary.
How Is Epilepsy Treated?
As seizures may occur at any time, epilepsy can have a significant impact on your life. Our team of neurologists has the expertise to understand your concerns and will work diligently with you to develop the best course of treatment.
A number of therapies, sometimes used in combination, can reduce or even stop your seizures. Options include:
- Anti-seizure medications
- Surgery to remove or destroy brain tissue causing the seizures
- Deep brain or vagus nerve stimulation
Finding the right combination of treatments can be complex, so we tailor what we do to your precise needs. Our goal is for you to live seizure-free.
Compassionate Epilepsy Care, Close to Home
Our expert neurologists provide an accurate epilepsy diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan to improve your quality of life. Call 888-847-8823 to request an appointment.
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