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Seizure disorder, or epilepsy, is a neurological condition in which electrical impulses in the brain become uncontrolled, causing seizures. People living with seizure disorder can live full, active lives with the help of medications. Seizure disorder affects people of all ethnic backgrounds, ages, and races.
To be diagnosed with seizure disorder, you need to have had at least two seizures without a known trigger within a 24-hour time span. Isolated seizures with a known cause are not considered to be a part of seizure disorder. Here are some things to know if you are a person living with seizure disorder.
Symptoms Of Seizure Disorder
Symptoms of seizure disorder can vary from person to person. The most common symptoms of seizure disorder are:
- Staring spells
- Stiff muscles
- Uncontrollable twitching or jerking of the arms or legs
- Temporary confusion
- Loss of consciousness
- Fear or anxiety
Types Of Seizures
There are two major types of seizures that affect people living with seizure disorder. Symptoms usually vary depending on the seizure type.
- Focal seizures. This type of seizure affects only one side of the brain. Many people notice minor symptoms at the start of the seizure, called an aura. This can manifest as a change in the senses such as altered smell or taste, or it can be a sense that something is about to happen. Focal seizures can make a person confused, dazed, or unable to respond to questions.
- Generalized seizures. This type of seizure affects both sides of the brain. Generalized seizures can start in childhood or adolescence. In children, seizures may present as staring spells, and most children will usually outgrow this type of seizure. Adolescent seizures can persist into adulthood and can present as tonic-clonic seizures. Another name for this is grand mal seizures. Grand mal seizures can make a person fall to the ground or have severe muscle jerks or spasms.
Treatment Of Seizure Disorder
If you are suffering from seizures, your doctor will perform a neurological exam and may send you for a blood test and an EEG. An EEG involves attaching electrodes to your scalp that monitor and record the electrical activity in your brain. This can tell the doctor if there is an electrical pattern that is causing the seizures and whether the seizure will happen again.
Your doctor will prescribe you anti-seizure medication if you are diagnosed with seizure disorder. Finding the right medication for you may take some trial and error. The goal is to find a medication that will work best to control your seizures with the fewest side effects. Sometimes, more than one medication is needed. It’s also been shown that a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates, such as the ketogenic diet, can help control seizures.
Living Your Best Life With Seizure Disorder
Most people living with a seizure disorder can live active, healthy lives. Anti-seizure medications do a great job of controlling seizures when taken every day, as prescribed. It’s important to take care of yourself in other ways, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising. Be sure to note any unusual sensations you experience and report them to your doctor, so they can monitor your symptoms.
Seizure Disorder Treatment In Southeast Michigan
If you have been experiencing seizures or have recently been diagnosed with seizure disorder, the Associates in Neurology are here to help. Our team of experienced healthcare providers can help you take control of your seizures, so you can live your best life.
We have several convenient locations in Farmington Hills, Novi, Southfield, Howell, and Brighton. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call our office today at (248) 478-5512. You can also use our easy online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you.
