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Epilepsy

Epilepsy

Epilepsy services offered in White Rock, Dallas, TX

If you have one seizure, you have a 50-50 chance of having another one within six months. Having a second seizure most often means you have epilepsy. At RHBNeuro, Randi Baculi, MD, and Sanam Zaidi, PA-C, perform in-office diagnostic EEGs, identify the kind of seizure, and provide treatment to prevent further problems. You should always seek neurological care after your first seizure, so don’t wait to schedule an appointment. Call the office in Dallas, Texas, or use the online booking system.

Epilepsy Q & A

What is epilepsy?

You have epilepsy if you have two or more seizures that aren’t caused by an underlying medical condition. Seizures happen when your brain has a sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity. The chaotic nerve signals change your behavior, movements, and/or consciousness.

A nonepileptic seizure is caused by a medical condition like:

  • Stroke
  • High fever
  • Brain tumor
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Central nervous system infection
  • Some medications
  • Autoimmune disorder
  • Blood vessel condition in the brain
  • Inflammatory brain condition
  • Substance abuse

You can have two or more seizures due to a medical condition, but they’re not diagnosed as epilepsy.

What symptoms suggest that I have epilepsy?

Seizures are the primary symptoms of epilepsy, but you can have different kinds of seizures, and each has its own symptoms.

You can have a seizure without falling down, losing consciousness, or having whole-body spasms. Some seizures have symptoms you might not notice, like blankly staring into space for a short time.

Most seizures last 30 seconds to two minutes. If you have a seizure that lasts longer than five minutes, you need immediate emergency care.

As a group, seizures cause:

  • Brief muscle twitches
  • Whole body spasms
  • Jerking movements in one body part
  • Subtle movements (eye blinking, lip smacking)
  • Repetitive movements (rubbing your hands, swallowing)
  • Limp muscles
  • Rigid muscles
  • Inability to move
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Blanking out or staring
  • Confusion
  • Difficulty talking
  • Sensory symptoms

Sensory symptoms include seeing flashing lights, smelling something that isn’t there, and tingling sensations.

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

RHBNeuro completes physical and neurological exams; then, they do an in-house electroencephalogram (EEG). They use the Zeto EEG Headset, a comfortable device you wear on your head. The headset holds the electrodes and wirelessly sends brain wave information to the computer.

Your EEG is finished in 30 minutes without needing to connect wires or use gel to attach electrodes to your head. When required, you can use the same headset and wear it at home for ambulatory EEG monitoring.

How is epilepsy treated?

Epilepsy treatment primarily relies on anticonvulsant medication, which often successfully prevents seizures. If you still have seizures, your provider might recommend electrical stimulation or surgery to remove the tissues triggering your seizures.

It’s essential to protect your health and see the neurology experts at RHBNeuro after having a seizure, especially if it’s your first one. Call the office or book an appointment online.

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