Epilepsy Disorder & Seizure Treatment

Seizures and Epilepsy Overview

Seizures occur when there is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain. This surge can cause changes in behavior, movement and consciousness. Seizures can affect people of any age, including children and adults. While some people who experience seizures have epilepsy, a seizure can also occur as a result of other conditions or circumstances. The neurologists and pediatric neurologist at Hattiesburg Clinic specialize in treating epilepsy and seizures with personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

What is Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Epilepsy can affect both children and adults, and symptoms can vary depending on the type of seizure.

Seizures may be focal onset, meaning they begin in one area of the brain, or generalized onset, meaning they involve both sides of the brain. Some people remain aware during a seizure, while others experience changes in awareness or consciousness.

Subtle Symptoms to Look Out For

Seizures can look different depending on their type and the area of the brain where they begin. While many believe grand mal seizures with violent shaking and loss of consciousness are the norm, many seizures have more subtle signs that may go unnoticed without medical evaluation from a neurologist or pediatric neurologist.

Absence Seizures: These seizures can look like daydreaming, with brief lapses in awareness. A person may stare blankly and be unresponsive for several seconds before returning to normal activity. These seizures are more common in children but can also occur in adults.
Myoclonic Seizures: Myoclonic seizures cause brief, sudden muscle jerks. These movements can occur individually or in clusters.
Focal Onset Seizures: Focal onset seizures were previously referred to as “partial seizures,” as the person experiencing this type of seizure remains conscious. A person may remain aware or experience an altered state of awareness. Symptoms can include emotional changes, involuntary movements or repetitive movements such as lip smacking, spasms or hand rubbing.

What Causes Seizures?

Understanding the brain origin of the seizure and the underlying cause is essential for our neurologists and pediatric neurologist to determine the right treatment plan. Common causes of seizures include:

Genetic predispositions, especially for epilepsy

Head injuries or trauma

Infections of the brain, such as meningitis

Brain tumors or strokes

Eclampsia during childbirth

Fever, particularly in young children

Abnormal brain development or lack of oxygen to the brain

Diagnosing Seizure Types

Determining the specific seizure type is critical for effective treatment. At Hattiesburg Clinic, we have a comprehensive approach with advanced diagnostic tools including:

Electroencephalogram (EEG): EEGs help to identify abnormal brain activity patterns.

Advanced Imaging: MRIs and CT scans can detect structural issues in the brain such as tumors, lesions or strokes.

Detailed Medical History: Working closely with patients, their families and other Hattiesburg Clinic physicians and providers, our neurologists and pediatric neurologist consider medical history, symptoms, health concerns and potential seizure triggers.

Seizure Treatments

Anti-Epileptic Drugs: Common epilepsy treatments can help patients achieve seizure control, with about 70% of patients remaining seizure-free with anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) tailored to your seizure type.

Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Research has shown a ketogenic diet can benefit seizure patients. This diet change, adequate sleep and stress management are essential for remaining healthy and reducing seizure triggers.

Vagus Nerve Simulator: For drug-resistant epilepsy, devices like a vagus nerve stimulator can modulate abnormal electrical signals in the brain that lead to seizures. This small device is implanted in the chest and connects to the vagus nerve in the neck, making regular, mild pulses that help regulate the brain.

Surgical Options: Surgery may be required as a last resort to remove the part of the brain where seizures originate.

Choose Hattiesburg Clinic

Hattiesburg Clinic offers comprehensive and compassionate treatment for epilepsy and seizures in both children and adults, tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Our highly skilled neurology and pediatric neurology teams provide diagnostic tools and evidence-based therapies to help ensure accurate diagnosis and effective management of epilepsy. Contact our team to learn more.

Seizures and Epilepsy