Understanding Epilepsy
Epilepsy occurs when someone experiences surges of electrical activity in the brain, which leads to recurring seizures.
People of all ages may be affected by epilepsy. However, it is most common for epilepsy to start in either childhood or in those over the age of 60.
Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting the brain. According to reports by the CDC, in the state of Texas, there are an estimated number of 292,900 active epilepsy cases
Symptoms of Epilepsy
Possible symptoms of epilepsy include:
- uncontrollable jerking, and shaking, called a “fit”
- losing awareness and staring blankly into space
- becoming stiff
- strange sensations, such as a “rising” feeling in the tummy, unusual smells or tastes, and a tingling feeling in your arms or legs
- collapsing
When to See a Neurologist for Epilepsy Treatment
Neurologists diagnose and treat epilepsy in both children and adults. Many treatment options are available, and your neurologist will determine what epilepsy treatment plan is best for your specific case.
Treatment Options for Epilepsy:
- Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs): these medicines have been shown to help control seizures in 7 out of 10 people
- Surgery of the brain: some patients may need to be referred to a neurosurgeon to remove part of their brain
- Procedures such as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) or deep brain stimulation (DBS)
- Ketogenic diet: Since the 1920s, a ketogenic diet has been used to help reduce seizures
Although there is no cure for epilepsy, many epilepsy treatment options can significantly help better manage the condition.
If you have epilepsy or are concerned that you could have epilepsy, it is best to seek treatment from an epilepsy specialist. At TIND, we have many epilepsy providers, treating both adult and childhood epilepsy. Dr. Neha Gandhi, is an epilepsy doctor who sees patients at our Dallas neurology clinic.
Another one of our epilepsy specialists is Dr. Baweja, who sees patients at our Frisco clinic. Dr. Baweja performs many different types of procedures, such as EMGs, EEGs, Botox, and Vagal Nerve Stimulation for her epilepsy patients.
Dr. Al-rifai is our Pediatric Neurologist specialist, and one of his specialties includes pediatric epilepsy treatment. He sees pediatric patients at our Sherman, Denison, Durant, Mckinney, and Richardson clinics.