You are not alone

The first description of seizures dates back to 350 BC in a Hippocratic text.  In spite of how much we have come to know about seizures, it still remains a relatively common neurological disorder. Seizures are most often caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain with symptoms depending on which part of the brain is stimulated. It is estimated that 10% of the American population will have a seizure at some point during their life. At Raleigh Neurology, we understand the emotional and physical traumas that result from this disorder and have specialized training in both diagnosing and treating seizures and epilepsy.

If you were to ask most people with a history of seizures what happens to them while the seizure is developing, you will get a wide range of answers. The outward signs of a seizure, obvious to an observer, may vary from a staring spell to uncontrolled shaking and jerking of the person’s extremities. Sometimes there may even be no outward signs of seizure, but the person may experience changes in sensation or vision. A condition known as epilepsy is when a person has had repeated seizures.

When someone is suspected of having a seizure, prompt medical care should be sought. A complete evaluation should take place to determine the possible cause of the seizure, as well as the risk of recurrent seizures. Tests that may be performed include laboratory studies, electroencephalogram (EEG), MRI or CT scan of the brain.  Dr. Rathke is the Director of our EEG lab.  Some patients may need a lumbar puncture, especially if an infection of the brain or meninges (a membrane that envelopes the brain and spinal cord) is suspected.  Some patients may need more prolonged testing in the form of an ambulatory EEG or video EEG to capture their spells.

When you come to see a physician at Raleigh Neurology, we will review all testing you may have had performed to date. Please bring copies of any laboratory studies or brain scans to ensure as complete an evaluation as possible. The doctor will also have many questions to ask you about your spells, so the more you document, the better your treatment outcome. Some of the information we need includes:

• Did your seizure occur or start on one side of the body?
• Was there movement of the muscles and if so, what was the pattern?
• Are there any risk factors (such as recent head injury)?
• Was consciousness maintained during the seizure?
• How long did the seizure last?
• What are the frequency of the seizures?
• Was there any warning (aura) of the seizures?
• Were there any other symptoms present (visual changes, abnormal smells)?

Someone who has had a seizure should not be driving. Care should also be taken around water or at elevated heights.

Patients whose testing or history indicates they are a risk for recurrent seizures may need to be placed on medication. The physicians at RNA have a great deal of knowledge regarding the ever increasing number of available medications for seizures. Many of our patients have participated in clinical trials for medications through our office.  If you need to be placed on medications, you might want to ask about our ongoing clinical trials for epilepsy patients.