Half of all people who have one seizure will have a second one within six months, which usually means they have epilepsy. Board-certified neurologist Risa Ravitz, MD, at Modern Migraine MD, offers comprehensive care for epilepsy, including EEG studies in the office and ongoing medical treatment to help prevent future seizures. Don't wait to seek help after your first seizure. To schedule an in-person or telemedicine appointment, use the online booking feature or call the office in the NoMad neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City, Toms River, New Jersey, or Aventura, Florida, today.
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that occurs when you have repeated seizures. You receive an epilepsy diagnosis when you have two or more seizures that an underlying medical condition does not cause.
You have a seizure when your brain has a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity. Nerves (neurons) usually generate regular electrical impulses. A seizure occurs when the signals get chaotic and overactive, causing temporary changes in your behavior, movement, or level of consciousness.
Nonepileptic seizures arise from many medical conditions, including:
Alcohol or drug abuse and lack of sleep can also cause a seizure.
Having a seizure is the primary symptom of epilepsy. However, there are different types of seizures, and each type has its own defining symptoms.
As a group, seizures cause symptoms such as:
Most seizures last 30 seconds to two minutes. Once the seizure ends, you may feel fine, or it could take a while before you feel like your normal self.
An electroencephalogram (EEG) is the primary diagnostic test for epilepsy. Modern Migraine MD performs EEG studies in the office.
Your EEG shows abnormal brain waves. Depending on the results of your in-office EEG, you may need to wear a device that records your brain activity over several days.
You may also have a transcranial Doppler ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan. These images reveal details about the blood flow in your brain and the area where the seizures occur.
Epilepsy treatment begins with anticonvulsant medications that prevent future seizures. In some cases, Modern Migraine MD may suggest treatments such as vagus nerve stimulation or a ketogenic diet.
When these treatments fail to stop your seizures or you can't tolerate medications, you may need to consider surgery. Deep brain stimulation is one of the most common procedures, but Dr. Ravitz might recommend other surgical procedures, depending on where the seizure starts in your brain.
If you have questions about epilepsy or need prompt medical care for a seizure, call Modern Migraine MD or book an appointment online today.