Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterised by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Although it often begins in childhood, epilepsy can develop at any age. Seizures can vary in severity and may be associated with symptoms such as confusion, staring spells, involuntary movements, or loss of consciousness.

Symptoms

Seizures may be generalised, involving both sides of the brain, or focal (partial), involving a specific area of the brain. Generalised seizures may cause staring spells, falls, loss of consciousness, jerking movements, muscle stiffness, or loss of muscle tone. Focal seizures can result in emotional changes, altered sensations involving hearing, vision, smell, taste, or touch, and repetitive movements such as chewing or lip smacking.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

There are many possible causes of seizure activity, and identifying the underlying cause is an important part of diagnosis and treatment.

To diagnose epilepsy, Dr Tollesson will review your medical history and perform a physical and neurological examination. Investigations may include blood tests, an electroencephalogram (EEG) to assess the brain’s electrical activity, and diagnostic imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Anti-seizure medications are often the first line of treatment and may help control or reduce the frequency of seizures. If seizures cannot be adequately controlled with medication, surgical treatment may be considered. One option is vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), which involves implanting a small device that delivers electrical impulses to the vagus nerve to help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures.