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Epilepsy

Find Effective Treatment for Epilepsy at Raleigh Neurosurgical Clinic

What Is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which the brain’s electrical activity doesn’t work as it should. This abnormal activity causes seizures, which are episodes of unusual behavior, loss of consciousness, convulsions, or unexpected sensations.

What Causes Epilepsy?

In many cases, epilepsy is genetic. Other causes include brain trauma, stroke, tumors, and infectious diseases. In infants and young children, seizures may be caused by brain damage that occurred either before or during birth. Many times, the cause of epilepsy is unknown. 

What Are the Symptoms of Epilepsy?

Generally, a person must have at least two seizures, without obvious triggers, to be diagnosed with epilepsy.

Seizures can last from a few seconds, to several minutes. Symptoms often involve a change in movement of feeling and can include:

  • Confusion
  • Jerking movements, or convulsions
  • Loss of awareness or consciousness
  • Staring spells
  • Fear or anxiety
  • A feeling of déjà vu, or that the person has experienced the same thing before

How Is Epilepsy Diagnosed?

If you have persistent signs and symptoms and are concerned that you may have epilepsy, please visit us at Raleigh Neurosurgical Clinic. To diagnose epilepsy, we will perform a neurological exam, as well as blood tests, in addition to reviewing your medical history.

Certain specialized exams may also be performed, including:

  • Electroencephalogram (EEG): A typically noninvasive monitoring method to record electrical activity of the brain
  • Computerized axial tomography (CAT) scan: An X-ray procedure that produces a three-dimensional scan of the brain and other body parts to determine complications or abnormalities
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A non-invasive imaging technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of the human body
  • Positron emission tomography (PET): An imaging test that uses a radioactive drug, or a tracer, to demonstrate how the body is functioning

How is Epilepsy Treated?

Because there are different types and severity of epilepsy and surgery, treatment can vary.

Typically, medication will be prescribed first. If medications don’t make a significant difference, surgery may be recommended. During epilepsy surgery, the portion of the brain that’s causing the seizures is removed.

Make an Appointment

The neurosurgeons at Raleigh Neurosurgical Clinic are experts at determining when surgical treatment may be indicated for epilepsy, and how best to approach it.

To meet with one of our epilepsy specialists:
Make an appointment today!