A digitally rendered image of a human brain surrounded by radiant electrical activity and waveforms, symbolizing brain function or activity, like seizures or epilepsy.

A moment can change everything.

Imagine you’re walking outside and suddenly feel a strange sense of doom. Before you can call for help, the world goes dark. You wake up in the emergency room, sore and foggy headed.

You know something serious has happened, and life may never be the same. Your emergency care provider tells you that you’ve had a seizure, and there is a chance you may have epilepsy.

Having a seizure is a life-changing event and happens more than you may think. About one in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime and one in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy, making it the fourth most common neurological illness in the U.S. While seizures may be life-altering experiences, the right support system and care providers can help you manage them.

 

What is a Seizure?

Before we can talk about epilepsy, we need to understand what a seizure is. Brain cells control all the functions in our bodies, how we move, what we feel and the very beats of our hearts. Everything that makes us who we are comes from the brain, and the brain’s function is based on electrical activity produced as the brain cells do their jobs.

Seizures are sudden bursts of excessive electrical activity in the brain that temporarily change how the brain functions. This burst of electrical activity can cause abnormal movements, sensations, behaviors or awareness. However, seizure symptoms depend on where in the brain the seizure starts and if the electrical activity spreads throughout the brain.

 

Does Having a Seizure Mean I Have Epilepsy?

Fortunately, having a seizure does not necessarily mean you have epilepsy. While one in 10 people will experience a seizure, epilepsy is not diagnosed until a person has two or more seizures that happen more than 24 hours apart. These episodes must not be brought on by an illness or injury.

Epilepsy can simply be described as a chronic brain disorder that causes recurrent seizures. You may hear your provider use “seizure disorder” and “epilepsy” interchangeably.

 

What Causes Epilepsy?

Epilepsy may be caused by numerous factors, such as:

  • Genetics (i.e., passed down from family members)
  • Trauma or injury to your head
  • Medical conditions that affect your brain (i.e., stroke)
  • Infectious diseases (i.e., meningitis)
  • Developmental disorders (i.e., autism)

 

Are All Seizures the Same?

There are several types of seizures associated with epilepsy, including:

  • Generalized onset seizures
  • Focal onset impaired awareness seizures
  • Focal onset aware seizures
  • Drop attacks

Depending on the seizure type or types and any imaging results, your neurologist may be able to diagnose you with a specific epilepsy syndrome. Identifying your epilepsy syndrome allows your provider to develop targeted treatment strategies and provide an outlook for seizure control and remission.

 

What Signs and Symptoms Are Present Before a Seizure?

Seizure symptoms depend on where in the brain a seizure starts and if it’s spreading to other areas of the brain. These symptoms can be different for each person, but some common signs and symptoms include:

  • Involuntary movements like jerking or stiffening
  • Staring episodes
  • Falling
  • Unusual sensations such as an odd smell or taste, odd feelings in the stomach (like when on a roller coaster), a sense of impending doom or déjà vu
  • Vision changes
  • Changes in speech
  • Changes in emotion

 

What Treatment Options are Available?

Currently, there are two main forms of treatment for seizures: medication and surgery. Around 70% of patients with epilepsy have their seizures controlled with medications. There are many medication options and the specific medication is chosen based on your seizure type and characteristic.

If medication does not control your seizures, there are surgical options available, such as:

 

UofL Health is Here for You

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of epilepsy, it is recommended to seek help immediately. At UofL Physicians – Epilepsy Center, part of the UofL Health – Brain & Spine Institute, our team members provide the best treatment options that fit your personal needs to control and prevent seizures. To schedule an appointment, call 502-588-4800.

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Article by: Lahoma Prather, DNP, APRN

Lahoma Prather, DNP, APRN, is an advanced practice provider with UofL Physicians – Neurology, part of the UofL Health – Brain & Spine Institute. Lahoma graduated from Bellarmine University with her bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in nursing and doctor of nursing practice.

All posts by Lahoma Prather, DNP, APRN
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