What is Epilepsy in Payson, American Fork & Draper, UT?
Epilepsy is a condition that causes recurrent seizures. Epilepsy involves having at least two seizures occurring at least 24 hours apart. Epilepsy is a common condition affecting about 1.2% of people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Causes of Epilepsy
Epilepsy can be caused by:
- Genetic factors
- Head trauma due to an accident or injury
- A brain tumor
- An infection like meningitis
- Developmental factors
- Epileptic Seizure Triggers
An epileptic seizure can be triggered by a few factors, including:
- Seeing flashing lights
- Not taking anti-seizure medication
- Sleep deprivation
- Skipping meals
- Stress
- Illness
Signs and Symptoms of a Seizure
During a seizure, a person with epilepsy may experience:
- Confusion and disorientation
- Fear and anxiety
- Staring and muscle stiffness
- Jerking of the arms and legs
- Loss of consciousness
When to Visit a Neurologist
Epileptic seizures are typically not harmful by themselves, but they can be dangerous if they occur during an activity like driving. Epilepsy needs to be controlled, so you should visit a neurologist for an evaluation if you think you might have epilepsy.
How Epilepsy is Diagnosed and Treated
Epilepsy is diagnosed with the help of imaging and testing, including an EEG and CT scan. There are several treatment options for epilepsy. Your neurologist might recommend the following:
- Anti-seizure medications to control the severity and frequency of seizures
- An implanted device that releases electrical impulses to control seizures
- Laser interstitial thermal therapy, also known as LITT, is used to treat temporal lobe epilepsy
- Surgery, if the seizures come from a single area of the brain