Alabama Clinics - Take Control Of Your Seizures
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Posted by: Al Clinics
Date: Jan 15 2019 9:42 AM
A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. This can cause changes in behavior, body movements, and levels of consciousness. If you have two or more seizures or notice a pattern in your seizures, you might have epilepsy. Although it can happen at any age, it is more common in the elderly and many children with recurrent seizures outgrow the condition. Seizures are categorized into two categories: partial seizures and generalized seizures.
Partial Seizures
Partial, or focal, seizures begin in a specific part of the brain. An individual experiencing a partial seizure may have involuntary muscle twitching, vision changes, dizziness, and sensory changes. Depending on where the seizure originates, it can also lead to a complete loss of consciousness.
Generalized Seizures
Generalized seizures begin on both sides of the brain at the same time. Due to the fast spreading nature of these types of seizures, they can be more difficult to treat because it is hard to tell exactly where the seizure originated. There are different types of generalized seizures and they can present with different symptoms.
Absence seizures – Causes brief episodes that may make you stare off while remaining motionless, as though you are daydreaming. These are more common in children.
Myoclonic seizures – Causes your arms and legs to twitch on both sides of the body.
Tonic-clonic seizures – these can last up to 20 minutes. This type of seizure can cause more serious symptoms, such as loss of bladder control and loss of consciousness.
To diagnose the origin of your seizures your physician will do blood tests and an electroencephalogram (EEG), which records the electrical activity in your brain. Once diagnosed, your doctor may prescribe medicines called antiepileptics, which aims to alter or reduce excess electrical activity in your brain. However, if the medicine is not working the physician may recommend surgery. Surgery can be done if you have partial seizures because then the part of your brain where the seizure begins can be removed.
If you have friends or coworkers that experience seizures, there are a few things you can do to help keep them safe:
- Carefully roll the person onto one side
- Place something soft under their head
- Loosen any tight neckwear
- Avoid putting your fingers or other objects in the person’s mouth
- Don’t try to restrain them
- Clear away any dangerous/sharp objects
- Stay with the person until medical personnel arrive
- Time the seizure
Walk-in now or make an appointment at Alabama Clinics if you have any questions or concerns. We have a great neurology team ready to help you take control of your seizures.
Alabama Clinics
2812 Hartford Hwy, Suite 1
Dothan, AL 36305
(334) 712-1170
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