Epilepsy

Having a seizure for the first time can be very frightening. These unexpected events send bursts of electrical activity through the brain and can cause you to lose consciousness or control of your body. 

We can help you discover the cause of your seizures, and if you have epilepsy, work with you to find a treatment plan that helps you manage your condition. The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at Abrazo Central Campus specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. Our trained medical, nursing and technical staff not only evaluate seizure disorders, but can also help create your individualized and comprehensive treatment plan to reduce or possibly eliminate your seizure activity.

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that makes you more susceptible to having recurrent, unprovoked seizures. It’s one of the most common disorders of the nervous system and affects people of all ages, races, and ethnic backgrounds. Almost 3 million Americans live with epilepsy.

What are the symptoms of a seizure?

The signs and symptoms of a seizure can vary from staring into space to full-body spasm. These are some of the most common symptoms of seizure:

• Staring
• Jerking movements of the arms and legs
• Stiffening of the body
• Loss of consciousness
• Breathing problems or breathing stops
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Falling suddenly for no apparent reason, especially when associated with loss of consciousness
• Not responding to noise or words for brief periods
• Appearing confused or in a haze
• Nodding the head rhythmically, when associated with loss of awareness or even loss of consciousness

• Periods of rapid eye blinking and staring

Epilepsy monitoring

If you suspect you might be dealing with epilepsy, you are not alone. In fact, you are in the company of 2.4 million other adults and children, along with another 150,000 who are newly diagnosed each year.

The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at Abrazo Central Campus specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. Our trained medical, nursing and technical staff not only evaluate seizure disorders, but can also help create your individualized and comprehensive treatment plan to reduce or possibly eliminate your seizure activity. In other words, they can help you get back to leading a full and active life.

Red flags for epilepsy

• Have you experienced a time of involuntary change in body movement, function, sensation, awareness or behavior?
• Maybe you’ve had episodes that caused you to fall to the ground and shake, unaware of what is happening around you?
• Have loved ones told you they have noticed moments when you seem confused or like you’re looking at something that isn’t there?

All of these things are possible indications of epilepsy or epilepsy syndromes, and if you experience them, you should talk with your doctor about getting evaluated.

Diagnosing epilepsy

Some people may be more genetically predisposed to epilepsy. Others might develop the seizure disorder after experiencing a brain injury. In most patients, though, the cause of the epilepsy remains a mystery.
What we do know is this: Epileptic seizures are caused by disturbances in the brain’s electrical activity, and most patients have already had at least two unprovoked seizures before they are diagnosed. So, we also know that an accurate diagnosis of epilepsy – and what specific type – is a critical first step. 

Epileptic patients can have more than one type of seizure and the seizures can range in severity; it may even be difficult to determine when you are having a seizure. Our staff will monitor the frequency and location of seizure activity in your brain, as well as the duration of each incident and its effect on your body.

We offer:

• Two dedicated private rooms
• 24-hour access to an Epileptologist physician
• 24-hour monitoring by a qualified EEG technician
• The ability to quickly identify your seizure activity, type of seizure, and the location of onset
• Appropriately placed cushioning devices for your protection
• Advanced video recording
• A comfortable environment for you and your visitors.

For more information on the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, please call us at 602-249-0212.