Neurological Disorders That Cause Dizziness
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Living With Epilepsy: What You Need to Know
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that affects nearly 3 million people in the United States. Characterized by recurring seizures, it can significantly impact your daily life — but the right treatment and management strategies can help you lead a fulfilling, active life.
Our team at Integrated Neurology Services specializes in epilepsy treatment in Alexandria, Falls Church, and Lorton, Virginia. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or you’re supporting a loved one with epilepsy, understanding the condition is essential for navigating it successfully — and we’re here to help.
The basics of epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder that causes recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A seizure happens when there’s a sudden surge of electrical activity in your brain, which can affect your behavior, movements, feelings, and levels of consciousness.
There are a few different types of epilepsy, and it manifests differently for each person who has it. Some people experience auras or warning signs before a seizure, but others may have little to no forewarning. Some have infrequent seizures, while others experience seizures regularly.
Seizures can range from mild to severe, and because epilepsy is a broad condition, we tailor treatment and management plans to each person’s specific needs.
Causes of epilepsy
Most of the time, the exact cause of epilepsy is unknown. However, a few traceable factors include:
- Genetics
- Brain injury, such as head trauma, stroke, or infections like meningitis
- Developmental disorders, like autism or neurodevelopmental disorders
- Neurological conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease
Epilepsy is typically diagnosed after a person experiences two or more unprovoked seizures, and it’s most often identified during childhood or early adulthood. However, it can develop at any age, and we reach a diagnosis through medical history, neurological exams, and tests such as electroencephalogram (EEG) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Common symptoms of epilepsy
The most obvious symptom of epilepsy is seizures, but the way they present can differ greatly. Symptoms can include:
- Convulsions: sudden, uncontrollable muscle contractions
- Staring Spells: brief lapses in consciousness or awareness
- Confusion: feeling disoriented or confused after a seizure
- Unusual sensations: smelling, hearing, or seeing things that aren’t there (auras)
The type, frequency, and intensity of seizures vary widely from person to person, which is why individualized treatment is important for managing epilepsy effectively.
Living with epilepsy
Epilepsy is a lifelong condition, and there’s no known cure. But with the right care, the condition doesn’t have to control your life. You can learn to manage epilepsy with a combination of medical care, self-care, and support from family, friends, and support groups.
Get an epilepsy management plan that fits your needs
At Integrated Neurology Services, our goal is to reduce or completely control seizures so you can maintain a high quality of life. Most patients benefit from a combination of approaches, which can include:
- Medication
- Lifestyle adjustments
- Surgical intervention
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
We usually start by prescribing anti-seizure medications as a first line of defense. These medications help regulate brain activity and prevent seizures. However, finding the right medication and dosage may take time, because different drugs work for different types of epilepsy.
Adopting certain lifestyle changes — such as getting enough sleep, managing stress, and avoiding known seizure triggers — can also help reduce your risk of seizures.
Sometimes, we may recommend surgery to remove or alter the part of your brain causing seizures. This is usually considered when medication isn’t effective. Another procedure that may be an option is VNS therapy, which involves implanting a device that sends electrical pulses to your brain to help prevent seizures.
Seek support from those around you
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, adhering to prescribed treatments, and staying in close communication with your healthcare provider are crucial steps in managing epilepsy effectively.
It’s also important to inform those around you — co-workers, teachers, family members, and friends — about your condition and what to do in case you experience a seizure. Making sure those around you know how to provide first aid for seizures can help you feel more safe and comfortable in public spaces.
Living with epilepsy can be challenging, but our neurology team is here to help you find a treatment plan that fits your needs. We specialize in diagnosing and managing epilepsy, helping our patients achieve better seizure control and improve their quality of life. Get started by requesting an appointment online or by calling 703-313-9111 today.
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