Epilepsy Center

Neurology Associates is committed to improving the functionality and quality of life for individuals dealing with the symptoms of epilepsy. The Epilepsy Center, located in Hickory, North Carolina, provides consultative and diagnostic services for these patients and their families.

Epilepsy

The latest epilepsy and seizure treatments and services are available at Neurology Associates. New patients receive evaluation for both medical and surgical options. Diagnostic resources include: EEG recordings, high Resolution MRI and PET scans to determine activity, localization, frequency etc.

 

Epilepsy Treatment Options

Treatment options for epilepsy vary by patient. Providers customize a treatment plan based on patient needs.

 

Symptoms of Epilepsy
Seizures are the only visible symptoms of epilepsy. There are various kinds of seizures, and they affect people differently. During epileptic seizures, brain activity goes from abnormal back to normal as the seizure passes. Seizures may be partial or generalized.

 

Generalized Seizures
Generalized seizures affect all areas of the brain. A person may cry out, make sounds, stiffen for several seconds or perform rhythmic movements of the arms and legs. The person may appear not to be breathing but breathes deeply after the episode. Loss of urine is common. Return to consciousness is gradual and occurs within a few moments. The person may be confused briefly after the episode.

 

Types of Generalized Seizures
Generalized Tonic: These seizures are also known as Clonic seizures or Grand Mal. They affect all areas of the brain. The person’s entire body may stiffen combined with jerking or convulsions.

Absence Seizures: Also known as Petit Mal, these seizures are most common during childhood. Symptoms last only seconds and might present as blinking or other small movements of the body. A person may stare into space becoming conscious seconds later not even aware of the episode.

Myoclonic Seizures: A person experiencing these seizures may jerk as if undergoing shock therapy.

Atonic Seizures: These seizures may cause a person to fall without warning due to loss of muscle control.

Tonic Seizures: A person experiencing these seizures may lose muscle control and fall due to the sudden contraction and stiffening of muscles.

 

Simple Partial or Focal Seizures
These types of seizures involve only one part of the body. Symptoms may present as jerking, small repetitive movements, lip smacking, and appearance of being dazed according to the area of the brain involved.

 

Call 911 if a patient is experiencing the following symptoms:

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg-especially on one side of the body
• Sudden confusion, trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and require treatment for epilepsy or seizures, contact Neurology Associates today to schedule an appointment at 828-485-2476. We are conveniently located in Hickory, Taylorsville, Denver and Lincolnton, Western North Carolina, just a short drive from Asheville, Statesville and Morganton.