Seizures Specialist

What are seizures?

A seizure is an uncontrolled disturbance in the electrical activity within your brain. Seizures can noticeably alter your behavior, movements, emotions, and state of consciousness. Severe seizures can even cause you to fall to the ground and shake violently, while other seizures may be so mild that you’re unaware that they’re happening.

If you’ve had two or more seizures, you may have a condition called epilepsy. 

What are the types of seizures?

The two primary categories of seizures include:

Focal seizures

A focal seizure involves abnormal electrical activity in one part of your brain. If you’re aware that you’re having a seizure, it’s called a focal aware seizure. These seizures can change the way things look, feel, smell, or taste.

A focal seizure with impaired awareness involves a change or loss of consciousness. Individuals experiencing this type of seizure may stare off into space and stop responding, or they may engage in repetitive behaviors like walking in circles. 

Generalized seizures

Generalized seizures affect all parts of your brain. There are many types of generalized seizures, including:

• Absence seizures, which involve staring into space or repetitive eye blinking
• Atonic seizures, which cause a sudden loss of muscle control
• Clonic seizures, which cause repeated, jerking movements
• Myoclonic seizures, which cause brief twitches in the arms or legs
• Tonic seizures, which cause muscle stiffening that may make you fall to the ground

The most dramatic type of generalized seizure is a tonic-clonic seizure. Previously known as grand mal seizures, this type can cause an abrupt loss of consciousness, body stiffening and shaking, and tongue-biting. 

How are seizures diagnosed?

First, your provider thoroughly reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical and neurological exam. They may order several tests, such as:

• Blood tests
• Lumbar puncture
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Video Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Intracranial electrode monitoring (iEEG or ECoG)
• Neuroimaging tests
• CT scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Functional MRI (fMRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
• Single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) 
• Wanda testing

These tests can help your provider determine the cause of your seizure and develop an individualized treatment plan.

How are seizures treated?

Seizure treatment may not begin until you’ve had more than one episode or you’ve been diagnosed with epilepsy.

Dr. Lerman and the team offer comprehensive seizure care at Gables Neurology. Their goal is to mitigate your symptoms, minimize adverse side effects of anti-seizure medication, and help you experience a better quality of life. 

Gables Neurology offers the most up-to-date seizure treatments, including:

• Seizure medications
• Nutritional therapy
• Support and education
• Surgery
• Medical Cannabis 

Dr. Lerman applies a conservative, methodical, medical approach to assessing patients for medical cannabis eligibility. All patients who are prescribed medical cannabis must be enrolled in the Florida State Department of Health’s Compassionate Care Act. 

To learn more about effective seizure management, call Gables Neurology, or book an appointment online today.