How Do I Deal with Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures that lead to unusual behavior, sensations and sometimes loss of awareness. It can be a debilitating condition that affects people’s quality of life, but there is hope.

Fortunately, we can control seizures for the majority of people living with epilepsy because medical research around this condition is evolving. So, don’t let your condition control your life. If you struggle with epilepsy or think you might have it, your next step is to schedule a visit with epilepsy specialist Najib Murr, MD, FAAN at North Oaks Neurology.

Symptoms

These vary depending on the type of seizure. In most cases, a person tends to have the same type of seizure, causing the symptoms to be similar from episode to episode. Symptoms could include:

• Temporary confusion
• Staring spells
• Stiff muscles
• Uncontrollable jerking movement of the arms/legs
• Loss of consciousness/awareness
• Psychological symptoms (fear, anxiety, déjà vu)

Effective Treatment

An accurate diagnosis is crucial to determine the appropriate treatment. A variety of testing is involved to figure out (1) what type of seizure you’re experiencing and (2) where it begins.

Dr. Murr will perform a neurological exam, blood tests and tests that detect brain abnormalities like an EEG, which records the electrical activity in your brain. He will also perform different analysis techniques to locate exactly where the seizures start in the brain.

How to Live with Epilepsy

Don’t let it control you – Dr. Murr can control seizures for the majority of people living with epilepsy. Depending on your condition, seizures could eventually go away, while some people require lifelong treatment.

Dr. Murr collaborates with you, your caregivers and his colleagues to develop an effective treatment plan for your condition and lifestyle. Options include medication, devices and surgery.

• Medication is the first step, and finding the right one and right dosage is complex. Most seizures can be controlled with one anti-epileptic medication. Sometimes, a combination of medications is used to decrease seizure frequency and intensity.
• Devices like the Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) might be used to prevent or lessen seizures. This is an option when medications are not effective and surgery is not possible.
• Epilepsy surgery is an option when seizures cannot be controlled with medications. With epilepsy surgery, a surgeon safely removes the area of your brain that’s causing seizures.

If you struggle with epilepsy or think you might it, let’s talk. Call (985) 287-4482 to schedule a visit with Dr. Murr in Hammond.