By Cory Lamar, MD – Board-Certified in Clinical Neurophysiology and Epilepsy
Epilepsy affects approximately 3.4 million Americans, making it one of the most common neurological conditions in the United States.
Despite its prevalence, many misconceptions about epilepsy persist. At Advanced Neurology Specialists, we believe that education and awareness are crucial for supporting those living with this condition and fostering a more understanding community.
What Is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. These seizures occur when there is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain, temporarily affecting how the brain works. While anyone can develop epilepsy at any age, it most commonly begins in childhood or after age 60.
It’s important to understand that having a single seizure doesn’t necessarily mean someone has epilepsy. The condition is typically diagnosed after a person has experienced two or more unprovoked seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart. This distinction is important because isolated seizures can result from various temporary conditions such as high fever, low blood sugar, or alcohol withdrawal.
Types of Seizures
Seizures manifest differently depending on which part of the brain is affected. Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain and include tonic-clonic seizures, which many people recognize as convulsions involving stiffening and jerking movements. Absence seizures cause brief lapses in awareness and are often mistaken for daydreaming, particularly in children. Focal seizures begin in one area of the brain and may cause altered awareness, unusual sensations, or involuntary movements.
Not all seizures involve convulsions or loss of consciousness. Some people experience seizures that look like staring spells, confusion, repetitive movements, or sudden emotional changes. Recognizing these diverse presentations helps ensure people receive appropriate medical attention and proper diagnosis.
Causes and Triggers
Epilepsy can result from various factors including genetic predisposition, head trauma, brain infections, stroke, tumors, or developmental disorders.
However, in nearly half of all cases, the cause remains unknown despite thorough medical investigation. While we cannot always identify why epilepsy develops, we can often identify triggers that may provoke seizures in susceptible individuals, such as lack of sleep, stress, flashing lights, missed medications, alcohol consumption, or hormonal changes.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing epilepsy requires a comprehensive evaluation including detailed medical history, neurological examination, and diagnostic tests such as electroencephalogram (EEG) and brain imaging. These tools help our specialists determine the type of epilepsy and develop an effective treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs.
Modern treatment options allow most people with epilepsy to live full, active lives. Anti-seizure medications effectively control seizures in approximately 70 percent of patients. For those who don’t respond to medication, other treatments including surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, responsive neurostimulation, or dietary therapy such as the ketogenic diet may be viable options.
Living with Epilepsy
Beyond medical treatment, lifestyle management plays a vital role in seizure control. Maintaining regular sleep schedules, managing stress effectively, taking medications as prescribed, and avoiding known triggers all contribute to better outcomes. Many people with well-controlled epilepsy can drive, work, exercise, and participate in most activities with appropriate precautions.
How to Help During a Seizure
Knowing how to respond when someone has a seizure can be lifesaving. Stay calm and protect the person from injury by moving nearby objects away. Cushion their head with something soft and time the seizure. Never restrain the person or put anything in their mouth, as this can cause injury.
Turn them gently on their side to keep the airway clear and allow saliva to drain. Call emergency services if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, if another seizure follows immediately, if the person is injured, has difficulty breathing, or is pregnant.
Breaking Down Stigma
Perhaps the greatest challenge facing people with epilepsy isn’t medical but social. Stigma and misunderstanding can affect employment opportunities, relationships, and overall quality of life. Education helps break down these barriers and creates supportive environments.
At Advanced Neurology Specialists, we are committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate care while advancing epilepsy awareness in our community. If you or someone you love experiences seizures, we encourage you to seek evaluation. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with epilepsy can achieve excellent seizure control and live without limitations.
Cory Lamar, MD, is a triple-board certified neurologist at Advanced Neurology Specialists, LLC, in Naples, Florida. His mission is to provide high-quality neurological care to individuals living in and around Collier County.
Dr. Lamar is a native Floridian and became fascinated with the complexity of the brain during a neuroscience course at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee. After completing his medical degree with high honors, Dr. Lamar completed a neurology residency and fellowship at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston Salem, North Carolina.
Dr. Lamar is triple board-certified in neurology, clinical neurophysiology, and epilepsy. At Advanced Neurology Specialists, LLC, he treats a wide variety of neurological conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis, headaches, and seizure disorders. He also provides stroke screening, prevention, and rehabilitation.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lamar and the team at Advanced Neurology Specialists, LLC, call the office or request an appointment online today.
Advanced Neurology Specialists
239-667-5878
advancedneurofl.com
800 Goodlette Frank Rd N, Suite 250
Naples Fl 34102