Epilepsy & Seizures

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that is seen in the central nervous system, in which the brain becomes abnormal in its activity causing seizures, loss of awareness, or periods of unusual sensations and behaviors. Epilepsy can be seen in any individual and is not associated more with any gender, race, ethnic backgrounds, and ages. One single seizure in a lifetime does not mean being diagnosed with epilepsy. After having two or more unprovoked seizures, epilepsy is more likely to be diagnosed. Epilepsy can impact daily living and can make it difficult for someone to achieve their goals.

What are the signs of epilepsy?

Seizure symptoms are seen in a wide variety and can depend on the type of seizure being experienced. Generally, a person with epilepsy is likely to have the same type of seizure each time, so the symptoms are similar from episode to episode.

Signs of seizures, include but are not limited to:

• Temporary confusion or prolonged blank staring
• Loss of consciousness
• Uncontrollable jerking movements in arms and legs or repeated or rhythmic, jerking muscle movements
• Stiffening of muscles in back, legs, and arms (may cause falling or collapsing)
• Muscles in the body relax.
• Loss of bladder control or biting your tongue
• Change in sensation, such as a strange taste or smell

Seizures can last a few seconds or as long as 5 minutes. If a seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, it is considered an emergency, in which 911 should be contacted. Other emergency situations can arise when consciousness does not return after the seizure stops, breathing is strained and does not stabilize, and an additional seizure follows immediately after the first seizure. Our Thomson neuropsychologists are trained to determine problems with thinking associated with epilepsy. We will take into consideration any information gathered during your clinical interview and test data, as well as any neuroimaging results made available from your physician, to determine whether your difficulties are to due epilepsy.

What is the treatment for epilepsy?

If you have epilepsy, it is important to obtain the recommended services and interventions discussed with a neuropsychologist. Obtaining timely and appropriate interventions are crucial to help achieve your emotional, interpersonal, academic, or vocational goals. Treatment for epilepsy can include lifelong medications, surgery to control seizures, or supportive therapy while the seizures may go away with age. Thomson’s neuropsychologists will partner with you to better understand your goals and recommend appropriate services.

Thomson’s cognitive rehabilitation therapists can partner with you to teach you cognitive strategies (e.g., organization, memory). Our therapists are skilled in addressing the impact of epilepsy on your psychological health so that feelings of frustration, depression, or anxious worry do not worsen your cognitive functioning. We are ready to provide you referrals to outside providers who may further help facilitate your recovery.