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Seizures

Neurology Specialists, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation & Behavioral and Therapy Services located in Coral Springs, Sunrise and Fort Lauderdale, FL

Seizures services offered in Coral Springs, Sunrise and Fort Lauderdale, FL


Seizures result from electrical disturbances in the brain and aren’t always brought on by epilepsy. Seek a consultation at The Neurology Institute if you experience a seizure not related to an underlying medical condition. They can help determine the type of seizure you had and if you are at risk for future seizures. Call the Coral Springs or Sunrise, Florida office to set up an appointment or use this website to schedule online.

Seizures Q&A

What are seizures?

A seizure happens abruptly and is due to sudden, unusual electrical activity in your brain. Seizures vary in type, severity, and symptoms. They’re classified by where they begin in the brain and how far they spread. 

 

Seizures may change your movement, feelings, consciousness, and behavior. Typically, a seizure lasts 30 seconds to two minutes; seizures that last longer than five minutes are a medical emergency. 

What causes seizures?

Seizures are commonly associated with epilepsy, but seizures can occur due to a number of medical issues. They may happen due to:

  • Stroke or traumatic brain injury
  • A closed head injury
  • Meningitis or other infection
  • High fever
  • Low blood sugar
  • Nutrient imbalances
  • Medication side effects
  • Inflammatory brain conditions
  • Vascular abnormalities
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Central nervous system tumors

Even with a thorough evaluation, there are many cases in which the cause of a seizure is never determined. 

Sleep deprivation can also trigger a seizure or increase the severity and length of seizures in people diagnosed with epilepsy.

When do seizures indicate epilepsy?

If you have two or more seizures at least 24 hours apart and there’s no other identifiable cause, they’re likely due to epilepsy. 

The team at The Neurology Institute diagnoses you with epilepsy when diagnostic imaging shows a high risk of future seizures, too. 

What symptoms accompany seizures?

While the symptoms that accompany seizures vary according to type, seizures in general may cause: 

  • Brief muscle twitches
  • Limp muscles
  • Rigid muscles
  • Shaky, jerky muscles
  • Whole body spasms
  • Repetitive movements
  • Emotional changes
  • Sensory dysfunction
  • Blanking out or staring into space

Sometimes seizures lead to loss of consciousness or complete immobility. 

How do you treat seizures?

The team at The Neurology Institute does a thorough evaluation to determine the reason for your seizure and assesses your risk for repeated episodes. 

Your neurologist addresses any underlying causes of your seizure, such as nutrient deficiencies, medications, head trauma, or infection. 

In some cases, the team prescribes anticonvulsant medications to improve symptoms and control seizures. For people with epilepsy, a high-fat ketogenic diet can also manage seizure frequency and severity. 

A treatment known as neuromodulation may help if medications and diet aren’t enough to control your seizures. Neuromodulation uses mild electrical impulses to target specific brain areas and change signaling. 

In rare cases, surgery may be required to help you manage seizures due to epilepsy. 

Call The Neurology Institute if you’ve experienced a concerning seizure. Alternatively, use the online tool to schedule your appointment.