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CNI Epilepsy Center
Education & Information
About Seizures and Epilepsy
Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders. Up to 10% of Americans will have a seizure in their lifetimes. In Colorado, is it estimated that approximately 40,000 people have epilepsy, and 30,000 of those live in the greater Denver area. Seizures consist of unusual sensations, behaviors or movements resulting from abnormal electrical discharges in the brain. They may result in an alteration of consciousness or even a convulsion. When a patient experiences two or more unprovoked seizures, epilepsy is typically diagnosed.
Types of seizures
Seizures are usually divided into partial or generalized events:
- Partial seizures take place when the abnormal brain activity remains localized to a single area. A patient may experience sensory changes such as a strange feeling, taste or smell or even an auditory or visual hallucination. There may be movement, tremor or stiffness involving parts of the body. Consciousness may be impaired with the patient appearing confused, mumbling and unable to answer questions or perform simple tasks.
- Generalized seizures occur when the entire brain is involved with the abnormal electrical activity from the beginning. There may be subtle blinking and staring for a few seconds or a patient may instead suffer a grand mal seizure or convulsion. Still other seizure types occur less frequently.
Testing
It is important to classify seizures accurately. An electroencephalogram (EEG), or brain wave, is a basic test used to categorize seizures and assess brain rhythms. An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is another type of test that may be used. Shown here it takes pictures of the brain from several angles to identify any possible tumors, scars or other abnormalities that may be causing the seizures.
Why visit an Epilepsy Center
Many people with epilepsy can control their seizures with a single medication. Children may outgrow their epilepsy and other patients may not need lifelong medication therapy. For a large number of patients, however, seizures continue to occur unpredictably. For these individuals, the CNI Epilepsy Center is a place to turn for answers and care.
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