The Different Types Of Epilepsy

When you or a loved one has been newly diagnosed with Epilepsy, it can be hard to understand what type of seizures you have and what would be effective medication to control them.

The highly skilled staff at Winchester Neurological Consultants, located in Winchester, VA, will help answer any questions you have about the types of Epilepsy.

What Is Epilepsy?

This is a type of brain disorder that can cause repeated seizures over your lifetime and is not contagious. Though seizures can be scary, they can be controlled through medication and lifestyle changes. Listed below are the different types of Epilepsy. There are two main types of this disease: focal and generalized, though you may have both.

• Focal: This type of seizure begins on one side of the brain, causing movement, awareness, and behavior changes. It can spread to both sides of the brain, depending on the severity of your case. If this happens, you can also lose consciousness and movement.
  
  There are two subcategories of focal seizures: onset-aware seizures, in which you may be able to talk during and remember after the seizure, and impaired awareness, in which you may appear visibly confused and be unable to answer questions or recall the incident.
  
  
• Generalized: This type of seizure affects both sides of the brain simultaneously. You may lose consciousness or experience jerky movements. Generalized seizures are one of many different types, broken down into motor and absence seizures.

Motor seizures cause a loss of time. You may not remember your seizure. Also, there may be muscle stiffening, causing a jerking motion. After these types of seizures, you may feel tired or confused as to what happened. Non-motor seizures cause staring, accompanied by lapses in time.  

According to the professionals at Winchester Neurological Consultants, located in Winchester, VA, there are different descriptors of this neurological condition seen in seizures.

• Clonic: when the body shakes or jerks uncontrollably.
• Atonic: an unexpected, rapid loss of body tone or strength.
• Tonic: stiffness of muscles accompanying seizures.
• Myoclonic: fast, brief, jerky body movements. 

Even though seizures sound like a scary outcome, there are ways that we can lessen seizure activity so that you can lead a fuller life, such as medications to limit seizures or surgery to deposit a stimulator in the brain to help prevent seizures. A ketogenic diet may work for you. Remember that stress may be a contributing factor in seizures, so practicing self-care is a must.

We Want to Help You

Our professionals at Winchester Neurological Consultants, located in Winchester, VA, can answer your questions regarding Epilepsy during your scheduled visit. Call our professionals today to schedule your consultation appointment at (504) 667-1828.