Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which a person’s brain cells send signals abnormally, leading to seizures.

Short Bowel Syndrome with Intestinal Failure (SBS-IF)

Short bowel syndrome with intestinal failure is a condition where individuals cannot absorb nutrients properly because they lack part of their intestine due to portions being surgically removed, parts missing since birth, or portions damaged and unable to function properly.

Types of Seizures

Individuals with epilepsy may experience different types of seizures that fit into these two main categories:

Focal Onset Seizures (FOS)

Seizures that begin on one side of the brain, also known as partial seizures. Focal onset seizures are the most common type of seizure experienced by people with epilepsy.

Generalized Onset Seizures

Seizures that start in both sides of the brain and affect the whole body. Generalized seizures may start as focal, and then spread to both sides of the brain.

Symptoms

Symptoms of seizures vary based on the type.

Focal onset seizures are characterized by:

Uncontrolled movements, usually in the hands, toes, or face and on one side of the body

Sweating, excess saliva, skin color changes

Changes in emotional state

Occasional temporary paralysis (“Todd paralysis”) in specific body parts for several hours

Generalized seizures are characterized by:

Stiff muscles

Loss of consciousness

Crying or groaning

Jerking of the arms or legs

Diagnosis Journey

Learn more about how people who are experiencing signs and symptoms of epilepsy can be diagnosed.

When to see your doctor

You should consult a doctor if you have experienced a seizure, suspect you have, or if others have told you that there are times in which you are unaware of what you are doing.

Process for diagnosis

Your doctor may prescribe various tests to confirm a diagnosis of epilepsy, including:

Blood Tests: Evaluates metabolic and blood chemistry imbalances, toxins, and poisons.
Electroencephalogram (EEG): Measures brain activity through small sensors attached to your scalp. This test allows your doctor to evaluate the electrical signals produced by your brain.
Video-EEG Monitoring: Follows the same procedure as an EEG, while also recording your activity via video during the test.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Creates detailed images of your brain. You will lay in a cylindrical machine as radio waves are sent via pulses.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: Relies on a radioactive drug that is typically injected into your hand or arm, and can help detect brain disorders.
Magnetoencephalography (MEG): Identifies where in your brain seizures are produced. It is painless and non-invasive.
Spinal Tap/Lumbar Puncture: Fluid from around your spinal cord is withdrawn and examined. This test is typically used when your provider is concerned that the cause of epilepsy is due to infection or immunological brain disease.
Neurological Exam: Evaluates your behavior, motor abilities, and mental function.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: Uses X-rays to generate images of your brain.
Single-Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT): Relies on a low dose of radioactive material injected into a vein to determine highly active areas of your brain.

If you feel that you are not receiving adequate treatment, don't be afraid to explore other physicians and specialists in order to get the care you need.

Specialists

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Registered doctors

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

John Smith, MD

Gastroenterologist • Nashville, TN

Ongoing Research and Treatment Options

More research into effective epilepsy treatment options is critical.

Current Research Studies

Check out our featured studies below. If the X-TOLE and X-ACKT studies are not right for you, there are over 330 clinical trials actively recruiting participants with epilepsy. Search this site to find epilepsy research studies near you.

Visit ClinicalTrials.gov

Featured Study

Encore-MDS Study

The goal of this study is to evaluate whether the investigational drug will help patients with lower-risk MDS improve their symptoms and reduce their number of transfusions.

Featured Study

X-TOLE and X-ACKT Studies

For those living with either focal-onset seizures (FOS) or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (PGTCS), you may be eligible for a clinical trial that may help reduce the frequency of seizures.

Treatment Options

Treatments for epilepsy include:

Resources

Find an online community of fellow epilepsy patients, caregivers, and advocates below as well as some other general resources!

Epilepsy/Seizure Support and Discussion

A support group for people living with epilepsy or experiencing seizures.

Epilepsy and Seizure Support Group

A support group for people with epilepsy, families of those with epilepsy, and anyone who has been affected by epilepsy.

Reddit Group: r/Epilepsy

A subreddit community for people who are affected by epilepsy.

Reddit Group: r/Seizures

A subreddit community for those who experience seizures.

Valley Children's Healthcare - Virtual Support Groups

Valley Children’s Epilepsy Support Groups are offered virtually for parents of children with epilepsy and children/teenagers with epilepsy.

The Epilepsy Foundation

Organization dedicated to mitigating the challenges of living with epilepsy, promoting new treatments, and raising awareness.

International League Against Epilepsy

Organization comprised of 120+ national chapters working to ensure that health care providers, patients, caregivers, governments, and the public can access educational and research resources critical to understanding and treating epilepsy.

Epilepsy Alliance America

National organization providing support and care to individuals living with epilepsy.

CURE Epilepsy

Organization dedicated to finding a cure for epilepsy through patient-focused research.

Sharp Waves Podcast: An Epilepsy Podcast from ILAE

The International League Against Epilepsy established The Sharp Waves Podcast, which tells the stories of people who have epilepsy, physicians who treat epilepsy, and researchers who study the condition.

Living Well with Epilepsy

Visit the Living Well with Epilepsy page to view the various blogs that offer advice on living with epilepsy. There are blogs dedicated to the following subjects: motherhood, self-care, job, healthcare, and lifestyle.

You Are Not Alone: Resource Guide
Check out this guide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to find resources including national organizations dedicated to addressing epilepsy and family and sibling support groups.

How to Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits
This guide from the Epilepsy Foundation outlines the process of applying for disability benefits as an individual living with epilepsy.

Assistance for Prescription Costs
This guide from the Epilepsy Foundation provides instructions on applying for a patient assistance program if you need help covering the cost of your medications.

24/7 Helpline
Contact this line at any time to connect with a trained specialist who can answer questions and provide support.

Monash Funded $3M for a World-First Trial of a Drug Treatment for Poorly Controlled Epilepsy

Visit the article to learn about a new drug that has been discovered and is the first potential curative drug for people with epilepsy who have become resistant to current anti-seizure medications.

Novel Tools for the Treatment and Diagnosis of Epilepsy

Check out this article about University of Pennsylvania neurologist Brian Litt’s work on a neurostimulation device to treat epilepsy.

Walk to End Epilepsy

The Epilepsy Foundation sponsors walks to raise money and promote awareness for epilepsy. Visit the link to learn more and find out where your closest walk is taking place.

Events Supported by the Epilepsy Foundation

Visit this website to find events sponsored by the Epilepsy Foundation, including support groups, trainings, and fundraisers.

Events Supported by the International League Against Epilepsy

Check out this link to find events sponsored by the International League Against Epilepsy, including workshops, conferences, and webinars.

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