Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder Care with Neurology Clinic P.C.

If you experience seizures that occur unexpectedly or become difficult to control, a thorough neurological evaluation is essential to identifying the underlying cause and developing an effective treatment plan. With the right approach, many people with epilepsy and seizure disorders can achieve significant seizure reduction or the elimination of seizures completely. At Neurology Clinic P.C., our board-certified neurologists provide comprehensive epilepsy evaluations, advanced diagnostic testing, and individualized treatment plans using evidence-based care.

What Are Seizure Disorders and Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. A seizure occurs when neurons fire excessively or in an uncoordinated way, temporarily disrupting normal brain function. Epilepsy is typically diagnosed after a person has experienced two or more unprovoked seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart, or after a single unprovoked seizure when additional risk factors or diagnostic findings suggest a high probability of recurrence.

It is important to note that not all seizures indicate epilepsy. Provoked or acute symptomatic seizures can occur in response to identifiable triggers such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, metabolic disturbances, infections, or toxic exposures. These secondary seizures reflect an acute event in the brain that may not lead to a diagnosis of epilepsy, depending on whether the underlying cause resolves or results in lasting changes to brain excitability.

Because seizures can arise from a wide range of structural, genetic, metabolic, immune-mediated, and infectious causes, and because different seizure types and epilepsy syndromes carry different implications for treatment and prognosis, it is critical to see a neurologist for appropriate care and achieving the least disruptive number of seizure events possible.

Which Epilepsy and Seizure Conditions Do Our Neurologists Treat?

Each type of epilepsy and seizure disorder has its own characteristic pattern of seizure activity, underlying cause, and treatment considerations. Our epilepsy and seizure disorder specialists commonly evaluate and manage:

Focal (Partial) Epilepsy

Focal epilepsy is the most common form of epilepsy in adults. Seizures originate in a specific area of one hemisphere of the brain, and symptoms depend on which brain region is involved. Focal seizures may occur with or without impairment of awareness.

Common symptoms of focal epilepsy include:

Involuntary movements of one limb, one side of the face, or one side of the body
Unusual sensations such as tingling, numbness, a rising feeling in the stomach, or déjà vu
Sudden changes in emotions, such as unexplained fear or anxiety
Staring spells with impaired awareness and inability to respond
Repetitive, purposeless movements, such as lip smacking, chewing, hand wringing, or picking at clothing
Confusion or disorientation following the seizure
Possible progression to convulsive seizures if electrical activity spreads

Generalized Epilepsy

Generalized epilepsy involves seizures that engage both hemispheres of the brain from the onset. These epilepsies often have a genetic basis and typically emerge in childhood or adolescence. There are several subtypes of generalized seizures, and a person may experience more than one type.

Common symptoms of generalized epilepsy include:

Grand mal seizures: sudden loss of consciousness, body stiffening (tonic phase), followed by rhythmic jerking (clonic phase), and postictal confusion or fatigue
Absence seizures: brief episodes of staring and unresponsiveness, often lasting only a few seconds, sometimes accompanied by subtle movements such as eye blinking or lip smacking
Myoclonic seizures: sudden, brief, shock-like muscle jerks, often affecting the arms, shoulders, or upper body
Atonic seizures (drop attacks): sudden loss of muscle tone causing falls or head drops
Tonic seizures: sudden muscle stiffening, often affecting the back, arms, and legs, which may cause falls

Cerebrovascular Disease and Secondary Seizures

Stroke and cerebrovascular disease are among the most common causes of new-onset seizures and epilepsy in adults, particularly in individuals over age 60. A stroke disrupts blood flow to the brain, causing tissue damage that can alter the electrical properties of surrounding neurons and create a focus for seizure activity. Both ischemic strokes, caused by a blood clot blocking a cerebral artery, and hemorrhagic strokes, caused by bleeding into or around the brain, can lead to seizures.

Other forms of cerebrovascular disease, including cerebral small vessel disease, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), cavernous malformations, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, can also cause seizures. Identifying and managing underlying vascular risk factors is a central component of seizure prevention and treatment.

Drug-Resistant (Refractory) Epilepsy

Drug-resistant epilepsy is defined as the failure to achieve sustained seizure freedom after adequate use of two appropriate and well-tolerated antiseizure medications. Approximately one-third of people with epilepsy will develop drug-resistant seizures. Patients with refractory epilepsy require a comprehensive re-evaluation that may include advanced neuroimaging, prolonged EEG monitoring, and evaluation for surgical candidacy or neurostimulation therapies.

Common characteristics of drug-resistant epilepsy include:

Seizures that persist despite treatment with two or more antiseizure medications at therapeutic doses
Breakthrough seizures following periods of seizure control
Need for ongoing evaluation and consideration of advanced treatment options, including epilepsy surgery, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), or responsive neurostimulation (RNS)

Why Do Patients Choose Neurology Clinic P.C. for Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder Treatment?

Neurology Clinic P.C. provides patients with access to neurologists experienced in the evaluation and management of epilepsy and seizure disorders. Diagnostic resources and a coordinated care approach support patients from initial assessment through ongoing treatment. Living with epilepsy can be unpredictable and isolating, affecting not only physical health but also emotional well-being, employment, and daily independence. At Neurology Clinic P.C., the goal of care is to identify the underlying cause of seizures, achieve optimal seizure control, and minimize treatment side effects.

Our neurologists remain at the forefront of current developments in epilepsy research and treatment, including new antiseizure medications, surgical interventions, neurostimulation devices, and emerging therapies. Care plans are reviewed and adjusted over time based on seizure frequency, treatment response, side effect profiles, and individual patient needs.

When Should You See a Neurologist for Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder Treatment?

If you or a loved one has experienced a seizure or is living with uncontrolled epilepsy, a neurological evaluation can provide clarity and a clear path forward. You should schedule a neurological evaluation for epilepsy and seizure disorders when you experience:

A first-time seizure, including convulsions, unexplained loss of consciousness, or episodes of staring and unresponsiveness
Recurrent seizures despite currently taking antiseizure medication
Episodes of unexplained confusion, altered awareness, or unusual sensory experiences
Involuntary movements, muscle jerks, or sudden falls without explanation
A new seizure following a stroke, brain injury, or neurosurgical procedure
Seizures associated with progressive neurological symptoms such as weakness, speech difficulty, or memory decline
Medication side effects that are affecting your quality of life
Desire for a second opinion on your epilepsy diagnosis or treatment plan
Consideration of advanced treatment options such as epilepsy surgery or neurostimulation
The need for guidance on driving restrictions, employment considerations, or seizure safety planning

Experiencing a seizure does not necessarily mean you have epilepsy. Some causes of seizures, such as medication effects, blood derangements, infections, and alcohol withdrawal, are treatable and don’t necessarily indicate an underlying neurological disorder.

Your Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder Consultation & Treatment at Neurology Clinic P.C.

We view evaluations as the beginning of a collaborative partnership. Our neurologists have the resources, training, experience, and industry connections to get you the care you need when you need it.

You can expect your experience at Neurology Clinic P.C. to include:

Preparing for Your Consultation

For epilepsy evaluations, it is particularly helpful to have a family member, close friend, or witness to your seizures present who can describe what they observed during the event. If possible, bring any video recordings of seizures, as this information is often invaluable to your neurologist’s assessment.

Comprehensive Neurological Evaluation

During your evaluation, your neurologist will review your complete medical, seizure, and developmental history; conduct a detailed neurological examination; and assess seizure type, frequency, duration, and associated symptoms. Your evaluation will also include a careful review of current medications, past medication trials, medical conditions, sleep patterns, potential seizure triggers, and the impact of seizures on your daily life.

Advanced Diagnostic Testing

Based on your initial evaluation, your neurologist may recommend additional diagnostic testing. This may include electroencephalography (EEG) to record brain electrical activity and identify abnormal patterns; MRI of the brain to evaluate for structural abnormalities such as cortical malformations, tumors, prior stroke, or scarring; prolonged or ambulatory EEG monitoring for patients with infrequent or difficult-to-classify events; blood work to screen for metabolic, genetic, or inflammatory contributors to seizure activity; and, in selected cases, referral for advanced neuroimaging, genetic testing, or inpatient video-EEG monitoring.

Diagnosis & Personalized Treatment Plan

Once testing is complete, your neurologist will explain your diagnosis and outline a treatment plan tailored to your specific seizure type, epilepsy syndrome, underlying cause, and personal goals. Your treatment may include antiseizure medications selected for your seizure type and individual risk profile, management of underlying conditions such as cerebrovascular disease or metabolic disorders, lifestyle modifications including sleep hygiene, trigger avoidance, and seizure safety precautions, referral for presurgical evaluation when appropriate, consideration of neurostimulation therapies such as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) or responsive neurostimulation (RNS), and guidance on driving regulations, reproductive planning where applicable, safety planning, and employment considerations.

Ongoing Support & Monitoring

Epilepsy and seizure disorders are conditions that often require long-term, attentive management. We encourage regular follow-up appointments to monitor seizure control, adjust medications, address emerging side effects or breakthrough seizures, screen for comorbid conditions, such as anxiety and depression, and discuss whether any active clinical research studies may offer access to emerging therapies. As treatment evolves, we help patients navigate medication adjustments, evaluate candidacy for advanced interventions, and connect with community resources and support organizations.

Take Control of Your Seizure Care. Schedule Your Epilepsy Evaluation Today

When seizures affect your safety, independence, or quality of life, seeking a specialist evaluation is the first step toward better control and greater confidence. At Neurology Clinic P.C., our neurologists evaluate epilepsy and seizure disorders and develop treatment plans designed to reduce seizure burden, minimize medication side effects, and support your ability to live fully.

Contact Neurology Clinic P.C. by calling (901) 747-1111 or request your consultation online to schedule your epilepsy and seizure disorder evaluation.

Epilepsy and Seizure Disorder FAQs

How should I prepare for my epilepsy evaluation?

To learn more about planning and preparing for your first appointment, please visit our patient information page. To make the most of your evaluation and provide your neurologist with the most detailed information possible, please come to your appointment with:

A detailed seizure diary or log, including the date, time, duration, and description of each event; any known triggers; and how you felt before, during, and after the seizure.
A list of all current medications (including over-the-counter supplements), any relevant medical records or prior test results, past EEG or MRI reports, and your insurance card and referral if required.
Any video recordings of seizure events, which can be extremely helpful in determining seizure type.
Any information you may have about a family history of epilepsy, seizures, or other neurological conditions.

Where can I find more epilepsy resources?

We understand that living with epilepsy presents unique challenges related to safety, driving, employment, and daily independence. We encourage our patients to visit the Epilepsy Foundation to explore educational materials, support groups, legal protections, assistance programs, and resources.

Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?

Neurology Clinic P.C. provides consultations, evaluations, and diagnostic services on a physician referral basis. If you think you need a neurological evaluation, contact your primary care provider for a referral.

Does Neurology Clinic P.C. participate in research studies related to seizure disorders?

Yes. Our clinic actively conducts clinical trials in partnership with leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Our dedicated research team is composed of physicians, neuropsychologists, and registered nurses who can discuss whether any current studies may be appropriate for your condition. For research inquiries, call 901-866-9252 or email research@neuroclinic.org.

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