Epilepsy & Seizures
More than 2 million people in the United States suffer from epilepsy, a neurological condition affecting the nervous system and triggering frequent seizures in patients. Seizures are disruptions in the normal electrical activity of the brain.
Epileptic patients almost always experience seizures, but it is important to note that not all seizures are caused by epilepsy.
Causes
Epilepsy can surface due to a variety of causes. Sometimes there is a genetic predisposition toward it, and sometimes the exact cause may never be established, which is the case for nearly half of those who suffer from it.
Potential causes for seizures in some infants and children include:
- Brain malformations
- Lack of oxygen during birth
- Intracranial hemorrhage
- Maternal drug use
- Fever/febrile seizures
- Brain tumor
- Infection
- Head trauma
Diagnosis
To determine if your child has epilepsy or another seizure-related disorder, our staff will review your medical history as well as specific details about any seizures experienced. From new onset seizures to seizures that are difficult to treat, the Epilepsy Program at Child Neurology Consultants of Austin is here to help. Additional testing is commonly required and often includes:
- Blood tests
- EEG test
- CT or MRI scans
Treatment
There are several medications available to help control seizures. Your child may need to try out a few different types to see which is most effective. If seizure medication does not work, there are alternative treatments including surgery, brain stimulation, cannabidiol oil (CBD oil), as well as dietary and behavioral therapies. We will work with you to determine the best possible option for your child.
Other types of seizures we treat include:
- Absence seizures
- Atonic seizures
- Clonic seizures
- Myoclonic seizures
- Tonic seizures
- Simple partial/complex partial seizures
- Fever/febrile seizures
- Refractory seizures
- Focal seizures
- New onset seizures
- Seizure First Aid
- Generalized seizures
(Adapted from the Epilepsy Foundation)
Resources
Website Resources
- Epilepsy Foundation of Central & South Texas
- Epilepsy Foundation
- International League Against Epilepsy
Tips/Handouts
- Epilepsy and My Child: A Resource for Parents with a Newly Diagnosed Child
- Info about Sleep Habits
- Info about Sleep Medications
- Info about Syncope (fainting spells)
- SUDEP handout
Pediatric Neurologist in Central Austin, Cedar Park and South Austin
Child Neurology Consultants of Austin has several board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric neurologists who can evaluate your child’s seizures, including epilepsy, and guide their treatment. To schedule an appointment, call us at (512) 494-4000, or book an appointment online. We look forward to serving you at one of our three convenient locations in Central Austin, Cedar Park, or South Austin.
