What is Epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which seizures occur without warning. This happens when abnormal clusters of nerve cells in the brain send out the wrong electrical signals. Usually, these electrical outbursts don’t last long, but they can cause problems with muscle control and movement as well as speech, vision and awareness. It’s important to begin treatment for epilepsy as soon as possible.
Treating Epileptic Seizures
Medication may work for many epilepsy patients to control seizures and reduce their severity. Another option is surgery to isolate and treat the part of the brain responsible for producing the seizures.
Following a special diet may help control seizures in some people with epilepsy, especially children. When it comes to driving with epilepsy, every state has different laws—seizures are unpredictable, and a small seizure at the wrong time could be tragic.
The physicians and health care professionals at Mercy Neurology can effectively diagnose and treat epilepsy and, in affiliation with the Jefferson Neuroscience Network, can discuss surgical options in cases of repeated seizures.
Get expert neurological care
Call 1.877.GO MERCY or visit our Find A Physician page to find a Mercy Health System neurologist near you.