Brain cells communicate with each other using electrical signals. These signals are generally very carefully regulated. But when the electrical discharge of brain cells occurs abnormally (all at once), a seizure occurs. Almost all seizures will subside within five minutes, while most will stop within two minutes. It’s rare for seizures to continue for more than five minutes. But when it doesn’t subside for hours, it becomes a serious medical emergency (status epilepticus).
When an individual regularly suffers from seizures, the condition is referred to as epilepsy. Diagnosis and proper treatment of this disorder often require consultation with an experienced neurologist in Las Vegas like Dr. Russell Shah at Radar Medical. He is here to help if you or any family member suffers from either seizures or epilepsy.
About Seizures and What Causes Them
There are numerous different causes of seizures. Some studies indicate that between 7% and 10% of individuals will suffer an isolated, single seizure at some point in their life. Proper evaluation of the very first seizure involves a thorough examination and detailed neurological history, followed by some specialized tests. Radar Medical is a state-of-the-art neurology clinic in Las Vegas, NV where you receive world-class medical care.
Often, despite detailed testing, the cause of the seizure may not be discovered. Even in cases such as these, Dr. Russell Shah the renowned Las Vegas neurologist will be able to work closely with you to determine what the course of action should be. Seizures are far more common than you might think. They can happen after infections such as meningitis or some other illness, a closed head injury or a stroke. But as mentioned, the actual cause of the seizure is often unknown.
A seizure disorder can typically be controlled with medication. However, management of the condition can still have a considerable impact on your day-to-day life. The good news is that when you have a specialist like Dr. Shah treating you, he will help you balance seizure control and the side-effects of the medication.
It’s important to get treatment without delay because neurological conditions can be complex and spiral out of control if not treated on time. With the vast experience that Dr. Russell Shah has in treating various neurological disorders, you can rest assured that you’re getting nothing but the best medical care.
Symptoms Of Seizures
With seizures, the signs and symptoms can vary depending on the type of seizures and can range from mild to very severe. Some of the common symptoms include:
- A staring spell
- Temporary confusion
- Uncontrollable jerking movements of the legs and arms
- Loss of awareness/consciousness
- Emotional/cognitive symptoms, such as déjà vu, anxiety or fear
Seizures – The Classifications
Medical professionals generally classify seizures into two types- focal or generalized. This depends on where and how abnormal brain activity starts. If the cause of the seizure is unknown, the seizure may be categorized as unknown onset. Let’s take a closer look at the different classifications of seizures and what happens during them:
- Focal Seizures
These seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in just one section of the brain. A focal seizure can happen with /without loss of consciousness and can be of two types:
- Focal Seizure With Impaired Awareness – This seizure involves a loss or change of awareness or consciousness. The person may perform repetitive movements such as walking in circles, swallowing, chewing etc. They may not respond normally to their environment and may stare into space.
- Focal Seizures Without A Loss Of Consciousness – This seizure might change the way things sound, taste, look or feel and may even alter emotions. However, the person doesn’t lose consciousness.It may cause involuntary jerking of a leg or arm. Spontaneous sensory symptoms including, dizziness, tingling,and flashing lights are some of the other common symptoms.
The symptoms of a focal seizure are often confused with various other neurological disorders, such as mental illness, migraine or narcolepsy. The patient can be administered the right treatment only when the diagnosis is on the dot. This is why it’s important that you consult Radar Medical’s experienced Las Vegas neurologist before starting on any medication or treatment.
- Generalized Seizures
Seizures that seem to involve all sections of the brain are referred to as generalized seizures. These can be of different types such as:
- Absence Seizures – This type of seizure generally occurs in children. Some of the symptoms include lip smacking, eye blinking, staring into space etc. It tends to occur in clusters and can cause loss of awareness for a short period of time.
- Tonic Seizures – This seizure results in stiffening of the muscles and generally affects muscles in the arms, legs,and back and can cause the person to fall to the ground.
- Atonic Seizures – Also referred to as drop seizures, these cause a loss of muscle control that may cause you to suddenly fall down or collapse.
- Clonic Seizures – Common signs include jerking, rhythmic or repeated muscle movements and usually affects the arms, face and neck.
- Myoclonic Seizures – These generally appear as sudden brief twitches/jerks of the legs and arms.
- Tonic-Clonic Seizures – These are the most severe type of seizures. They can cause body shaking & stiffening, biting the tongue, a sudden loss of consciousness and sometimes, even loss of bladder control.
When To See A Local Neurologist In Las Vegas, NV
It’s important that you consult a neurologist at the best neurology clinic in Las Vegas, NV without delay, if any of these things occur:
- The duration of the seizure is longer than five minutes.
- Consciousness or breathing doesn’t return once the seizure has stopped.
- There is a second seizure in quick succession.
- You’re experiencing severe heat exhaustion.
- You have a very high fever.
- You have diabetes.
- You’re pregnant.
- You’ve injured yourself during the seizure.
Dr. Russell Shah is one of the most acclaimed neurologists in Las Vegas, Nevada. Patients from across the region are referred to him by other medical professionals. His experience in the field is unparalleled and his diagnosis is always accurate. Dr. Shah also works closely with his patient’s physicians to devise a treatment plan that could include medications and certain lifestyle modifications.
For more information about the different types of medical services we offer, call Radar Medical at 702 644 0500 or get in touch through our Contact Us form.
