On this page, you will find:
Approximately 2.8 million Americans have epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by seizures. Different types of seizures originate in different parts of the brain and every patient experiences them differently. Some seizures are very noticeable, like when the patient shakes and falls down, and some seizures present as the patient staring or losing consciousness for a few seconds.
Our doctors are experts in treating epilepsy both surgically and medically. Learn more about epilepsy treatment at the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Georgetown University Hospital.
Types of Epilepsy
- Partial seizures originate in a single part of the brain. Some types are:
- Simple partial seizure: a focal seizure where there is no loss of consciousness. May result in sensation or movement.
- Complex partial seizures: formerly referred to as a psychomotor seizure is a focal seizure where there is loss of consciousness. Often associated with staring lasting 30-60 seconds.
- Secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures: formerly referred to as grand mal. These are seizures where the patient will experience loss of consciousness and uncontrollable jerking.
- Generalized seizures involve the entire brain. Some are
- Absence seizures: formerly referred to as petit mal, can cause a brief (10-20 seconds) loss of consciousness and staring.
- Myoclonic seizures: Brief, uncontrollable, jerking of the limbs and body.
- Atonic seizures: can cause the patient to fall down suddenly.
- Tonic-clonic seizures: formerly referred to as grand mal. These are seizures where the patient will experience loss of consciousness and uncontrollable jerking
Epilepsy symptoms
There are many reasons why a person may experience a seizure, and they are not all caused by epilepsy. Patients with epilepsy by definition must have two unprovoked seizures.
Symptoms may include:
- Losing consciousness
- Involuntary jerking of the arms and legs
- Memory problems, including confusion that lasts for several minutes
Diagnosis for epilepsy
Your doctor will want to determine the type of epilepsy you have, as well as pinpoint where the seizures originate in the brain. You should expect the following during your diagnostic work up:
- Complete neurological examination, along with a full medical and family history.
- Epilepsy testing. You will likely receive an EEG, and your physicians may refer you to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit for video EEG monitoring. There are two types of admissions:
- Diagnostic , which determines the type of your seizures
- Diagnostic , which determines the type of your seizures
Learn more about the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Georgetown University Hospital.
Epilepsy Treatment
Medication can treat epilepsy. However, approximately 30 percent of patients do not show significant improvements using anti-seizure medications, making it difficult to drive, hold a job or otherwise live a normal life.
For these patients, Georgetown University Hospital offers the most advanced and comprehensive program in the region, one that can eliminate seizures altogether through safe and effective surgery. Learn more about epilepsy treatment and epilepsy surgery by visiting the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center.
