SEIZURES

Causes and Treatment Options

Frequent seizures can disrupt your life and prevent you from participating in the activities you enjoy. At The Relief Clinic in Long Beach and Saucier, Mississippi, family medicine specialist Philip Levin, MD, and his team deliver comprehensive care to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures.

Call The Relief Clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about seizures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are seizures?
Seizures are sudden and uncontrollable electrical activity in the brain. They occur when the brain cells experience a miscommunication that causes them to send rapid electrical signals. Seizures can overload certain areas of your brain, leading to various symptoms, such as uncontrollable body movements.

Anybody can develop seizures, but certain people are at a higher risk than others. Determining the underlying cause of your seizures can help your provider at The Relief Clinic to find the appropriate treatment for you.

What are the different types of seizures?

There are many types of seizures that typically fall into two categories:

Generalized seizures

Generalized seizures occur on both sides of the brain and can cause severe symptoms. Most generalized seizures begin with a loss of consciousness that lasts for about 10-20 seconds. Convulsions can last for up to two minutes after.

Focal seizures

Focal seizures occur in one portion of the brain and typically cause milder symptoms than their generalized counterparts. Most focal seizures last between 1-3 minutes.

What are the symptoms of seizures?

Symptoms of seizures can vary depending on the type you have and the severity of your condition. Common signs of seizures include:

  • Convulsive movements
  • Lost consciousness
  • Muscle stiffness or spasms
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Poor balance and coordination
  • Clenched teeth
  • Rapid eye movements

Having a strange, metallic taste in your mouth is another sign that a seizure is developing. Understanding the early signs of a seizure can help you stay prepared.

What causes seizures?

Many underlying conditions can cause seizures, such as:

  • Meningitis
  • Encephalitis
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Drug or alcohol misuse
  • Congenital birth defects
  • Brain tumor
  • Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It’s the most common cause of seizures. Having more than two unprovoked seizures may warrant an epilepsy diagnosis if you don’t have symptoms of any other underlying conditions.

What are the treatments for seizures?
Treatment for seizures typically requires long-term medication and lifestyle changes. At The Relief Clinic, your provider takes a comprehensive approach to care. Along with standard epilepsy treatments, your provider may recommend medical marijuana or cannabidiol (CBD) products, which might help reduce the frequency of your symptoms.

Call The Relief Clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about seizures.