Just diagnosed with epilepsy? Here’s what you should know about your treatment options.
Finding out that you or a loved one has epilepsy can be scary. Fortunately, our team of neurologists provides comprehensive care right here at their epilepsy and neurodevelopmental clinic in Winchester, VA. Here are the ways that we can treat your epilepsy.
Seizure Medications
Once our neurologists have performed the appropriate tests to detect epilepsy, we will then sit down with you and discuss your treatment options. The most common way to treat epilepsy is with medication. Of course, there are several types of medications on the market that can help control your seizures, and there are a number of factors that we will need to consider, including types of seizures and your age, that could determine which medications will be most effective.
When you receive your medication, our Winchester, VA, neurologists will provide you with detailed instructions on how to take your medication. It’s important that you follow these instructions exactly, as they can affect the efficacy of your treatment. The instructions will tell you when to take your medication, your dosage, what side effects are possible, when to follow-up with our doctors and whether you should take the medication with food or on an empty stomach.
Other Therapies and Treatment Options
Along with medications, there are other ways to control epilepsy. If medications aren’t effective but you would like to avoid brain surgery (or perhaps you’re simply not an ideal candidate for surgery), there are other options available. For example, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an electrical device that is placed under the skin and delivers electrical impulses to the brain to lessen the severity and frequency of your seizures.
It’s important that the medications and treatments you receive help to reduce the number and severity of your seizures. This is why it’s important to turn to a qualified team of neurologists here in Winchester, VA, that can work with you to find the right solutions. Let the team at Winchester Neurological Consultants make it easier to live with epilepsy. Call us today at (540) 667-1828.
Managing your multiple sclerosis (MS) requires a partnership between you, your neurologist and other healthcare professionals. If you've been struggling with frequent MS attacks or worsening of your symptoms, your neurologists at Winchester Neurological Consultants in Winchester, VA, can help you explore treatment options.
Treating MS
Dealing with MS symptoms and relapses can be challenging and frustrating. Fortunately, a variety of treatments and therapies can offer relief for common MS symptoms, including blurred or double vision, mood changes, numbness, muscle spasms, fatigue, dizziness and bladder control issues.
The treatment plan your neurologist prepares during your visit to the Winchester neurology office takes into account the type of MS you have, the severity of your symptoms, your lifestyle, and any other medical conditions you may have. You'll work together with your doctor to create a plan that improves your symptoms and your quality of life.
Treatment options may include:
- Oral and Injectable Medications: A variety of drugs can decrease the risk of relapses and slow the progression of the disease. If one drug doesn't work well for you or causes unpleasant side effects, your neurologist can recommend another option.
- Intravenous Infusions: Infusions of Tysabri are offered at the Winchester neurology office on a monthly basis. Tysabri infusions can reduce the severity of relapses and also decrease relapse frequency if you have a relapsing form of MS. In some cases, the medication may also improve your mental function.
- Other Medications: Your neurologist can also prescribe medications to treat specific MS symptoms. Medications may relieve muscle stiffness and spasms, improve your walking speed, and treat insomnia, fatigue, and bowel or bladder issues.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy sessions strengthen and stretch your muscles and may make it easier to manage gait, flexibility and balance problems.
- Occupational Therapy: Your occupational therapist can teach you new ways to perform your usual daily activities and help you maintain your independence.
You may also benefit by making a few lifestyle changes. Eating a healthy diet, getting adequate exercise and sleep, and reducing stress may improve your health and help you decrease your risk of relapses.
Do you need help managing your MS? Call your Winchester, VA, neurologists at Winchester Neurological Consultants at (540) 667-1828 to schedule your appointment.
Here are a few different kinds of headaches to know about
Have any questions?
Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury
Typically, a traumatic brain injury is due to a violent blow to the head caused by a car accident, fall, or other trauma. Although a mild traumatic brain injury may only have temporary effects on the cells of the brain, a more severe injury can result in torn tissue, contusions, and serious physical damage to the brain. If left untreated, these injuries can cause permanent brain damage. The doctors at Winchester Neurological Consultants specialize in the treatment of traumatic brain injury.
Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury
Patients who have suffered head trauma and experience one or more of the following symptoms should seek medical advice as soon as possible. Bear in mind that in some cases symptoms will appear immediately, while in other cases, they may not appear until days or weeks after the traumatic event.
- Brief loss of consciousness
- Feeling dazed, disoriented, or confused
- Blurred vision, ringing in the ears
- Loss of smell
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Sudden drowsiness
- Speech difficulties
- Loss of balance
- Sensitivity to sound or light
- Problems with memory or concentration
- Mood swings
- Anxiety or depression
Symptoms of more severe brain trauma may include:
- Loss of consciousness for up to several hours
- Persistent headache
- Seizures or convulsions
- Pupil dilation
- Ringling or numbness in the extremities
- Severe confusion
- Slurred speech
When You Should See a Doctor
Traumatic events that may lead to brain injury include:
- Falls: from a roof, ladder, or from the bath, bed, or stairs.
- A vehicular accident: A collision involving one or more motorcycles, bicycles, cars, or trucks or a vehicle and a pedestrian.
- A sports injury: Traumatic brain injuries are common in several sports including boxing, football, skateboarding, hockey, and soccer.
If you live in Winchester and you think you may be suffering from a brain injury, call Winchester Neurological Consultants at (540) 667-1828 to schedule an appointment.
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