If you want to gain an understanding of epilepsy in Winchester, VA, contact the team of Winchester Neurological Consultants to learn more about this complex brain disorder and how it affects people.
A Closer Look at Epilepsy
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 3 million Americans suffer from a form of epilepsy. The disorder can affect any person, but most diagnoses occur in people over the age of 65.
Epilepsy is a category of brain and nervous system disorders that cause electrical surges in the brain. These surges result in uncontrolled cell activity, and people who struggle with the disorder experience problems with their behavior, attention, movement, and their state of consciousness. These problems — or symptoms — are referred to as seizures.
Doctors typically make a diagnosis if a person has had two seizures without another cause. If a person is likely to experience multiple seizures, doctors may make a diagnosis after one episode.
Epilepsy Facts
If you had a seizure or multiple seizures and haven't received an epilepsy diagnosis in Winchester, VA, you should contact the team at Winchester Neurological Consultants immediately. The disorder affects people of all genders, ethnicities, and races. The difference in groups is small, so it's critical to seek treatment and not avoid the problem.
Here are some more facts about the disorder:
- Fourth most common neurologic disorder after Alzheimer's disease and strokes
- Men develop the disorder more often than women
- Most diagnoses occur after the age of 20 but can occur in patients as young as two
- Defects related to the disorder are often hereditary
How to Diagnose Epilepsy Early
The first sign of a possible disorder is one or more seizures. In many cases, a seizure is life-threatening. However, the most common symptoms and signs of a seizure include:
- Sudden onset of confusion
- Losing consciousness
- Uncontrolled jerking or twitching
- Uncontrolled eye movement
- Problems speaking
The risk factors and causes of the disorder vary widely. However, some common risk factors include a brain tumor, head trauma, brain infections such as viral encephalitis and meningitis, a stroke, or existing neurologic disorders.
Contact the doctors at Winchester Neurological Consultants by calling (540) 667-1828 if you have questions or concerns about any neurological disorders, including understanding epilepsy in Winchester, VA.