Seizures Specialist
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Affinity Neurocare
Nnamdi C. Dike, DO
Neurologist & Neurologist located in Carrollton, TX & Frisco, TX
About half of all patients who have a seizure that’s not explained by an underlying medical condition will have a second seizure. You may lower your risk for future seizures by getting expert treatment from Nnamdi Dike, DO, at Affinity Neurocare. As a specialist in seizures and epilepsy, Dr. Dike performs a range of diagnostic tests and prescribes treatment that’s customized to the type of seizure you experienced. To schedule an appointment, use the online booking feature or call the office in Frisco, Texas.
Seizures Q & A
What is a seizure?
A seizure occurs when nerves in your brain fire more rapidly than normal. During a focal seizure, a large group of nerves on one side of your brain are affected, while a generalized seizure occurs when you have a burst of electrical activity on both sides of your brain. In some cases, the seizure starts on one side of the brain and spreads to the other.
Does having a seizure mean I have epilepsy?
Epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures. However, seizures can develop from other health problems. For example, a stroke, traumatic brain injury, low blood sugar, infections, or a high fever can trigger a seizure.
You’re diagnosed with epilepsy when you have two or more seizures separated by at least 24 hours, or after you have one seizure and diagnostic studies show you’re at risk for having a second episode.
What symptoms will I experience during a seizure?
Seizures are classified according to where the seizure begins in your brain and your level of awareness during the seizure. These characteristics are important because they determine your symptoms and guide your treatment.
When most patients think of a seizure, they envision losing consciousness, falling to the ground, and having muscle spasms. However, you may stay awake and aware during a seizure or maintain consciousness yet become confused.
During a seizure, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms, depending on the type of seizure:
- Sustained jerking movements
- Brief muscle twitching
- Weak or limp muscles
- Tense or rigid muscles
- Blanking out or staring into space
- Lack of movement or immobility (behavior arrest)
- Whole body spasms (body repeatedly flexes and extends)
- Repeated movements like hand clapping or lip smacking
Some patients may experience brief twitches in their eyes or eyelids or changes in sensation and emotions. It’s also possible to have changes in autonomic function that causes symptoms like goosebumps or a fast heartbeat.
How are seizures treated?
After performing a thorough neurological exam and specialized diagnostic testing, Dr. Dike develops an individualized treatment plan based on the results of your tests and the frequency and severity of your seizures.
The first line of treatment is usually one of several types of anti-seizure medications. Your treatment plan may also include following a modified diet and avoiding seizure triggers.
If you need more than medication, Dr. Dike may recommend other treatment options such as vagus nerve stimulation, deep brain stimulation, or surgery.
If you have a seizure, expert treatment is available at Affinity Neurocare. Call the office or schedule an appointment online.
