Epilepsy

At New York Neurology Associates, we help patients understand the symptoms of epilepsy, receive an accurate diagnosis, and access personalized, effective treatment. If you’re concerned about seizures or suspect epilepsy, we encourage you to contact our team in New York for guidance and care.

Topic at a Glance

  • Epilepsy causes recurrent, unprovoked seizures resulting from abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
  • Causes range from head injury and brain infections to genetics, but many cases are idiopathic, meaning no cause is found.
  • Diagnosis often includes EEG, MRI/CT scans, and blood tests to determine the type of seizure and identify underlying triggers.
  • Treatment options include medications, lifestyle modifications, advanced therapies, and in some cases, surgery.
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What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition marked by a tendency for recurrent, unprovoked seizures. These episodes happen when the brain experiences sudden bursts of abnormal electrical activity. Depending on the brain region involved, a seizure may cause brief confusion, staring spells, sensory changes, or full-body convulsions.

It’s important to know that one seizure alone does not mean you have epilepsy. The diagnosis is considered when seizures continue to occur over time.

Since seizure presentations vary so widely, no two patients’ experiences are the same. Understanding your symptoms, such as what you feel before, during, and after a seizure, plays a major role in helping your care team identify the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

How Epilepsy Seizures Are Classified

Seizures fall into two major categories, each with its own distinct characteristics:

Focal (Partial) Seizures

These start in one specific area of the brain. Symptoms may include:

  • Twitching or jerking limited to one part of the body
  • Unusual sensations such as tingling, smells, or visual distortions
  • Altered awareness or difficulty responding


Some people experience an aura—a brief warning sensation—before a focal seizure occurs.

Generalized Seizures

These involve both sides of the brain from the start and may cause:

  • Sudden loss of consciousness
  • Whole-body stiffness or jerking movements
  • Abrupt falls or staring spells


Not everyone experiences a warning sign before a generalized seizure.

Common Causes of Epilepsy and the Risk Factors

Epilepsy can develop for many different reasons. Some of the most common include:

  • Head injury or trauma
  • Stroke or vascular conditions
  • Brain infections or inflammatory diseases
  • Structural or developmental abnormalities
  • Genetic predisposition


However, in many adults, no clear cause can be determined. When this happens, the condition is classified as idiopathic epilepsy. Even without an identifiable cause, epilepsy remains highly manageable with proper care.

Diagnostic Evaluation of Epilepsy

An accurate epilepsy diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and a careful description of the events you’ve experienced. To determine the type and origin of your seizures, your neurologist may recommend:

  • EEG (Electroencephalogram): Detects abnormal electrical patterns in the brain associated with seizures.
  • MRI or CT Scan: Helps identify structural issues such as lesions, scarring, or vascular abnormalities.
  • Blood Tests: Screens for infectious or autoimmune contributors.


Together, these tools provide a clearer picture of what’s happening inside the brain, allowing us to tailor your treatment more effectively.

Treatment Options for Epilepsy

Epilepsy is one of the most treatable neurological conditions, and many patients achieve complete seizure control.

Medications (Antiseizure Drugs)

Medication remains the first-line treatment for most people with epilepsy. We work closely with you to choose the right drug based on:

  • Seizure type
  • Side-effect profile
  • Age and overall health
  • Lifestyle considerations


Adjustments are made carefully over time to ensure optimal control with minimal side effects.

Advanced Therapies

For individuals with drug-resistant epilepsy, advanced treatment options may be recommended. These may include the following:

  • Epilepsy Surgery: When seizures originate from a small, clearly defined area of the brain, surgery may be used to remove or destroy that seizure-generating tissue. Traditional resection or minimally invasive laser ablation can significantly reduce and, in some cases, eliminate seizures, especially when the target area doesn’t affect critical functions such as speech or movement. Many patients continue medication afterward, but often at lower doses, with overall seizure control greatly improved.
  • Neurostimulation Therapies: Implantable devices such as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and responsive neurostimulation (RNS) use controlled electrical pulses to reduce seizure activity when medication and surgery aren’t suitable. VNS typically decreases seizures by 20–40%, DBS provides ongoing stimulation to areas like the thalamus to lessen seizure frequency, and RNS can detect early seizure activity and interrupt it in real-time. These therapies generally have few long-term side effects and can offer meaningful, lasting reductions in seizure frequency.

Living with Epilepsy

Most people with epilepsy go on to live full, active lives with the right precautions. Good seizure control, consistent medication use, avoiding sleep deprivation, and following safety guidelines for activities such as driving and swimming are all part of long-term management.

Take Control of Your Epilepsy

If you’re experiencing seizures or living with epilepsy, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At New York Neurology Associates, we provide comprehensive testing, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing support to help you manage symptoms and live confidently. Contact our experts in New York City today to get the help you need. 

FAQs About Epilepsy

Diagnosis of epilepsy varies by patient but often requires one or more visits, EEG testing, and imaging studies.

Yes, stress, lack of sleep, and illness are common seizure triggers for many people with epilepsy.

Some people outgrow epilepsy, while others require ongoing management. Your prognosis depends on the type of seizure, its cause, and response to treatment.

Driving rules depend on how long you’ve been seizure-free. Your neurologist can guide you based on New York state regulations.

Keep the person safe, turn them onto their side, and avoid putting anything in their mouth. Call emergency services if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes. At New York Neurology Associates, we provide epilepsy care in various locations throughout New York, NY.

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