Epilepsy Specialist
Houston Specialty Clinic
Pediatric Neurology, Pediatric Pulmonary, and Sleep Medicine located in Houston, and Sugar Land, TX
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes multiple, unprovoked seizures. At Houston Specialty Clinic in Houston and Sugar Land, Texas, neurology specialist Joshua Rotenberg, MD, provides advanced testing and treatment for children and adults. If you suspect you or your child is suffering from epilepsy, schedule a visit by phone.
Epilepsy Q & A
What is epilepsy?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that causes seizures. While some seizures are caused by events like a stroke or meningitis, people with epilepsy suffer from abnormal brain activity that results in recurrent seizures. Although the exact cause of epilepsy isn’t always known, it’s often linked to factors like genetics, prenatal injuries, developmental disorders, and brain damage.
The symptoms of epileptic seizures can increase your risk of serious injuries, broken bones, car accidents, and brain damage.
What are the symptoms of epilepsy?
Experiencing a single seizure usually doesn’t mean you have epilepsy. Epilepsy is typically characterized by the occurrence of multiple seizures, but testing with specialist review is essential. Common seizure symptoms include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Uncontrollable movement of arms and legs
- Temporary confusion
- Tingling or dizziness
- Staring into space
- Eye blinking
There are two different types of seizures. A focal seizure is caused by abnormal activity in one part of your brain, while a generalized seizure involves all areas of the brain. Your symptoms can vary depending on the type of seizure. In most cases, people with epilepsy experience the same type of seizure during each episode.
The symptoms of epilepsy can be mistaken for other neurological conditions like migraines or narcolepsy. At Houston Specialty Clinic, Dr. Rotenberg performs advanced testing to accurately diagnose your condition.
How is epilepsy diagnosed?
To diagnose epilepsy, Dr. Rotenberg begins with a neurological exam and discussion of you or your child’s symptoms. As a pediatric pulmonologist, Dr. Rotenberg has extensive experience addressing the unique needs of children and teens. During the neurological exam, Dr. Rotenberg checks for abnormal behavior as well as impaired motor functions or mental abilities.
The next step is an EEG (electroencephalogram) test. Dr. Rotenberg attaches electrodes to your scalp and records the electrical activity in your brain. People with epilepsy typically have abnormal brain activity even when they aren’t experiencing a seizure. After the EEG, you and Dr. Rotenberg discuss your results and the best treatment for your condition.
What treatments are available for epilepsy?
Houston Specialty Clinic offers a number of safe and effective treatments for epilepsy. In most cases, Dr. Rotenberg helps patients live seizure-free with the help of anti-seizure medication. Dr. Rotenberg works with you to determine the right medication for your condition.
If medication isn’t enough to control your seizures, you may require surgery. Surgery can help reduce your seizures and minimize your dependence on medication. To speak with Dr. Rotenberg about you or your child’s symptoms, book an appointment by phone today.