Epilepsy

What is Epilepsy?

Epilepsy refers to a condition in which seizures reoccur because of a disorder of the brain. There are many different causes of seizures ranging from genetic to acquired conditions such as injury, infection or stroke. A seizure is a sudden, involuntary event that is “stereotyped “ (occurs the same each time). A seizure may begin and end in only one part of the brain (partial) or begin throughout the brain (generalized). It may affect the level of alertness completely or not at all. Seizure types include:

• Shaking of limbs - Tonic-Clonic
• Jerking of limbs - Myoclonic
• Posturing of body - Tonic
• Loss of balance - Atonic
• Multiple staring spells - Absence

Change in behavior such as sudden fear, crying, or laughter may be part of a Partial seizure. Altered sensations of vision, hearing, balance, movement may occur in a simple Partial seizure. Not all seizures are epileptic. Some may be due to stress or emotional causes.

How can Dr. Kohn help you?

Dr. Kohn uses a variety of evaluation forms and both Assessment and Treatment Tools in his Practice. He uses a Holistic view of the patient and the problem. Dr. Kohn uses a Biological-Psychological-Social framework to assess your symptoms because he knows that the proper diagnosis leads to proper treatment.

An accurate diagnosis is important so that treatment can be optimal. Evaluation Tools may include a repeat EEG or overnight EEG or even referral to an inpatient stay at the hospital to monitor EEG. Brain-SPECT may provide information of brain function in between seizures. Event Related Potentials may provide information about attention processing affected by the epilepsy or medication.

For more information about Epilepsy, visit: AES: American Epilepsy Society www.aesnet.org