Epilepsy
Overview:
Epilepsy is a neurological condition that causes seizures to occur repeatedly. Seizures happen when there is unusual electrical activity in the brain. Epilepsy can begin at any age, and each person’s experience is different. Some seizures are mild, such as brief staring spells, while others may cause loss of awareness or full-body shaking.
UTMB’s Epilepsy Center in Galveston is recognized as a Level 4 Epilepsy Center, the highest designation from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. This means we offer the most advanced testing and treatments available, including specialized seizure monitoring, medication management, and surgical options for people with difficult-to-control epilepsy.
Common Symptoms:
- Repeated seizures or convulsions
- Staring spells or brief lapses in awareness
- Sudden muscle jerks, stiffness, or loss of muscle control
- Confusion or memory problems after a seizure
- Loss of awareness or consciousness
- Unusual sensations, such as strange smells, tastes, or feelings
Treatments & Procedures:
Treatment plans are personalized based on seizure type, frequency, and overall health, and may include:
- Medication management to reduce or prevent seizures
- EEG testing and video EEG monitoring (EMU) to diagnose and classify seizures
- Advanced brain imaging, such as MRI, CT, or SPECT scans
- Pre-surgical evaluations for drug-resistant epilepsy
- Epilepsy surgery, when appropriate, to improve seizure control
- Device-based therapies, including:
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)
- Responsive neurostimulation (RNS)
Focal Seizures
Overview:
Focal seizures start in one part of the brain and may or may not cause loss of awareness. These are also called partial seizures and can present in many different ways.
Common Symptoms:
- Unusual sensations (smell, taste, sound)
- Jerking movements in one part of the body
- Changes in emotions or behavior
- Staring or confusion
Treatments & Procedures:
- Medication management
- EEG monitoring to identify seizure origin
- Surgical evaluation when seizures don’t respond to medication
- Device therapies like VNS or RNS
Generalized Seizures
Overview:
Generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain at once and may result in loss of consciousness or severe muscle contractions.
Common Symptoms:
- Full-body convulsions (tonic-clonic seizures)
- Sudden falls or body stiffening
- Staring spells (absence seizures)
- Sudden jerks or twitching
Treatments & Procedures:
- Antiseizure medications
- EEG and imaging to determine seizure type
- Surgical options for treatment-resistant cases
- Device therapies (VNS, DBS) when appropriate
Seizures Due to a Variety of Causes
Seizures Due to a Variety of Causes
Overview:
Seizures happen when there is a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can look different from person to person, from brief lapses in awareness to repeated episodes that require urgent care. At UTMB Health, our specialists treat many types of seizures, including absence seizures, status epilepticus, and refractory or drug-resistant epilepsy. Our team also manages other seizure types and related conditions, using advanced testing and personalized care to help patients gain better control and quality of life.
Common Symptoms:
- Sudden staring or loss of awareness
- Repetitive movements such as lip-smacking or blinking
- Confusion or memory loss after an episode
- Muscle stiffness, shaking, or loss of consciousness
- Breathing difficulty or prolonged unresponsiveness (in severe cases)
Treatments & Procedures:
- Personalized medication management
- EEG and advanced imaging for accurate diagnosis
- Emergency care and IV therapy for prolonged seizures
- Continuous video EEG in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU)
- Evaluation for surgical or device-based therapies (VNS, DBS, or RNS)
- Long-term care planning and lifestyle support
We've highlighted some of the most common services—please explore the conditions list for treatments by condition.
Medication Management
Overview:
Medication management involves carefully selecting, adjusting, and monitoring medicines to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. The goal is to make sure each medication is safe, effective, and tailored to your needs while limiting side effects or interactions.
Before the Treatment:
Your care provider will review your medical history, current medications, and symptoms to create a personalized plan. In some cases, lab tests or other evaluations may be ordered to guide treatment decisions.
After the Treatment:
You’ll have regular follow-up appointments to track how well your medications are working and to adjust doses if needed. Your care team will also check for side effects and answer any questions to help you stay safe and feel your best.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
Overview:
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) uses a small device placed under the skin in the chest. It sends gentle electrical signals to the brain through the vagus nerve in the neck. These signals help reduce seizures over time.
Conditions Treated:
- Medically refractory epilepsy
- Treatment-resistant depression (in some cases)
Before the Procedure:
You’ll have imaging and testing to confirm that VNS is right for you. The procedure is done under general anesthesia, and you’ll be asleep and comfortable.
After the Procedure:
You may go home the same day or after a short stay. The device is turned on during a follow-up visit and adjusted over time to help control seizures. You might feel a slight tingling in your throat during stimulation.
Video EEG Monitoring
Overview:
This test records brain activity and behavior over several days to help diagnose seizure disorders and plan treatment, including possible surgery.
Before the Procedure:
Patients will be admitted to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. EEG sensors will be placed on the scalp, and video monitoring will begin. Your care team may adjust or pause medications to observe seizure activity.
After the Procedure:
Once monitoring is complete, the data will be reviewed to confirm your diagnosis and guide your treatment plan. You’ll meet with your provider to discuss the next steps, which may include medication changes or surgical options.
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