Seizure Disorder

An estimated 300,000 children aged 15 and under have a seizure disorder, and 30% of them have seizures that are difficult to manage. At THINK Neurology for Kids, with offices in The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land, and Austin, Texas, the experienced pediatric neurology team specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of seizure disorders and can help your child get the care they need to control seizure activity. For an appointment within a few days, not weeks or months like most other pediatric neurology practices, contact the office nearest you by phone or online today.

What is a seizure disorder?

A seizure refers to an unexpected electrical disturbance in the brain that may affect behavior, movement, feelings, or levels of consciousness. Seizures are common and can occur after a head injury, illness, lack of sleep, or for no known reason. 

Your child may receive an epilepsy diagnosis if they have more than two seizures or seizures are recurrent.

What are the types of seizure disorders?

There are two classifications for seizure disorders, based on where and how the brain is affected during seizure activity. Seizure types include:

Focal seizures

Focal seizures only affect one area of the brain. These types of seizures may or may not lead to loss of consciousness and can sometimes be mistaken for other health issues, such as migraine headaches or narcolepsy.

Generalized seizures

Generalized seizures cause electrical disturbances throughout the entire brain. These seizures are further classified based on the types of symptoms they cause. 

No matter the type or symptoms, seizure disorders can be scary. The team at THINK Neurology for Kids can help you understand what’s going on and provide the care needed to minimize seizure activity.

How is a seizure disorder diagnosed?

The team at THINK Neurology for Kids conducts comprehensive evaluations when you come to the office with concerns about a seizure disorder for your child. During the evaluation, a pediatric neurologist reviews medical history and symptoms, as well as family medical history, then conducts a physical and neurological exam.

To further evaluate the neurological activity and confirm or rule out a seizure disorder, your child’s pediatric neurologist may need to conduct diagnostic testing, such as:

• CT scan
• PET scan
• Blood tests 
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• MRI

Many of these tests take place at the Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center campus. And the team also offers at-home EEG testing. The EEG measures electrical activity in the brain and can provide information about the type and patterns of the seizure activity. 

What are the treatments for a seizure disorder?

Your child’s pediatric neurologist develops a personalized treatment plan to assist in the management of a seizure disorder. In most cases, medication can effectively manage seizure activity. However, finding the right type of medication and dose can take time.

If medication fails to improve your child’s seizure disorder, your child’s THINK Neurology for Kids doctor and healthcare team may discuss other options, such as surgery or various therapies that use neurostimulation devices to help control electrical activity in the brain. They may also discuss diet modification as an option to aid in seizure control.

To schedule a consultation with the pediatric neurology experts for a seizure disorder evaluation, call THINK Neurology for Kids or click the online booking button today.