Our Services / Seizures

What are seizures?

Seizures are sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in your brain that change your movements, feelings, and behaviors. As a result of a seizure, you can also lose consciousness for some time.

Typically, seizures last from 30 seconds to two minutes, depending on where they start in your brain. While the cause of some seizures isn’t identifiable, you can experience a seizure because of:

• Head injury
• Infection
• Stroke
• High fever
• Brain tumor
• Autoimmune disease
• Excessive alcohol use
• Lack of sleep
• Use of certain medications and illegal drugs

If you have two or more seizures within 24 hours for unknown reasons, you may have epilepsy.

When should I seek treatment for seizures?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Neurology Specialists of Albuquerque if you have symptoms of seizures like:

• Fear
• Anxiety
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Uncontrolled jerks in the arms or legs

If you lose consciousness or have difficulty breathing even after the seizure stops, schedule an appointment. Dr. Ownbey offers comprehensive health evaluations, including physical exams, neurological exams, and blood work on-site to identify what’s causing your seizures.

You may also need an electroencephalogram (EEG), a test that records electrical activity in your brain to determine if you’re at risk for additional seizures. 

Other diagnostic imaging tests are also available in-office to identify brain abnormalities that can trigger seizures.

How are seizures treated?

If you have more than one seizure, you may need to take medications to prevent new seizures. Dr. Ownbey works with you to find the best medication for you. He also continues to monitor your treatment to ensure it’s working and not causing unwanted side effects.

You may also benefit from making lifestyle and diet changes that support your overall health. Many people find relief from seizures by following a high-fat, low-carb diet (ketogenic diet). Dr. Ownbey reviews your nutritional needs and can make recommendations based on your general health.

When conservative therapies aren’t enough to control your seizures, you may need electrical stimulation, a procedure to alter the electrical activity in your brain. Dr. Ownbey may also recommend surgery to prevent seizures from occurring.

To learn more about the available options for treating and preventing seizures, call Neurology Specialists of Albuquerque or book an appointment online today.