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As one of the country’s first board-certified epileptologists, Amor Mehta, MD, at the Neurology Center for Epilepsy and Seizures has created a system of solutions that help each patient with epilepsy find the right treatment for their unique medical needs. You receive comprehensive diagnostic testing and integrative medical care for epilepsy all under one roof, so you can avoid the expense of a hospital-based diagnostic facility. If you’ve suffered a seizure, call the office in Marlboro Township, New Jersey, or use the online booking system to schedule an appointment today.

Epilepsy Q&A

Epilepsy is a disorder in which you have recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A seizure is a brief event that occurs when a chemical imbalance in the brain causes a sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity. As the neurons fire electrical impulses, they send motor signals to other parts of your body, which results in uncontrollable movements.

You’re diagnosed with epilepsy when you have at least two unprovoked seizures that occur more than 24 hours apart, or when you have one seizure and have a high risk of further seizures.

While epilepsy is best known as a seizure disorder, it’s a syndrome that has a broader influence on your health, affecting your cognitive, psychological, and social well-being. For example, you may experience changes in your sleeping habits or have a hard time regulating your emotions.

Epilepsy causes different types of seizures that are categorized according to where the seizure begins in your brain and your level of awareness during the seizure. Some seizures make you lose consciousness, but you stay awake during other types of seizures.

Each type of seizure causes specific body movements. As a group, epileptic seizures cause:

  • Jerking movements
  • Whole-body spasms
  • Brief muscle twitches
  • Loss of muscle tone
  • Rigid muscles
  • Staring into space
  • Breathing problems
  • Not responding to words
  • Heightened senses
  • Repetitive movements

A few examples of repetitive movements include lip-smacking, hand-clapping, and chewing.

As specialists in epilepsy, the experts at the Neurology Center for Epilepsy and Seizures take an integrative approach to your treatment. They offer most of the diagnostic testing you need in the office, including the Micromed® EEG system and video EEG monitoring.

After determining the type of epileptic seizure you have, they develop an individualized treatment plan that may include one or more of these treatments:

Medication

About 70% of all patients with epilepsy find that medication improves their symptoms and helps control their seizures. Most anticonvulsant medications prevent seizures by regulating brain chemicals.

Epilepsy diet therapy

The foods you eat directly affect your brain and nerve activity. Normal electrical activity in neurons depends on fats, while neurotransmitter production depends on certain nutrients.

An epilepsy diet that’s low in carbohydrates and high in fat and proteins helps regulate your brain chemistry and reduces seizures. The team at the Neurology Center for Epilepsy and Seizures creates a meal plan that suits your individual needs.

Neuromodulation therapy

Neuromodulation therapy sends mild electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, which decreases seizure frequency and intensity.

Medical cannabis

Cannabis-based medications such as cannabidiol (CBD) may help reduce seizure frequency in patients with intractable epilepsy. Dr. Mehta is a registered provider with the New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana Program, which allows patients with seizure disorders to purchase cannabinoid products.

Epilepsy surgery

Epilepsy surgery may be an option if your seizures don’t improve with other treatments. There are several types of neurosurgery for epilepsy. The best option depends on your type of seizure and where it starts in your brain.

You can receive comprehensive care for epilepsy at the Neurology Center for Epilepsy and Seizures. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

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