Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a condition of the brain that causes seizures. A seizure is a disturbance in the electrical communication between neurons in the brain. Seizure symptoms vary quite a bit, from blank stares to twitching in arms and/or legs for several seconds. The diagnosis of epilepsy is typically given after a person has at least two seizures that were caused by an unknown medical condition.

Accurate diagnosis and treatment

Treating epilepsy is like solving a puzzle — you need to put together many different pieces to find the right approach.  Prisma Health is one of only two centers in South Carolina accredited as a level 4 epilepsy center by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC). That means we offer the most advanced testing:

• Our epileptologists can determine whether you’ve had a seizure, the type of seizure and the right treatment. 
• Treatment ranges from medication to the latest surgical techniques, such as vagal nerve stimulation. 
• You can improve quality of life and reduce — or even eliminate — the health risks of epilepsy.

Find an Epilepsy Specialist

Comprehensive testing 

Our non-invasive tests provide information about the electrical activity in your brain and what might be causing your seizures. Even if you’ve had a diagnosis, if you’re having new symptoms, or your seizures aren’t responding to treatment, it might be time to take another look.

• Blood tests
• Computed tomography (CT)
• Detailed medical history 
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

24/7 monitoring unit

Part of our advanced care includes a dedicated unit located in Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital. The unit provides extended monitoring of seizure activity in adults and children whose seizures are difficult to diagnose and manage. Extended monitoring is also used to evaluate surgery candidates.

• Specially trained technicians and nurses record ongoing seizure information in real-time.
• Continual digital monitoring (EEG and video) ensure accurate diagnosis of seizure type, length and origin.
• Extended monitoring ensures seizures are captured (only about 30% of seizures are found in a single EEG).
• Extended monitoring helps pinpoint where seizures are occurring and rule out non-epileptic seizures.

When to see our specialists

• A second seizure immediately follows the first.
• An injury occurred during a seizure.
• Breathing or consciousness doesn't return after the seizure stops.
• Seizures are not responding to treatment.
• Seizures last more than five minutes.
• You are experiencing high fever or heat exhaustion.
• You have diabetes.
• You have had at least two seizures.
• You are pregnant.