Seizure Disorders

A seizure can temporarily affect how you move, respond, experience sensations, or remain aware. If you have experienced a seizure, an evaluation can help determine what happened, what may have caused it, and whether you need treatment. 

At WMCHealth, our epilepsy specialists care for adults and children with first-time seizures, recurrent seizures, and complex epilepsy. We offer advanced testing, medication management, surgical evaluation, and coordinated care based on your individual needs.  

Types of Seizures 

Seizures are generally classified into two broad categories, based on location and brain activity. 

Focal Seizures 

Focal seizures happen when there is an outburst of electrical activity in one area of the brain. You may or may not remain fully aware during the seizure or experience changes in awareness. 

Generalized Seizures 

Generalized seizures seem to involve both sides of the brain from the start. Types include: 

• Tonic seizures 
• Atonic seizures 
• Absence seizures 
• Myoclonic seizures 
• Tonic-clonic seizures 

Causes of Seizures and Epilepsy 

Many different conditions can disrupt the brain’s normal electrical activity. In some people, the cause of epilepsy cannot be identified. 

Possible causes include: 

• Genetic conditions 
• Brain injury before or after birth 
• Stroke 
• Traumatic brain injury 
• Brain tumors 
• Brain infections 
• Developmental brain abnormalities 
• Autoimmune conditions 
• Neurodegenerative diseases 

Some people experience seizures because of temporary medical conditions rather than epilepsy. These may include: 

• High fever 
• Low blood sugar 
• Low sodium 
• Severe illness 
• Certain medications 
• Alcohol withdrawal 
• Recreational drug use 
• Significant sleep deprivation 

Diagnosing Seizures 

Because seizures can resemble other medical conditions, a thorough evaluation can help clarify what happened. Your care team will review your medical history, symptoms, medications, and any descriptions or videos of your episodes before recommending testing. 

Depending on your situation, testing may include: 

• Neurological examination  
• Electroencephalogram (EEG)  
• Video EEG monitoring  
• MRI or other brain imaging  
• Blood tests  
• Genetic testing, when appropriate  

Some patients may also benefit from evaluation in WMCHealth’s Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU), where continuous video and EEG monitoring help your care team better understand seizure activity and guide treatment decisions. 

Seizure Treatment 

Treatment depends on the cause of your seizures, how often they occur, and your overall health. Your care team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your needs and goals. 

Medication 

Anti-seizure medications are often the first treatment for epilepsy. Your neurologist will work with you to identify the medication and dose that help control your seizures while limiting side effects. 

Dietary Therapy 

Some people with difficult-to-control epilepsy may benefit from specialized dietary therapy. Your care team can help determine whether this option is appropriate for you. 

Epilepsy Surgery Evaluation 

If seizures continue despite trying two appropriate medications, your neurologist may recommend an evaluation for epilepsy surgery or another advanced treatment. An evaluation helps determine which options may be appropriate for you. 

Surgical treatments may include traditional procedures or minimally invasive laser ablation, also called laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT). 

Neuromodulation 

When medication alone isn’t enough, some patients may benefit from devices that use electrical stimulation to reduce seizure activity, including: 

• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) 

• Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) 

• Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) 

Why Choose WMCHealth for Seizure Care? 

Whether you have experienced your first seizure or need care for complex epilepsy, our team coordinates treatment around your diagnosis, life stage, and goals. 

Highlights include: 

• Level 4 epilepsy care: Westchester Medical Center, the flagship of the WMCHealth Network, provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for complex and drug-resistant epilepsy.  
• Transition care for young adults: The Transition Clinic for Pediatric to Adult Epilepsy Care offers evaluations, individualized treatment plans, adult-care guidance, and strategies for greater independence.  
• Specialized care for women: The Clinic for Women with Epilepsy addresses hormonal changes, family planning, pregnancy, medication management, birth control interactions, bone health, and menopause.  
• Multidisciplinary expertise: Epileptologists collaborate with neurosurgeons, neuropsychologists, neuroradiologists, rehabilitation specialists, maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and other providers as needed. 

Transitioning From Pediatric to Adult Epilepsy Care 

Moving from pediatric to adult epilepsy care brings new responsibilities and decisions. At WMCHealth’s Transition Clinic for Pediatric to Adult Epilepsy Care, we help you prepare for this next stage while maintaining continuity in your treatment. 

Our team offers: 

• Comprehensive medical evaluations  
• Individualized treatment plans  
• Guidance on managing epilepsy in adulthood  
• Support for complex epilepsy  
• Strategies for becoming more independent in your care  

We provide the information and support you need to take a more active role in managing epilepsy as an adult. 

Epilepsy Care for Women 

Hormonal changes and different life stages can affect epilepsy symptoms, medications, and treatment planning. At WMCHealth’s Clinic for Women with Epilepsy, our epileptologists provide individualized care from adolescence through menopause. 

Services include: 

• Life-stage care: Evaluation and treatment for concerns such as catamenial epilepsy and changes during menopause  
• Family planning: Medication review, folic acid guidance, and planning before pregnancy  
• Pregnancy and postpartum care: Coordination with maternal-fetal medicine specialists, medication monitoring, and individualized delivery and postpartum plans  
• Women’s health support: Guidance on birth control interactions, bone health, and other epilepsy-related concerns  

Our specialists work with you to support seizure management, reproductive health, and long-term well-being through each stage of life. 

Patient Resources for Living with Epilepsy

Managing epilepsy often involves questions between appointments. These resources can help you prepare for care, respond to seizures, and manage daily life. 

Epilepsy New Patient Welcome Packet 

Our welcome packet includes practical information about seizure first aid, medication refills, seizure tracking, monitoring devices, smartphone videos, driving, SUDEP, mental health support, telehealth visits, and the patient portal.  

Download the Epilepsy New Patient Welcome Packet 

What to Expect in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

Learn how to prepare for an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit stay and what to expect during your evaluation. 

Adult patients (English | Spanish)

Pediatric patients (English | Spanish)

Epilepsy Education and Support

The following resources can support people with epilepsy and their loved ones: 

• Epilepsy Foundation 
• Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) Fact Sheet 
• Mark Shaparin Foundation 

Nonepileptic Seizures and Functional Neurological Disorders 

These resources provide information about events that may resemble epileptic seizures but have other causes: 

• Psychogenic Non Epileptic Seizures (PNES) 
• NeuroSymptoms.org 
• FND Hope 

Driving and Medical Review Information 

Learn how to report a medical, physical, mental, or combined condition to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Medical Review Unit. 

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Medical Review Unit 

Epilepsy Coalition of New York State (ECNYS) Provider Agencies

NY State Epilepsy Patient Groups

Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York, Inc.
3 Washington Square
Albany, NY 12205
518.456.7501
Fax: 518.452.1282
Contact: Jeannine Garab, Executive Director
[email protected]
efneny.org

Epilepsy Foundation of Long Island
1500 Hempstead Turnpike
East Meadow, NY 11554
516.739.7733
Contact: Tom Hopkins, President and CEO           
[email protected]
epicli.org

Epilepsy Association of Western New York
339 Elmwood Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14222
716.883.5396 ext. 407
716.883.5403 (Fax)
Contact: Jeffrey Irwin, Executive Director
[email protected]
epilepsywny.org

Epilepsy Alliance of West Central NY, a part of EPI (Empowering People’s Independence)
1650 South Avenue
Suite 300
Rochester, NY 14620
585.442.4430 ext. 2741
Fax: 585.442.6305
Contact: Michael Radell, Education Coordinator/Camp Director
[email protected]
epiny.org

Epilepsy Society of Southern NY/Capabilities Partnership, Inc.
450 West Nyack Road
West Nyack NY 10994
845.627.0627 ext. 112
Fax: 845.627.0629
Contacts: Anna Vero, Executive Director of Administration; Kim Egan, Executive Director of Clinical Services
[email protected]
[email protected]
cpiny.org

Epilepsy Foundation of Metropolitan New York
65 Broadway
Suite 505
New York, NY 10006
212.677.8550
Fax: 212.677.5825
Contact: Elinor LaTouche, MPA, Executive Director
[email protected]
efmny.org