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Epilepsy

Shanker Dixit, MD -  - Neurology

Neurology Center of Las Vegas

Shanker Dixit, MD

Neurology located in Las Vegas, NV

Epilepsy can trigger alarming seizures that are sometimes so severe they're potentially life-threatening. Whatever type of seizures or epilepsy you have, neurologist Shanker Dixit, MD, Neurology Center of Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada, can help. Dr. Dixit has considerable experience using antiseizure medications and therapies like deep brain stimulation (DBS) to keep epilepsy under control. Call the Neurology Center of Las Vegas to book a consultation or schedule an appointment online today.

Epilepsy Q&A

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a condition that causes you to have seizures – disturbances in your brain's electrical pathways with sudden, uncontrollable changes in the way you move.

The most well-recognized symptom of epilepsy is jerking of the arms, legs, and sometimes the whole body that can be so severe it causes you to collapse. You might also experience confusion or a loss of awareness and feel fearful or anxious.

While other conditions, from fevers to brain tumors, can also result in such episodes, epilepsy is the most likely reason for recurrent seizures.

What types of seizures does epilepsy cause?

Focal seizures in epilepsy originate in a specific part of your brain. They can cause impaired awareness, so you might not realize what's happening, make repetitive movements, or gaze into space. 

Other types of focal seizures don't affect your awareness, but you might have sensory issues and move spontaneously.

Generalized seizures come from the whole brain. Types include:

  • Absence seizures (formerly petit mal seizures)
  • Tonic seizures
  • Atonic seizures
  • Clonic seizures
  • Myoclonic seizures

Tonic-clonic seizures (formerly known as grand mal seizures) are the most violent type of epileptic seizures, causing a sudden loss of consciousness, stiffening, and shaking. You may also suffer a loss of bladder control and bite your tongue. Tonic-clonic seizures are dramatic and may prove life-threatening. 

What treatments are available for epilepsy?

Antiseizure medications such as lorazepam, carbamazepine, gabapentin, and benzodiazepines are primary treatments for epilepsy. Some drugs require custom compounding made specifically for you.

You need to see Dr. Dixit regularly to monitor your medication levels and perform liver function and blood tests.

Other therapies that can help treat epilepsy include:

  • Vagus nerve stimulation
  • Responsive neurostimulation
  • Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
  • Dietary therapy

Dr. Dixit aims to find the combination of treatments that's most effective in preventing your seizures while minimizing the risk of side effects. With his expert help, you can keep your epilepsy under control and lead a rewarding, healthy life.

To benefit from Dr. Dixit's expertise in treating epilepsy, call Neurology Center of Las Vegas or book an appointment online today.