Information and Resources

Individuals with epilepsy may experience weaknesses or difficulties in learning, mood, attention and behavior that can interfere with functioning in everyday life. A neuropsychologist can help to understand how a person learns and sees the world. This information can be used to develop recommendations to support an individual’s ability to reach their goals and be successful.

Due to the unique needs of individuals with epilepsy, it is not unusual for an individual to require care from multiple specialties. For the pediatric patient, especially, it is important that neurology and neuropsychology experts work collaboratively. At NeurAbilities, patients are able to benefit from a collaborative approach, allowing multiple professionals involved in a child’s care to communicate directly and provide coordinated care.

Generally, the best way to describe the evaluation process is to tell children that they will be meeting with a doctor who will want to get to know them. I like to describe the testing process as my opportunity to understand how a child learns and sees the world. For many children, it can be helpful to avoid the word “test” and describe the process as “activities.” It can also be a good idea to plan something fun for you and your child to do at the end of the appointment (e.g., going out to lunch) to give them a reward for their hard work.

Epilepsy is a neurological (brain) disorder of abnormal brain activity characterized by a predisposition for recurrent seizures. Seizure symptoms can vary widely, including convulsions, periods of unusual behavior, unusual sensations or perceptions, impaired or loss of motor control, involuntary movements, and/or loss of awareness or consciousness. There are many neurobiological, cognitive, psychological, and social consequences of epilepsy. Not all seizures are epileptic.

A neurology evaluation is an important first step in understanding if you have epilepsy. At an initial visit, there will be an exploration about the details and circumstances of any symptoms that are concerning for seizures, as well as obtaining a complete and comprehensive medical, neurological, neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and family history, accompanied by a physical and neurological examination. From this information, further neurodiagnostic testing may be recommended, including high-density electroencephalography (HD-EEG, a brain wave test), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI, providing details of brain anatomy), genetic testing (assessing for genetic variants or mutations causing or contributing to epilepsy), laboratory testing, neuropsychological evaluation, and other potential tests or evaluations.

The first step is to determine, identify, and treat an underlying biological or other cause for seizures. To control seizures, there are a wide array of pharmacological options (medications), as well as non-pharmacological treatments, such as supplements, specialized diets, and in certain cases, brain stimulators and surgeries.

• Child Neurology Foundation – Epilepsy Education Hub

• About Epilepsy
• Types of Seizures