Seizures
Seizure and Epilepsy Care for Northwestern Illinois & Southern Wisconsin
A seizure is frightening and often poorly remembered. Evaluation combines what you experienced, what witnesses observed, and testing that helps clarify the cause and the risk of recurrence. Serving patients throughout Northwestern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
What is a seizure?
A seizure is a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Depending on where it begins and how far it spreads, it may cause loss of awareness, stiffening and jerking of the limbs, staring, unusual sensations, or brief interruptions in behavior.
Possible seizure symptoms
- Loss of consciousness or awareness
- Stiffening followed by rhythmic jerking
- Staring spells with unresponsiveness
- Repetitive movements such as lip smacking or picking
- Tongue biting or loss of bladder control
- Unusual smells, tastes, rising sensations, or déjà vu
- Confusion, headache, or exhaustion afterward
First seizure
A first seizure always deserves medical evaluation. Some seizures are provoked by identifiable factors such as sleep deprivation, alcohol withdrawal, metabolic abnormalities, or medications; others reflect an underlying tendency toward recurrent seizures. That distinction affects treatment and driving recommendations.
Read: What happens after a first seizure? →Epilepsy
Epilepsy describes an ongoing tendency toward recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Many people with epilepsy achieve good seizure control with appropriate medication and consistent follow-up.
Neurological evaluation
- Detailed history from you and from witnesses
- Neurological examination
- Laboratory studies
- EEG to record the brain's electrical activity
- MRI or CT of the brain
- Review of medications and sleep
EEG
An EEG records electrical activity from the scalp using small sensors. It is painless and can show patterns associated with a tendency toward seizures.
MRI
Brain imaging looks for a structural cause. MRI provides more detail than CT for most seizure evaluations and is used when appropriate.
Treatment and medication management
Treatment decisions depend on the type of seizure, the results of testing, your other medical conditions, and your recurrence risk. Ongoing management includes monitoring effectiveness and side effects, adjusting medication when needed, and reviewing sleep, stress, and other factors that influence seizure control.
Seizure safety
- Consistent sleep and consistent medication timing
- Caution with swimming, bathing, heights, and machinery until cleared
- Following state driving requirements after a seizure
- Teaching family and coworkers basic seizure first aid
- Keeping a record of any events and possible triggers
When to call 911
Frequently asked questions
- What happens during a first seizure evaluation?
- The evaluation combines a detailed history from you and any witnesses, a neurological examination, laboratory studies, and usually an EEG and brain imaging. The goal is to determine what happened, whether something provoked it, and how likely it is to happen again.
- What does an EEG evaluate?
- An EEG records the brain's electrical activity through small sensors placed on the scalp. It is painless and can show patterns associated with a tendency toward seizures.
- Does one seizure mean I have epilepsy?
- Not necessarily. Some seizures are provoked by identifiable factors such as sleep deprivation, alcohol withdrawal, metabolic problems or medications. Epilepsy describes an ongoing tendency toward recurrent, unprovoked seizures.
- Can I drive after a seizure?
- Driving is governed by state requirements, which differ in Illinois and Wisconsin, and by your individual situation. This is reviewed directly with you at your visit.
Request a Neurology Appointment
Text 815-276-7050 with your first name and the word "appointment," or call 815-337-7100 to schedule. Our office will follow up to confirm your evaluation.
In-person visits and televisits (telehealth) are both available.
What happens after you text
Text 815-276-7050 with your first name and the word "appointment." Our office calls you back to schedule — you do not need to fill out a form.
When you'll hear back
Texts and calls received during office hours are typically returned the same business day. You can also call 815-337-7100 directly.
Insurance and referrals
Insurance participation and referral requirements vary by plan. Our office will confirm what your plan requires before your visit.
Please do not send urgent or emergency medical information by text. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention. Please avoid sending sensitive medical information by ordinary SMS unless instructed otherwise.