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Seizures and Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent and unpredictable seizures, which are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. 

Seizures, the hallmark symptom of epilepsy, occur due to sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain disrupting its normal functioning.

We offer people in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and select patients from Newfoundland timely access to a comprehensive epilepsy program, including investigational drugs and surgical techniques including:

  • specialty outpatient clinics with support from Neuropsychology and Social Work
  • a four-bed inpatient Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (Phase I and Phase II studies)
  • state-of-the-art imaging techniques (3T MRI, and PET)
  • a variety of surgical options, including cortical resection, lesionectomy, corpus callosotomy, stereotactic EEG radiofrequency thermocoagulation, deep brain stimulation and vagus nerve stimulator implantation
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Seizures can vary widely in their intensity, duration, and manifestation, ranging from brief lapses in awareness to convulsions involving involuntary movements of the body. Epilepsy affects people of all ages and backgrounds and can stem from various factors, including genetics, brain injury, infections, or developmental disorders. While epilepsy is a chronic condition, many individuals with epilepsy can manage their seizures with medication, lifestyle adjustments, or, in some cases, surgery.

Seizures can lead to a wide array of symptoms, including temporary confusion, loss of consciousness, muscle spasms, sensory disturbances, or even unusual behaviors. Seizures are classified into different types based on their characteristics and the areas of the brain affected. While some seizures may be relatively benign and go unnoticed, others can pose significant risks to the individual's safety and well-being. Understanding the nature of seizures and their underlying causes is crucial for proper diagnosis, treatment, and management of epilepsy.

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