Skip Navigation
Book Now! Find care near you Find care near you Find care near you
wellstar-logo
Wellstar Go Back
Go to MyChart

Questions? We can help!

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827)

Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Us
For Patients & Families For the Community For Providers About Us Careers
  • Start Your Care

  • Find a Doctor
  • Find a Location
  • Our Services
  • Virtual Visits
  • Planning

  • Accepted Insurance
  • Hospital Payment Planning
  • Financial Assistance
  • Pricing Information
  • Before Your Visit

  • Sign Up for MyChart
  • Visitation Guidelines
  • While You're Here

  • Support & Entertainment
  • Join an Event
  • After Your Visit

  • Pay Your Bill
  • Get Medical Records
  • Contact us
  • COVID-19 Support

  • COVID-19 Information
  • Vaccines
  • Testing Information
  • Foundation Relief
  • Community Care

  • In the Community
  • Health Highlights
  • Community Health Needs Assessment
  • Latest News
  • Center for Health Equity
  • Wellstar Find Help
  • Events & Programs

  • Events Calendar
  • On-Demand Classes
  • Support Groups
  • Give

  • Wellstar Foundation
  • Donate
  • Ways to Give
  • Thank a Caregiver
  • West Georgia
    Health Foundation
  • Volunteer

  • PeopleCare Advisory Council
  • For Adults
  • Care

  • Transfer a Patient
  • Cures Act
  • Refer a Patient
  • Lab Test Directory
  • Request to Conduct Research
  • Connect

  • Physician Relations
  • Request Imaging Services
  • Wellstar Clinical Partners
  • Wellstar Medical Group
  • Mayo Clinic Care Network
  • Medical Staff Services
  • Provider Recruitment
  • Log In

  • EpicCare Link
  • Lawson Connect
  • MyID Password Reset
  • Citrix Access
  • Leadership

  • Authority Board
  • Board Of Trustees
  • Foundation Board
  • Regional Health Boards
  • Executive Leadership
  • Awards, Recognition & Safety

  • Accreditation & Certifications
  • Awards & Recognition
  • Safety First Program
  • Nursing
  • Careers at Wellstar

  • Apply now
  • Upcoming virtual events
  • Why Wellstar?
  • Nursing Careers

  • Nursing (Direct Care)
  • Nursing Leadership
  • Nursing (Non-bedside)
  • Nursing Support
  • Physician, APP & Clinical Careers

  • Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)
  • Allied Health Professionals
  • Homecare & Hospice
  • Physicians
  • Support Team Careers

  • Administrative & Clerical
  • Coding, Compliance & HIM Systems
  • Facility, Environmental & Nutrition/Food Services
  • Information Technology & Systems
  • For Patients & Families
  • For the Community
  • For Providers
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Search Search Search
  • MyChart MyChart MyChart

Start Your Care

Find a DoctorFind a LocationOur ServicesVirtual Visits

Planning

Accepted InsuranceHospital Payment PlanningFinancial AssistancePricing Information

Before Your Visit

Sign Up for MyChartVisitation Guidelines

While You're Here

Support & EntertainmentJoin an Event

After Your Visit

Pay Your BillGet Medical RecordsContact us

COVID-19 Support

COVID-19 InformationVaccinesTesting InformationFoundation Relief

Community Care

In the CommunityHealth HighlightsCommunity Health Needs AssessmentLatest NewsCenter for Health EquityWellstar Find Help

Events & Programs

Events CalendarOn-Demand ClassesSupport Groups

Give

Wellstar FoundationDonateWays to GiveThank a CaregiverWest Georgia
Health Foundation

Volunteer

PeopleCare Advisory CouncilFor Adults

Care

Transfer a PatientCures ActRefer a PatientLab Test DirectoryRequest to Conduct Research

Connect

Physician RelationsRequest Imaging ServicesWellstar Clinical PartnersWellstar Medical GroupMayo Clinic Care NetworkMedical Staff ServicesProvider Recruitment

Log In

EpicCare LinkLawson ConnectMyID Password ResetCitrix Access
About Wellstar

Our patients are the center of everything we do. We're nationally ranked and locally recognized for our high-quality care, inclusive culture, exceptional doctors and caregivers, and one of the largest and most integrated healthcare systems in Georgia.

About Us

Leadership

Authority BoardBoard Of TrusteesFoundation BoardRegional Health BoardsExecutive Leadership

Awards, Recognition & Safety

Accreditation & CertificationsAwards & RecognitionSafety First ProgramNursing

Careers at Wellstar

Apply nowUpcoming virtual eventsWhy Wellstar?

Nursing Careers

Nursing (Direct Care)Nursing LeadershipNursing (Non-bedside)Nursing Support

Physician, APP & Clinical Careers

Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)Allied Health ProfessionalsHomecare & HospicePhysicians

Support Team Careers

Administrative & ClericalCoding, Compliance & HIM SystemsFacility, Environmental & Nutrition/Food ServicesInformation Technology & Systems
Questions? We can help!

Call (770) 956-STAR (7827)

Monday - Friday, 7 AM - 4:30 PM

Contact Us
Close
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Urgent Care
  • Primary Care
  • Virtual Care
  • Emergency Care
Close Close Close Book Now Menu
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Schedule With This Provider
  • Schedule At This Location
  • Urgent Care
  • Primary Care
  • Virtual Care
  • Emergency Care

Introducing

Wellstar Virtual Care

Access Wellstar healthcare providers
wherever you are.

Get started

Warning Warning Our "Book Now" feature should not be used for life threatening conditions such as heart attack, severe injury, poisoning, chest pain, or stroke. If you are experiencing such conditions, STOP and CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY or visit your nearest Emergency Department.

I Understand

Seizures


  • Home
  • Medical Services
  • Health Conditions and Diseases
  • Seizures
  • Overview
  • Prevention
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Ongoing Care

Seizure Overview

A seizure happens when the brain’s electrical system malfunctions, discharging electrical energy in an uncontrolled manner. A resulting surge of energy through the brain can cause unconsciousness and contraction of muscles.

When many people hear the word “seizure” they picture a series of convulsions and uncontrolled body shaking. In fact, not all seizures cause convulsion; some have mild symptoms.

There are two primary types of seizure. Focal (partial) seizures occur in just one part of the brain. Generalized seizures are due to abnormal activity on both sides of the brain.

Symptoms typically last from 30 seconds to two minutes and do not cause lasting damage. A seizure that lasts more than five minutes, or repeated seizures when the patient does not wake up between them, are considered medical emergencies.

There are a variety of causes including medication, high fever, head injury and some diseases. Epilepsy is defined as recurring seizures due to a brain disorder. Other causes are abnormal levels of sodium (salt) or glucose (sugar) in the blood, brain infection including meningitis, congenital brain defects, poisoning, kidney or liver failure, venomous bites, extremely high blood pressure, withdrawal from alcohol and certain drugs, drug abuse, stroke and toxemia (a bacteria-related blood poisoning) in pregnancy.

Wellstar neurologists are skilled and experienced in assessing patients with seizures to determine any underlying diseases or other causes. They also help patients and their families learn how to live with the possibility of seizures and manage and avoid triggers that bring them on.

Symptoms

It can be difficult to tell when someone is having a seizure because some of the symptoms are fairly subtle. Specific symptoms depend on the part of the brain that is involved. Symptoms come on suddenly and can include:

  • A brief blackout followed by a period of confusion and not remembering a period of time
  • Behavioral changes such as picking at clothing
  • Drooling or frothing at the mouth
  • Eye movements
  • Sounds including grunting and snorting
  • Loss of bladder/bowel control
  • Emotional/mood changes including anger, fear, panic, joy or laughter

In some cases warning signs occur before the attack. Examples are:

  • Fear or anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Vertigo (dizziness)
  • Visual symptoms like bright flashing lights, spots or wavy lines

Risk Factors

Certain factors in your personal and family history may make you more likely to experience seizures than other people. You may wish to note the presence of any of these in yourself or a child and discuss them with your Wellstar physician.

  • A baby who is small for its gestational age
  • A baby who has seizures in the first month of life
  • A baby with brain development problems
  • Bleeding into the brain
  • Abnormal blood vessels in the brain
  • Brain injury or lack of oxygen to the brain
  • A head injury followed by seizures
  • Brain tumors
  • Brain infections including meningitis
  • Stroke resulting from blockage of arteries and blood flow
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Family history of epilepsy or seizures accompanied by high fever
  • Fever-related seizures that are unusually long
  • Intellectual developmental disabilities
  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Use of illegal drugs including cocaine
Other Risk Factors

Other conditions that are also more common in people with seizures:

  • Learning problems requiring special help in school
  • Symptoms of depression, anxiety or mood changes
  • Sleeping problems
  • Not succeeding at home, at school or with friends
  • Unexplained falls or injuries
  • Headache

Seizure Prevention

Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent a seizure, you can take steps that may reduce the chance of having one, or having a recurrence.

  • Take all seizure-management and other medications prescribed by your doctor.
  • Get plenty of sleep, reduce stress, exercise and eat a healthy diet.
  • Make sure a family member records any seizure information or details to share with your doctor.
  • Use safety equipment like seat belts and helmets to prevent accidents that could lead to a brain injury.
  • Avoid alcohol and other substances.
  • Don’t drive if you have uncontrolled seizures.
  • If you have uncontrolled seizures avoid activities where loss of awareness could cause significant danger. Examples are climbing at heights, biking and swimming alone.

Seizure Diagnosis

It is important to see your Wellstar neurologist if you believe you have had a seizure or may have one. The symptoms can mirror those of other conditions; that’s why a professional medical diagnosis is so important.

A diagnosis starts with a comprehensive evaluation including medical and family history. Your doctor will examine you and will ask about symptoms, habits and lifestyle.

Tools and Tests

Wellstar neurologists use a variety of diagnostic tools and tests to identify the type and cause of seizures and whether they are related to underlying neurological conditions or other diseases. Among these:

  • Blood tests.
  • EEG (brain wave tests).
  • MRI to produce images of organs and structures in the body.
  • Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to obtain a small sample of cerebral spinal fluid for testing.

Seizure Treatment

Your neurologist will develop a treatment plan based on the results of the examination and test results as well as factors like age, overall health, type and frequency of seizures, your tolerance for specific medications and treatments, and your opinions and preferences.

Medication

Wellstar neurologists use innovative therapies and the newest, proven medications to help control seizures. Your doctor will discuss a medication plan with you, including the importance of compliance and the need to make periodic adjustments to the medicine in order to maximize its benefit.

While you are on seizure medication your doctor may order tests to monitor the effectiveness of the medicine. These could include blood tests, urine tests and EEG (brain wave tests).

EEG testing which can include ambulatory EEG or long term video EEG monitoring.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

Patients whose seizures are not well controlled with medication may benefit from Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). The procedure sends small pulses of energy to the brain from the Vagus nerve—a large nerve in the neck. A small battery is surgically placed into the chest wall; small wires are attached to the battery and placed under the skin around the Vagus nerve.

The battery is programmed to send energy impulses regularly to the brain. When a patient feels a seizure coming, he or she can activate the impulse, which often stops the seizures.

Your doctor will explain more about the procedure and why you may or may not be a good candidate for it.

Surgery

Wellstar neurosurgeons are highly skilled and experienced in the complex surgery that can relieve seizures in some patients. Depending on the individual situation, an operation may remove the part of the brain where the seizures are occurring. In some cases the surgery may help stop the spread of the abnormal electrical currents in the brain.

Patients may be kept awake during the surgery, as the brain does not feel pain. Also, this lets the neurosurgeon ask the patient to follow basic commands and ensure that key areas of the brain are undamaged.

Surgery is not a solution for everyone with seizures. It may be appropriate for those who:

  • Have seizures that cannot be controlled by medication.
  • Have seizures that always start in one area of the brain.
  • Have a seizure in a part of the brain that can be removed without disrupting important behaviors like speech, memory or vision.

You will likely have many questions for your neurosurgeon. Rest assured that your doctor and the rest of the Wellstar neuroscience team are ready to assist you at every step in the process—before, during and following surgery.

Ongoing Care for Seizures

Most people who have seizures learn to manage their symptoms and enjoy a normal life including productive work and family relationships. It is important to follow your doctor’s treatment plan and live a healthy lifestyle, which includes proper rest, nutrition, exercise and a minimum of stress.

More Information

For more information, call our outreach line.

(770) 956-STAR

Back to Top
Branding illustration
Wellstar Logo
More than healthcare. PeopleCare.
Branding illustration
For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal
Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency
For Job Seekers & Team
Careers Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Onboarding
For Students
Students Portal

Graduate Medical Education
Medical Residency Pharmacy Residency
For Business
Corporate Purchasing
For the Media
Media Room Community Health Needs Assessment
Help
Contact Us Pay Your Bill Policy & Privacy Information Hospital Transparency Information Price Transparency

Copyright © 2025 Wellstar Health System. All Rights Reserved.

Wellstar does not discriminate on, exclude people or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression or any other type of discrimination prohibited by law.

Cookie Preferences

We use cookies for booking and general analytics. Learn more about our internet privacy policy.