top of page
Epilepsy and Concussions

Epilepsy, commonly referred to as a seizure disorder, is a neurological condition that causes recurring seizures. There are many forms of epilepsy, and while some individuals have an identifiable cause, for others the origin remains unknown.

​

This condition is more common than many realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1.2% of people in the United States are living with active epilepsy. It can affect individuals of all ages, races, ethnicities, and genders.

​

Seizure symptoms can differ significantly from person to person. Some may remain fully aware during a seizure, while others may lose consciousness. Symptoms can range from brief periods of staring to involuntary jerking or twitching of the arms and legs, known as convulsions.

​

​While a single concussion usually doesn't cause permanent brain damage, multiple concussions can lead to long-term cognitive and physical problems. Severe or repeated concussions can increase the risk of developing conditions like Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). The brain changes that occur after a concussion can disrupt brain function, impacting memory, balance, sleep, and mood. 

​

​

​

​

If you’re looking for conditions that require EEG (Electroencephalography), rEEG (Rapid EEG), and vEEG (Video EEG) for diagnosis and monitoring, here’s a breakdown by category:

1. Epilepsy & Seizure-Related Conditions

EEG, rEEG, and vEEG are essential tools for diagnosing and monitoring seizure disorders, including:

  • Epilepsy (Focal & Generalized Seizures)

  • Absence Seizures (Petit Mal)

  • Tonic-Clonic Seizures (Grand Mal)

  • Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE)

  • Frontal Lobe Epilepsy (FLE)

  • Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy (JME)

  • Status Epilepticus (Prolonged Seizures)

  • Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) – Differentiated using vEEG.


Why EEG is Used:

  • Detects abnormal electrical brain activity.

  • Helps classify seizure types for proper treatment.

  • Monitors the effectiveness of epilepsy treatment.• Moni


2. Head Trauma & Concussions

Concussions and other brain injuries can disrupt regular brain waves, requiring EEG monitoring:

  • Post-Concussion Syndrome – Symptoms persisting after a mild TBI.

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – EEG helps assess brain function after injury.

  • Second Impact Syndrome – Rare but fatal brain swelling after a second concussion.


Why EEG is Used:
• Detects abnormal slowing or spikes in brain waves.
• Identifies post-traumatic epilepsy (seizures after brain injury).
• Rapid EEG (rEEG) is used in emergency settings for quick assessment.

3. Sleep Disorders

Sleep-related EEG testing helps diagnose conditions such as:


Why EEG is Used:

  • Identifies abnormal sleep patterns.

  • Detects seizure-like activity in sleep.


4. Stroke & Vascular Disorders

EEG can help in the early detection and monitoring of stroke-related conditions:

  • Ischemic Stroke – EEG may show slowing in affected brain areas.

  • Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA, “Mini-Stroke”) – EEG can help detect subtle dysfunction.

  • EEG can monitor for seizure activity post-stroke.• Hemorrhagic Stroke


Why EEG is Used:

  • Detects slowing or suppression of brain waves.

  • Monitors the risk of post-stroke seizures.


5. Neurodegenerative & Cognitive Disorders

EEG can assist in diagnosing and monitoring conditions like:

  • Dementia (Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body, etc.) – EEG may show slowing of brain activity.

  • Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) – Rapid EEG changes help confirm diagnosis.

  •  Encephalopathy (Metabolic, Toxic, or Infectious) – EEG detects diffuse slowing or triphasic waves.


Why EEG is Used:

  • Identifies abnormal electrical slowing or sharp waves.

  • Helps differentiate types of dementia or brain dysfunction.
     

6. Infections & Autoimmune Disorders Affecting the Brain

Brain infections and autoimmune diseases can cause seizure-like activity:

  • Meningitis & Encephalitis – EEG detects cortical irritability.

  • Autoimmune Encephalitis (e.g., Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis) – EEG shows extreme delta brush patterns.

  • Reye’s Syndrome – A Rare condition affecting children; EEG shows slowing.


Why EEG is Used:

  • Identifies seizure risk in infections.

  • Monitors response to treatment.


Types of EEG Tests & Their Uses
1. Standard EEG – A short 20-40 minute recording to detect abnormal brain activity.
2. Rapid EEG (rEEG) – Used in emergency settings for quick assessment of seizures or brain function.
3. Video EEG (vEEG) – Long-term monitoring with video to capture seizure events and correlate with EEG changes.
4. Ambulatory EEG – A portable EEG device worn for 24-72 hours to detect intermittent seizure activity.

bottom of page