neuroscience
confusion, or
something else? Epilepsy rates rising among seniors
• uncontrollable jerking
[W]
“These include stroke,
movements of the arms
Alzheimer’s disease, head injuries,
or legs
brain tumors, brain surgery and
• l oss of consciousness or awareness
infections affecting the brain.
The symptoms usually last only
High blood pressure, heart disease
hen seniors experience
a minute or two, but it often takes
and chronic alcoholism are also
a sign of epilepsy, they may
older people longer to recover.
risk factors in seniors,” says
mistakenly label it a “senior moment”
“Although having these symptoms
Dr. Murro. Fortunately, the disorder
or think that their symptoms are caused
certainly does not mean you have
can generally be controlled with
by aging. That’s because epilepsy has
epilepsy, you should see your
medications or surgery.
traditionally been considered a disorder
physician if you experience them,”
that begins in youth.
says Dr. Murro. “Undiagnosed
“Physicians now know that people in their 60s, 70s and 80s are as likely
epilepsy can increase the risk of falls
Expert epilepsy care, right here in Augusta
and broken bones in seniors.”
Georgia Health Sciences operates the only Epilepsy Center in the area.
to begin having seizures as children. Americans are increasing faster than
What causes epilepsy in seniors?
rates in any other age group,” says
Epilepsy is caused by a glitch in the
Anthony Murro, MD, a neurologist
brain’s electrical system. In seniors,
diagnose epilepsy and pinpoint its
and epileptologist at Georgia Health
the causes are often directly related to
site of origin
Sciences Neuroscience Center.
physical changes associated with aging.
In fact, epilepsy rates among older
This regional referral center offers: • the area’s only epileptologists • an Epilepsy Monitoring Unit to
• the full range of epilepsy treatments including vagal nerve
A range of symptoms Epilepsy symptoms can vary considerably and may include: • temporary confusion • a staring spell
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georgiahealth.org
Help for epilepsy For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 706-721-4581 or visit georgiahealth.org/appointment.
stimulation and epilepsy surgeries • pharmacists who specialize in antiepileptic medications • nurse clinicians who educate patients and answer questions