Patients who suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI), such as a fall, car accident, or sports-related injury, are at an increased risk for experiencing a seizure. The most common types of seizures caused by a TBI are partial (or focal) seizures and tonic-clonic seizures. Patients who suffer more severe injuries, such as penetrating head injuries, skull fractures, or injuries that result in a coma that lasts more than 24 hours, are more likely to develop post-traumatic epilepsy.

The Responsive Neuro System (RNS®) is the first and only brain-responsive neurostimulation system designed to prevent epileptic seizures at their source. The RNS neurostimulator is a small, implantable device connected to wires (or leads) that are placed in up to two seizure onset areas. The device continuously monitors brain activity, detects abnormal patterns, and in response delivers imperceptible electrical pulses to normalize the activity before an individual experiences seizures.

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is one of the main tests used to diagnose epilepsy. There are several types of EEGs that may be performed. Routine A routine EEG is a test that uses small flat metal disks called electrodes that are attached to your scalp. The electrodes detect the electrical activity in your brain. You will experience little or no pain or discomfort during the EEG. A routine EEG typically takes 30 minutes to an hour to complete and is done during a scheduled appointment with your doctor. Ambulatory It can sometimes be difficult to detect a seizure episode during a routine EEG.

If your epilepsy fails to respond to multiple medications or other treatment options, you may want to consider a second opinion. At Inova, our team of neurology specialists will work closely with your referring neurologist to review your diagnosis and treatments you’ve tried.

There are currently no medications that cure epilepsy, but there are medications that can help control epilepsy. Each patient with epilepsy responds differently to medication, but a single medication or a combination of medications may help to control seizures. Your doctor will work closely with you to determine which medications work best for you. However, for some people, medication does not work to control their seizures.

If Medication Is Not Enough, VNS Therapy® May Be Right for You Fortunately, there are other epilepsy treatments that may help control your seizures and improve your quality of life even when medications are not enough. One of the options we may recommend is vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) Therapy. VNS Therapy is indicated for use as an adjunctive therapy in reducing the frequency of seizures in adults and adolescents older than 12 years of age with partial onset seizures that do not respond to anti-seizure medications.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, all in-person Inova public classes and events have been postponed until further notice.  This action is being taken as a precaution to assure the health and well-being of attendees, event staff and the community at large. Thank you for your patience and understanding.