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Epilepsy Specialist

Lakeside Neurology and Wellness Center Our Services Epilepsy
Lakeside Neurology and Wellness Center - - Neurologist

Lori Schneider, MD

Neurologist & Medical Acupuncturist located in Cornelius, NC and serving patients from Huntersville, Davidson, Mooresville, Charlotte and Denver, NC

Over three million adults and children in the United States are living with epilepsy. As a board-certified neurologist, Lori Schneider, MD, understands how overwhelming the seizures and other symptoms of epilepsy can be. At Lakeside Neurology and Wellness Center in Cornelius, North Carolina, Dr. Schneider offers comprehensive, customized care using holistic supplements and traditional anti-seizure medications to reduce the frequency of your symptoms. For help managing epilepsy, call Lakeside Neurology and Wellness Center, or request an appointment online today.

Epilepsy Q & A

What is epilepsy?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects your central nervous system. The condition causes abnormal activity in your brain that triggers seizures and episodes of unusual behavior. 

There’s no clear understanding of what causes epilepsy in nearly half of those with the disorder. In the other half of epilepsy patients, contributing factors may relate to:

  • Genetics
  • Head trauma
  • Infectious diseases
  • Underlying brain conditions

Epilepsy can also result from autism and other developmental disorders. 

What are the symptoms of epilepsy?

The abnormal activity in your brain due to epilepsy can cause seizures that affect different functions of your body. You may develop:

  • Temporary confusion
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Unexplained fear and anxiety
  • Uncontrolled jerking movements in your limbs

There are two types of seizures you can have with epilepsy: 

Focal seizure

In a focal seizure, you may lose awareness of where you are or experience a loss of consciousness. 

Generalized seizure

In a generalized seizure, you may experience stiffening in your muscles, uncontrolled jerking of your arms or legs, or periods of staring into space. 

Any of these symptoms needs a prompt evaluation by an experienced neurologist like Dr. Schneider at Lakeside Neurology and Wellness Center. While life-threatening complications of epilepsy are rare, they are possible. 

How is epilepsy diagnosed?

During a diagnostic evaluation for epilepsy, Dr. Schneider takes time to review your medical history and your symptoms. She offers neurological exams to evaluate your motor skills, mental function, and behaviors. You may also need a blood test to identify infections, nutritional deficiencies, and metabolic abnormalities.

To identify brain abnormalities, Dr. Schneider may perform additional diagnostics, including: 

  • Electroencephalogram (EEG)
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scan
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Based on the results of your tests, Dr. Schneider creates a treatment plan to prevent seizures and other symptoms of epilepsy. 

How is epilepsy treated?

To help you control seizures, Dr. Schneider uses anti-seizures medications. She often combines them with natural supplements from Physician Therapeutics® and may put you on a special diet to optimize seizure control. 

It can take time to find the right medication and dosage to manage epilepsy. Dr. Schneider continues to monitor the frequency of your seizures and the benefits of your medication therapy. 

If you need help managing epilepsy, schedule a diagnostic evaluation online or by calling Lakeside Neurology and Wellness Center today.