Seizures Specialist

The Belinga Clinic Our Services Seizures
The Belinga Clinic - - Neurologist

The Belinga Clinic

Neurologists located in Fort Smith, AR

Seizures occur because of a sudden electrical event within your brain. A seizure doesn’t always require treatment, but medical management can help control recurring seizures and prevent adverse symptoms. Steve-Felix Belinga, MD, and his caring team at The Belinga Clinic have the skills and training to address all types of seizures, including epilepsy. To schedule an evaluation for seizures with Dr. Belinga, call the office in Fort Smith, Arkansas, or request an appointment online today.

Seizures Q & A

What are seizures?

A seizure occurs when there’s a sudden disturbance in your brain’s electrical activity. Some seizures go unnoticed, while others can affect your behavior, emotions, and movements, and may cause loss of consciousness. 

Epilepsy refers to a group of disorders associated with chronic recurrent seizures that arise spontaneously, without a trigger. Epilepsy affects around 2.3 million adults and more than 450,000 children in the United States.

What are the symptoms of a seizure?

Some people have multiple seizures, while for others, it’s a one-time occurrence. They can vary in severity and duration. 

There are several types of seizures, including:

Focal seizures

Focal seizures affect only one area in your brain. Some focal seizures involve loss of awareness or consciousness. If you have this type of seizure, you may stare into space or fail to respond to stimuli in your environment.

Focal seizures without loss of consciousness may affect your perception or cause involuntary movements, but you remain aware and responsive.

Generalized seizures

Generalized seizures involve abnormal electrical activity in the entire brain. There are several types of generalized seizures, including: 

  • Tonic seizures, which cause intense muscle stiffness
  • Atonic seizures, which cause a loss of muscle control
  • Clonic seizures, which cause repeated, jerking movements

Tonic-clonic seizures, also known as grand mal seizures, are a severe epileptic seizure that can cause sudden loss of consciousness, intense shaking, full-body stiffness, and loss of bladder control.

How does a doctor address seizures?

An isolated seizure may not require treatment, but you should schedule an evaluation with an experienced neurologist if you have frequent or recurrent seizures. Dr. Belinga has expertise in diagnosing and treating epilepsy and other seizures. He can ensure that your seizures don’t put you in harm's way, and that you can continue your daily activities with minimal interruption.

Based on the type of seizure, your medical history, and other considerations, Dr. Belinga may recommend:

  • Medication
  • Deep brain stimulation
  • Neurostimulation
  • Vagus nerve stimulation

Dietary changes may also improve your seizures. In some cases, a surgical procedure can address the cause of the abnormal electrical activity that causes seizures.

To learn more about effective management for seizures, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Belinga. Call The Belinga Clinic today, or make an appointment online. 

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