Epilepsy Care in Georgia

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological conditions, affecting people of all ages. At Georgia Epilepsy & Neurology Institute, we provide specialized care for adult epilepsy and pediatric epilepsy with epilepsy. Our focus is to identify the root cause of seizures, create effective treatment plans, and help every patient regain confidence and control over their life.

Our team, led by Dr. Ki Hyeong Lee, MD, Founder and Medical Director, and Dr. Joo Hee Seo, MD, Co-Lead Neurologist, brings years of advanced experience in epilepsy diagnosis and treatment. Together, they combine scientific precision with compassion to deliver care that empowers patients and families.

Understanding Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that causes recurring, unprovoked seizures. These seizures result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which may affect movement, awareness, behavior, or sensation. The condition can appear at any age and often varies in frequency and severity from person to person.

Epilepsy is not a single condition but a group of disorders with many possible causes. Some people develop epilepsy after a head injury or infection, while others may inherit it through genetic factors. Understanding each patient’s cause and seizure pattern allows for personalized and effective treatment.

Causes and Risk Factors

Epilepsy may develop due to one or more of the following:

  • Genetic predisposition

  • Head trauma or brain injury

  • Brain infection (such as meningitis or encephalitis)

  • Stroke or vascular abnormalities

  • Brain tumors or structural abnormalities

  • Metabolic or developmental disorders

  • Unknown or idiopathic causes

At Georgia Epilepsy & Neurology Institute, our team uses comprehensive testing to uncover the source of seizures and guide individualized treatment.

Common Symptoms

Epilepsy symptoms depend on the part of the brain affected and the type of seizure. Symptoms may include:

  • Sudden loss of awareness or staring spells

  • Uncontrollable jerking movements

  • Temporary confusion

  • Sudden falls or muscle stiffness

  • Repetitive movements or behaviors

  • Brief loss of consciousness

Some patients experience warning signs known as “auras,” such as strange sensations, smells, or visual disturbances before a seizure.

Diagnosis: Precision in Epilepsy Care

Accurate diagnosis is the cornerstone of effective epilepsy treatment. At our center, Dr. Lee and Dr. Seo utilize advanced diagnostic tools—including EEG, Ambulatory and long-term video EEG, and MRI coordination—to monitor brain activity and pinpoint the origin of seizures with precision.

To tailor the best course of care, we conduct a thorough review of each patient’s medical history, perform detailed neurological examinations, and analyze previous seizure episodes. This comprehensive approach helps us determine the specific type and cause of epilepsy and guide personalized treatment strategies.

In cases where seizures are infrequent or difficult to capture, patients may be referred for extended video EEG observation. Our goal is to confirm the diagnosis swiftly while minimizing stress and discomfort, ensuring every patient receives timely and compassionate care.

Treatment and Management Options for Epilepsy

Epilepsy treatment is most effective when customized to each individual’s needs. Options include:

Medication Therapy

  • Prescription medications help control seizures in most patients.
  • Physicians select the best medication and dosage based on age, seizure type, and other health factors.

Vagus Nerve Stimulator (VNS) Evaluation

  • For drug-resistant epilepsy, VNS therapy may reduce seizure frequency and intensity.
  • A device is implanted to send regular electrical pulses to the vagus nerve.

Responsive Neurostimulator (RNS) Assessment

  • For patients who don’t respond to medications, RNS may be considered.
  • The device monitors brain activity and delivers targeted stimulation to prevent seizures.

Ketogenic Diet Referral

  • A high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet may help reduce seizures, especially in children.
  • Requires supervision by a specialized medical team.

Lifestyle and Safety Plans

  • Education for patients and families on recognizing seizure triggers.
  • Includes creating rescue plans and improving safety at home, school, and work.

Surgical Management

  • In select cases, surgery may be an option to remove the brain area causing seizures.
  • Requires thorough evaluation including advanced brain imaging and neuropsychological testing.

Living With Epilepsy

Living with epilepsy can bring emotional and social challenges, but with proper treatment, most people lead full and active lives. Our team works closely with patients to track progress, adjust medications, and ensure emotional well-being. We also provide education to families and employers to promote understanding and support.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Seek emergency medical attention if seizures last longer than five minutes, occur back-to-back without recovery, or result in injury or breathing difficulty. Always inform your healthcare provider about any changes in seizure frequency or new side effects from medication.

FAQs About Epilepsy

A: Epilepsy can result from genetic factors, head injuries, infections, stroke, or developmental abnormalities. In some cases, the exact cause is unknown.

A: While most people manage epilepsy successfully with medication, some may achieve remission after years of seizure control. Surgical or device-based therapies can also improve outcomes.

A: Diagnosis involves EEG testing, neurological exams, and imaging studies to identify abnormal brain activity and seizure types.

A: Keep the person safe by clearing nearby objects, laying them on their side, and timing the episode. Do not restrain movement or place anything in their mouth.

A: Some types of epilepsy have a genetic link, but most patients develop the condition for reasons unrelated to family history.