Clear instructions for urgent neurological symptoms — day or night

Neurological symptoms can appear suddenly and may require immediate medical attention. At Georgia Epilepsy & Neurology Institute, patient safety is always our highest priority. This page explains when to call 911, when to go to the emergency room, and how to reach us after hours for urgent concerns — along with important policies that help us provide safe, consistent care.

When to Call 911 or Visit the Emergency Room

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately if any of the following occur:

  • A seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes
  • Multiple seizures occur without full recovery between episodes
  • Breathing difficulty, choking, or turning blue during or after a seizure
  • Injury during a seizure (fall, head trauma, burns, etc.)
  • Sudden weakness, numbness, speech difficulty, or vision loss (possible stroke)
  • New confusion, severe headache, or sudden change in consciousness

Our team coordinates with local emergency departments to ensure seamless neurological follow‑up after hospital visits.

After‑Hours Communication

For urgent but non‑life‑threatening concerns outside of business hours, call our main office number and follow the recorded instructions to reach the on‑call provider.

Examples of appropriate after‑hours concerns include:

  • New or worsening neurological symptoms
  • Concerning medication side effects
  • Questions about seizure clusters or changes in frequency

We aim to return urgent after‑hours calls as promptly as possible. All non‑urgent calls are addressed the next business day.

Medication Refill Policy (Important)

For safety and accuracy, medication refills are not handled after hours.

Refills require chart review, pharmacy verification, and documentation — all of which must be completed during regular business hours.

Please request refills:

  • During office hours, or
  • Through your pharmacy or patient portal

This policy ensures safe prescribing practices and prevents delays in your care.

If You Are Unsure, Choose Safety

If you are uncertain whether a situation is an emergency, err on the side of caution and call 911 first. Emergency medical teams can provide immediate stabilization and transport if needed.

Partnering Hospitals

We maintain close relationships with major hospitals across North Atlanta to ensure coordinated inpatient and outpatient neurological care. This allows for smooth transitions from emergency treatment to follow‑up care in our clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ensure safety, time the event, and follow your seizure action plan. Please record the seizure with a phone if possible. Call 911 for seizures lasting longer than 5 minutes or for repeated events without recovery.

Yes — for urgent, non‑emergency concerns. Call our main number and follow the instructions. If it is an emergency such as an acute seizure, please call 911.

Urgent care centers are generally not equipped for seizure evaluation. For acute events, go to the ER or call 911.

Follow your medication plan. If you are unsure, contact us during business hours.

Our team coordinates with local hospitals to ensure timely follow‑up and continuity of care.