Epilepsy and Seizures
Expert treatment for epilepsy and seizures in San Diego

Expert treatment for epilepsy and seizures in San Diego
Whether you’re newly diagnosed with epilepsy or have been living with seizures for years, you’ll find the expert care and support you need at Scripps.
Our board-certified neurologists are specially trained to care for people with epilepsy and seizures. We know that epilepsy is manageable, and we’re committed to your daily health and long-term well-being.
About epilepsy and seizures
Seizures are caused by sudden abnormal electricity in the brain and can cause odd sensations, unusual behavior, involuntary movements and loss of consciousness. Not all seizures are epilepsy, which is defined by a tendency to have recurrent seizures.
Anyone can develop epilepsy at any age. The causes of seizures are complex, and not all causes are known. The condition may be inherited from a parent. Some developmental disorders may raise the risk. Changes in the brain due to trauma, disease, stroke, a brain tumor or other factors also may lead to epilepsy.
Epilepsy symptoms
Symptoms of epilepsy can vary from person to person. The most common signs and symptoms include:
- Temporary confusion
- Staring without responding to sound or visual stimuli
- Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs
- Loss of consciousness or awareness
- Feelings of fear, anxiety or deja vu
Having these symptoms does not mean you have epilepsy. Many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions. But if you do have these symptoms, make an appointment with your physician to find the cause and appropriate treatment.
Diagnostic testing
Epilepsy is rarely diagnosed in a single visit. As part of your assessment, your doctor is likely to ask what your symptoms are like before, during and after a seizure. It is helpful to bring someone to your appointment who has witnessed your seizures and can describe them. Your doctor may also order diagnostic tests, including:
- Blood tests to check for infections or other causes of seizures
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) to look for abnormal electrical activity in the brain
- Neuropsychological testing to evaluate for memory and cognitive impairment that can occur in patients who have frequent seizures
- Imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scan to look for damaged tissue, tumors, bleeding or positron emission tomography (PET) scan to look for damaged tissue, tumors, bleeding or other issues in the brain
- Neuropsychological testing to evaluate for memory and cognitive impairment that can occur in patients who have frequent seizures.
Epilepsy treatment at Scripps
We take a collaborative approach to managing epilepsy and seizures. Our neurologists will partner with you to create a plan to help treat seizures and minimize side effects from treatment.
Epilepsy treatment locations
Scripps Health offers epilepsy services at the following locations in San Diego County: