Medication
Treatment can help most people with epilepsy have fewer seizures, or stop having seizures completely. Treatments include: medicines called anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) surgery to remove a small part of the brain that's causing the seizures. a procedure to put a small electrical device inside the body that can help control seizures.
Procedures
Diet Therapy for Epilepsy, Including Ketogenic Diet. High fat, very low-carbohydrate diets, when calibrated and administered by a doctor and followed precisely, can help ease recurrent seizures in some cases. Johns Hopkins offers diet therapy for epilepsy for both pediatric and adult patients, using the ketogenic diet and the modified Atkins diet. More about diet therapy for …
Therapy
Apr 07, 2022 · Common anticonvulsant medications in the treatment of epilepsy, in addition to those already mentioned, include: Clonazepam; Phenytoin; Beclamide; Benzobarbital; Valproate.
Self-care
Not every person will reach that goal right now, but research and specialty care help more people achieve it each year. While seizure medicines are the mainstay of epilepsy treatment, there are other approaches to think about too, including. Surgery Neurostimulation devices Dietary therapy Complementary health approaches Clinical trials
Nutrition
It is essential that the type of epilepsy and the type of seizures both are diagnosed properly. There are several major classifications of seizures and most are associated with specific forms of the disorder. Treatment Epilepsy may be treated with antiepileptic medications (AEDs), …
What is the strongest medication for epilepsy?
After you’re diagnosed with epilepsy, you have several ways to get treatment. Medication, a special diet, an implant that works on your nerves or brain, and surgery could all …
What is the natural cure for epilepsy?
The mainstay of treating seizures associated with acute or chronic stroke, after identification and elimination of toxic or metabolic disturbances lowering the seizure threshold, is the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).
What type of drug is used to treat epilepsy?
Oct 07, 2021 · Treatment with medications or sometimes surgery can control seizures for the majority of people with epilepsy. Some people require lifelong treatment to control seizures, but for others, the seizures eventually go away. Some children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition with age. Products & Services
What to do if someone has epilepsy?
How to stop seizures in epilepsy?
Treatment can help most people with epilepsy have fewer seizures, or stop having seizures completely. Treatments include: medicines called anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) surgery to remove a small part of the brain that's causing the seizures. a procedure to put a small electrical device inside the body that can help control seizures.
How does epilepsy surgery work?
The surgeon makes a small cut in your scalp and creates an opening in your skull so they can remove the affected part of the brain. The openings in your skull and scalp are closed at the end of the operation.
What is the test for epilepsy?
This will usually involve having several tests, such as: brain scans. an electroencephalogram (EEG) – a test of your brain's electrical activity.
What is keto diet?
A ketogenic diet is a diet high in fats, and low in carbohydrates and protein. In children, the diet is thought to make seizures less likely by changing the levels of chemicals in the brain. The ketogenic diet was one of the main treatments for epilepsy before AEDs were available.
How do AEDs work?
They help control seizures in around 7 out of 10 of people. AEDs work by changing the levels of chemicals in your brain. They do not cure epilepsy, but can stop seizures happening.
What does it mean when you get a rash on a med?
rashes – contact your GP or specialist if you get a rash, as it might mean you're having a serious reaction to your medicine. Contact your GP or specialist if you have symptoms similar to being drunk, such as unsteadiness, poor concentration and being sick. This could mean your dose is too high.
How long does it take for side effects to show on AEDs?
Side effects are common when starting treatment with AEDs. Some may appear soon after starting treatment and pass in a few days or weeks, while others may not appear for a few weeks.
What is the diagnosis of epilepsy?
There are several different types of epilepsy, characterized by seizures, with symptoms causing changes in awareness, muscle tone, emotions, behavior and sensory experience. Proper treatment starts with a careful assessment of the person’s seizures, which may include: Medical and seizure history and neurological ...
Why do people choose Johns Hopkins?
Epilepsy Treatment: Why Choose Johns Hopkins 1 The large number of patients we treat gives us unparalleled expertise in assessing and treating the full spectrum of epilepsy and seizure disorders. 2 Johns Hopkins offers a First Seizure Clinic, Genetic Testing Clinic and a well-equipped Epilepsy Monitoring Unit to help diagnose seizures and epilepsy. 3 Our team tailors each patient’s treatment plan with access to the most advanced medical, dietary and surgical therapies available. 4 If you and your doctor decide that epilepsy surgery is right for you, we offer the most modern approaches, including laser interstitial thermal therapy (LiTT).
Where is epilepsy surgery done?
The most common location in the brain for epilepsy surgery is the temporal lobe. About 60 percent to 80 percent of patients become seizure-free with this type of surgery. A new technique is laser surgery, which involves destroying the seizure focus with heat rather than removing it.
How to stop seizures?
Brain surgery. Brain surgery to remove the seizure focus is the most effective method to completely stop seizures. First, we must find the seizure focus and make sure it can be safely removed. This always involves a stay in the epilepsy monitoring unit to record seizures with simultaneous video and EEG.
What is an epileptic seizure?
An epileptic seizure is an excessive, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity from nerve cells in the brain – essentially an electrical storm. There are many types of seizures that cause symptoms ranging from lightning-fast muscle jerks lasting less than a second ...
When are patients invited to participate in a trial?
Often, patients are invited to join a trial after they have failed a number of other FDA-approved medications.
What is the first do no harm movie?
For many years, a special diet has been used to control certain types of epilepsy. One in particular – the ketogenic diet – gained public attention with the 1997 movie “First Do No Harm.” In this film, which is based on a true story, Meryl Streep plays the mother of a son whose epilepsy fails to respond to conventional treatments, including epilepsy surgery. She takes him to Johns Hopkins Medical Center, which pioneered the use of the ketogenic diet and demonstrated its effectiveness. Her son responded wonderfully to the diet and became seizure-free.
What percentage of patients do not respond to medications?
Unfortunately, about 30 percent to 40 percent of patients do not respond to medications at all, and we must consider other therapies. 4. Medical marijuana. Medical marijuana is a term that now refers to one of more than 80 chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant – cannabidiol oil or CBD oil.
What is Ma Huang?
Ma huang is a natural ephedra, which is similar to a stimulant hormone in our bodies. Stimulants tend to worsen seizures, so doctors are hesitant to recommend any herbal remedies at this time. 2. Diet. For many years, a special diet has been used to control certain types of epilepsy.
What are the best ways to treat epilepsy?
Not every person will reach that goal right now, but research and specialty care help more people achieve it each year. While seizure medicines are the mainstay of epilepsy treatment, there are other approaches to think about too, including. Surgery. Neurostimulation devices. Dietary therapy.
What is an epileptologist?
Epilepsy centers provide a team approach to caring for people with seizures and epilepsy. Testing is available to diagnose whether a person has seizures and the type of epilepsy they may have. Epilepsy experts (called epileptologists) can help explore all treatment options, .
How long does it take for seizures to go away?
If your seizures are difficult to control, meaning you continue to have seizures after one year or after two anti-seizure medications have been tried, we recommend seeking more specialized care. Epilepsy centers provide a team approach to caring for people with seizures and epilepsy.
What is the diagnosis of epilepsy?
A doctor makes his or her epilepsy diagnosis based on symptoms, physical signs and the results of such tests as an electroencephalogram (EEG), computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). It is essential that the type of epilepsy and the type of seizures both are diagnosed properly.
What is the best diet for epilepsy?
Diet therapy may be utilized in some patients with specific forms of epilepsy. The most common diets utilized are the ketogenic diet and the modified Atkins diet. The ketogenic diet is a special high-fat, adequate protein and low carbohydrate diet that is initiated over three to four days in the hospital.
What is epilepsy disorder?
Check out the new videos at the bottom of the page. Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain characterized by repeated seizures. A seizure is usually defined as a sudden alteration of behavior due to a temporary change in the electrical functioning of the brain.
How does epilepsy affect the brain?
In epilepsy the brain's electrical rhythms have a tendency to become imbalanced, resulting in recurrent seizures.
What are the two types of seizures?
Typically, seizures belong in one of two basic categories: primary generalized seizures and partial seizures. The difference between these types is in how they begin.
How many people have epilepsy?
According to the Epilepsy Foundation, epilepsy affects three million people in the U.S. and 50 million worldwide. Epileptic seizures may be tied to a brain injury or genetics, but for 70 percent of epilepsy patients, the cause is unknown.
Do seizures need medication?
Some patients who only have a single seizure and whose tests do not indicate a high likelihood of se izure recurrence may not need medications. The medications treat the symptoms of epilepsy (the seizures), rather than curing the underlying condition.
How to get rid of epilepsy?
Nerve Stimulation. Surgery. After you’re diagnosed with epilepsy, you have several ways to get treatment. Medication, a special diet, an implant that works on your nerves or brain, and surgery could all help you feel better.
How does a neurostimulator work?
It looks for patterns in your brain activity that can lead to a seizure. When the neurostimulator sees one of these patterns, it sends out a little pulse to interrupt it.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
More serious side effects can be: 1 Severe rash 2 Inflammation in organs like your liver 3 Depression
Do you need a blood test for epilepsy?
While you’re taking it, the doctor will want you to get blood tests to see how your body handles the treatment. How often you need them depends on your type of epilepsy medication, other drugs you take, and any health conditions you might have.
How does a vagus nerve stimulator work?
Your doctor will put a small device called a vagus nerve stimulator under the skin of your chest, and connect it to the nerve. The device sends small bursts of electricity through the nerve to your brain. You’ll probably still have to take medication.
Can you stop taking medication on your own?
If you have any concerns about side effects from your medication, do not just stop taking the medication on your own or skip a dose without talking to your doctor first. How to Get Off Your Medication. Some people are able to stop their seizure medication. This should only be done with your doctor’s advice and help.
Can you take more than one medication for epilepsy?
Drugs that work for one person might not work for another. You might have to try more than one. Most people who take medication for epilepsy find a good fit on the first or second try. You might have to start with a low dose and slowly add more. It depends which medication you take.
What are the causes of epilepsy?
Stroke and other blood vessel (vascular) diseases can lead to brain damage that may trigger epilepsy. You can take a number of steps to reduce your risk of these diseases, including limiting your intake of alcohol and avoiding cigarettes, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. Dementia.
What causes epilepsy in older adults?
Brain conditions that cause damage to the brain, such as brain tumors or strokes, can cause epilepsy. Stroke is a leading cause of epilepsy in adults older than age 35. Infectious diseases. Infectious diseases, such as meningitis, AIDS and viral encephalitis, can cause epilepsy. Prenatal injury.
What is the name of the disorder in which the brain is abnormal?
Epilepsy is a central nervous system (neurological) disorder in which brain activity becomes abnormal, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness. Anyone can develop epilepsy. Epilepsy affects both males and females of all races, ethnic backgrounds and ages.
How do you know if you have epilepsy?
Seizure signs and symptoms may include: Temporary confusion. A staring spell. Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs. Loss of consciousness or awareness .
Can seizures go away with age?
Some people require lifelong treatment to control seizures, but for others, the seizures eventually go away. Some children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition with age. Epilepsy care at Mayo Clinic.
What causes cerebral palsy in babies?
This brain damage can result in epilepsy or cerebral palsy. Developmental disorders.
Can epilepsy be focal?
Doctors generally classify seizures as either focal or generalized, based on how the abnormal brain activity begins.
Treatment
Clinical Trials
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
Coping and Support
Specialist to consult
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Doctors generally begin by treating epilepsy with medication. If medications don't treat the condition, doctors may propose surgery or another type of treatment.