Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for focal seizures?

by Miss Enola Bergstrom Sr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Focal seizures, also called focal seizures, begin in one area of the brain, but can become generalized and spread to other areas. For seizures of all kinds, the most common treatment is medication. The doctor may also recommend diet therapy, nerve stimulation or surgery, depending on the seizures' characteristics.

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What treatment is effective for patients with seizures?

Your neurologist should address these questions with you before developing a treatment plan:

  • How is your sleep quality?
  • Do you have chronic anxiety, depression, or excessive stress?
  • Do you take other medications that may affect your epilepsy medication or directly increase the risk you will have a seizure?
  • Does your use of alcohol, caffeine, or herbal remedies affect your seizure control? ...
  • Acupuncture
  • Aerobic exercise

More items...

What is the first line treatment for seizures?

Treatments for Focal Seizures

  • Focal seizures begin in one hemisphere (side) of the brain.
  • Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the first line of treatment for focal seizures.
  • Second-line treatments for focal seizures include surgery, devices, and dietary therapy.

More items...

When should I get medical attention about seizures?

  • When no cause of seizures can be found
  • If the seizures cannot be verified despite appropriate evaluation
  • If the seizures are resistant to appropriate medical therapies

How to stop seizures natural treatments for seizures?

Vitamins

  • Vitamin B-6. Vitamin B-6 is used to treat a rare form of epilepsy known as pyridoxine-dependent seizures. ...
  • Magnesium. Severe magnesium deficiency may increase seizure risk. ...
  • Vitamin E. Some people with epilepsy may also have a vitamin E deficiency. ...
  • Other vitamins. ...

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What is the best medicine for focal seizures?

Gabapentin (Neurontin) is used to treat focal seizures. It's available as an oral tablet, capsule, and suspension. Gabapentin's side effects may be milder than the side effects of other AEDs. Common side effects include dizziness and fatigue.

What triggers a focal seizure?

Seizures occur when nerve cells in the brain send out sudden, excessive, uncontrolled electrical signals. Focal seizures occur when nerve cells in a part of the brain are involved. The way the child acts during a focal seizure depends on the area of the brain that is affected (See next page).

Should focal seizures be treated?

Focal epilepsy may be treated with medication, and occasionally with diet, nerve stimulation or surgery, especially if the condition is due to a scar or other lesion in the brain.

What happens during a focal seizure?

Focal motor describes focal seizures where the main symptoms involve muscle activity, such as jerking, loss of muscle tone or repeated movements. Focal non-motor describes seizures where the main symptoms don't involve muscle activity. They can include things like changes in emotions, thinking and sensations.

How serious are focal seizures?

Overall, focal seizures aren't dangerous, but they can turn into tonic-clonic seizures that are dangerous if they last too long or happen too often. For the most part, focal seizures have a positive outlook with medications or surgery.

Can anxiety cause focal seizure?

If you have already been diagnosed with epilepsy then yes, anxiety can cause seizures. Severe stress is a very common seizure trigger, and those with severe anxiety often experience severe stress.

Do focal seizures damage the brain?

Types of seizures This is also called a focal seizure, but it can change into a generalized seizure, which affects the entire brain.

What is the first line drug of choice for focal seizure?

Carbamazepine, phenytoin or valproic acid (sodium valproate) are often rated as first-line drugs, but factors such as adverse-effect profiles, age, possibility of pregnancy, and concomitant diseases and medication also need to be considered.

Can focal aware seizures get worse?

Focal seizures can get worse if they are not treated, allowing for more serious symptoms to develop.

How do you recover from a focal seizure?

Focal seizures, also called focal seizures, begin in one area of the brain, but can become generalized and spread to other areas. For seizures of all kinds, the most common treatment is medication. The doctor may also recommend diet therapy, nerve stimulation or surgery, depending on the seizures' characteristics.

What do focal seizures feel like?

During a focal aware seizure, you might experience: a general strange feeling. stiffness or twitching in a part of the body, such as an arm or hand. feeling like events have happened before (déjà vu)

What medications can cause focal seizures?

Several case series have identified a variety of drugs and other substances associated with seizures 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Antidepressants, diphenhydramine, stimulants (including cocaine and methamphetamine), tramadol and isoniazid account for the majority of cases.

What is the first line of treatment for focal seizures?

Treatments for Focal Seizures. Focal seizures begin in one hemisphere (side) of the brain. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the first line of treatment for focal seizures. Second-line treatments for focal seizures include surgery, devices, and dietary therapy. Many options for treating focal seizures exist, but no single treatment is effective ...

Where do focal onset seizures originate?

Focal onset seizures originate only on one side of the brain. Often, the location of the seizures can be narrowed down to the exact focal point or group of nerves involved. The odds of becoming seizure-free after surgery are much higher if there is a small, well-defined seizure focus.

What is neuromodulation for seizures?

Electrical brain stimulation, or neuromodulation, is a treatment option for some people with refractory focal onset seizures who are not good candidates for traditional open resection surgery — or who have already had the surgery and still have refractory seizures . Neurostimulation devices have shown success in controlling focal seizures by targeting the specific region or the focal point involved. Devices can also provide a great deal of customizability to fit the specific seizure diagnosis, characteristics, and symptoms. While these newer treatments are not in the same category as traditional open resection surgery, they are all still surgical procedures which require an incision in the skin, some type of anesthesia, and recovery. In almost all cases, people need to continue taking AEDs during treatment with neuromodulation.

How effective are AEDs for seizures?

Some AEDs are more effective at treating focal impaired awareness seizures, while others work best for focal aware seizures. Different medications work better for different people, depending on the level of seizure control, the ability to tolerate side effects, interactions with other medications, and personal needs (e.g., desiring pregnancy). Not all seizures will respond the same way to all medications.

What is focal onset aware?

During focal seizures, a person’s awareness may be affected. For instance, if a person is aware of what is happening while they are having a focal seizure , this is known as a focal onset aware seizure, previously known as a “simple partial seizure.”.

How many different types of seizures are there?

There are more than 30 different types of seizures. Focal onset seizures begin in a network of cells in only one hemisphere of the brain. Sometimes, a focal onset seizure can spread to affect both hemispheres — these are known as focal to bilateral seizures. Some people experience more than one type of seizure.

Can you have more than one seizure?

Some people experience more than one type of seizure. After establishing that seizures have a focal onset, neurologists further categorize focal seizures based on symptoms. Focal seizure symptoms may be motor (involving movement) or nonmotor. During focal seizures, a person’s awareness may be affected.

How to prevent focal seizures?

How Can You Prevent Focal Seizures. You can’t really prevent a focal seizure without addressing the root cause. This means meeting with a doctor or medical professional to understand why they occur, and then building a treatment plan that pertains to your needs. This often involves mediation.

How to reduce the chance of focal seizures?

This often involves mediation. Because heart conditions and blood pressure can lead to partial seizures, trying to live a healthy lifestyle that features plenty of sleep, activity, and a healthy diet may help reduce the chances of focal seizures.

What is focal seizure?

Focal seizures, also called partial seizures, occur when epileptic activity takes part in one localized part of the brain. If you’ve never had one before, it can be quite scary, confusing, and cause for concern. If you’re asking: “What is a focal seizure?” that’s really the best way to put it.

How many lobes are involved in a focal seizure?

Focal Seizures Signs and Symptoms. Signs and symptoms will differ depending on the lobe in which the seizure takes place. A seizure can occur in four different lobes, and these are the common symptoms of each:

What is the difference between a simple partial seizure and a complex partial seizure?

1. Simple Partial Seizures. Localized to one area on one side of the brain, but may potentially spread to others. Consciousness is maintained during a simple parti al seizure. 2. Complex Partial Seizures. Originate in one area of the brain and affect consciousness . In other words, consciousness may be lost.

What is the meaning of "partial seizures"?

Originate in one area of the brain and affect consciousness. In other words, consciousness may be lost. 3. Partial Seizures that Secondarily Generalize. When the seizure spreads to both sides of the brain and has the potential to affect the entire brain and body.

How to avoid falling and breaking something?

If possible, try to get to an area where you don’t risk injury from falling or breaking something. If you can get to a chair and sit, this can also help minimize the risk of injury. If you’re epileptic and prone to seizures, it’s a wise idea to safety proof your home and even consider wearing a bicycle helmet.

What are the symptoms of a focal seizure?

Sensory: A simple focal seizure may cause sensory symptoms affecting the senses, such as: hearing problems, hallucinations and olfactory or other distortions. Autonomic: A simple focal seizure with autonomic symptoms affects the part of the brain responsible for involuntary functions.

Where do focal seizures occur?

Simple Focal Seizures (Auras) Simple focal seizures, also known as auras, occur in one area on one side of the brain, but may spread from there. The person does not lose consciousness during a simple focal seizure.

What are the two main types of seizures?

Seizures are divided in to two major groups: generalized seizures and focal seizures, depending on where they start in the brain. Focal seizures, also called focal seiz ures, begin in one area of the brain, but can become generalized and spread to other areas.

Which side of the brain controls the left side?

Physicians can diagnose which side of the brain is affected by observing which side of the body experiences symptoms, since the left brain controls the right side of the body and the right brain controls the left.

What is the illusory feeling that something has been experienced before?

Psychic: Some simple focal seizures strike parts of the brain that trigger emotions or memories of previous experiences, causing feelings of fear, anxiety, or déjà vu (the illusory feeling that something has been experienced before).

What is the best treatment for focal seizures?

When possible, they will try to treat the underlying cause. Doctors use antiepileptic medications to prevent seizure. Several options are available for focal seizures. They come in two categories: broad-spectrum antiepileptic medications and narrow-spectrum antiepileptic medications.

What is a focal seizure?

Focal seizures, also called partial seizures, occur when there is a disruption of electrical impulses in one part of the brain. A person may be aware that they are having a seizure, in this case, a simple focal seizure, or they may not be aware, which is a complex focal seizure. Some focal seizures occur after a person is exposed to a trigger, ...

How long does a complex partial seizure last?

When a person has a complex partial seizure, they lose consciousness during the episode and do not remember the seizure after it is over. The seizure may last for more than a minute.

How long does a focal seizure last?

During a simple focal seizure, a person remains conscious throughout the event and remembers it when it is over. The episode lasts less than a minute.

Where do focal seizures originate?

A seizure is temporary. Unlike generalized seizures, focal seizures originate in only one part of the brain. Generalized seizures originate from the entire brain rather than one area of the brain. However, some focal seizures change to become generalized seizures.

What does a doctor look for in a person with a seizure?

During the physical examination, a doctor will look for signs that a person may have a condition that causes seizures, such as a brain infection or chronic syndromes, such as neurofibromatosis or tuberous sclerosis. Doctors may also order blood tests, imaging scans, and spinal taps.

What are the two types of focal seizures?

Causes and triggers. Diagnosis. Treatment. Outlook. Summary. Focal seizures, also called partial seizures, occur in only one part of the brain. There are two types of focal seizure: Partial and complex.

How many kids stop having focal onset seizures?

About 1 in 4 kids stop having focal onset seizures when they get older. So if your child goes 2 years without one, your doctor may suggest slowly lowering the dose and then stopping it entirely. If drugs don't work or the side effects are too much, your doctor may suggest this high- fat, low-carb diet.

How to know if a child has a seizure?

If there isn't a clear cause for a first seizure, you'll likely take a wait-and-see approach, unless: 1 Results of an EEG, a test that measures brain activity, look off. 2 The seizure was 15 minutes or longer. 3 Your child has a higher chance of having seizures.

Why is my child awake during seizures?

Since the brain doesn't feel pain, your child may be awake during it. This allows doctors to have your child do simple tasks to make sure they're on the right path. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) This treatment is most common in kids over age 12 who have focal onset seizures that medicine can't control.

What is rescue treatment for kids?

They come in many forms including pills, sprinkles, syrups, and sprays. The key with any of them is to stick to the dose and schedule that your doctor sets.

Do anti-epilepsy drugs work?

Anti- epilepsy drugs are almost always the place to start, and for good reason. It can take a little trial and error, but they tend to work for most kids. Your child will get a medicine to take every day that helps keep seizures in check. Some kids may also need what's called a rescue treatment, which are used mostly in emergencies.

Can seizures be treated with surgery?

Surgery. It's rare for a child to get surgery, and it's usually not the first choice of treatment, but it's an option if: Doctors can locate where in the brain the seizures happen, and the operation won't damage that area. Drugs haven't worked. The seizures won't likely get better with age.

Can seizures be cut down?

When that's not possible, you aim to cut down on how often they happen and how severe they are. The best treatment depends on what causes the seizures, how they affect your child, and your child's age and overall health. And, as always, you need to think about possible side effects.

How to control seizures?

Dietary therapy. Following a diet that's high in fat and very low in carbohydrates, known as a ketogenic diet, can improve seizure control. The ketogenic diet is very strict and can be challenging to follow, as there is a limited range of foods allowed.

What is the best medication for seizures?

Treatment for seizures often involves the use of anti-seizure medications. There are many different options for anti-seizure medication. One of the more recent medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration, cannabidiol (Epidiolex), is derived from marijuana. It's approved to treat certain seizures in children age 2 and older.

What is EEG brain activity?

EEG brain activity. An EEG records the electrical activity of your brain via electrodes affixed to your scalp. EEG results show changes in brain activity that may be useful in diagnosing brain conditions, especially epilepsy and other seizure disorders. High-density EEG. Open pop-up dialog box.

What to do if you witness someone having a seizure?

If you're at risk of having seizures in the future, pass this information along to family, friends and co-workers so that they know what to do if you have a seizure.

What to do after a seizure?

After a seizure, your doctor will thoroughly review your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may order several tests to determine the cause of your seizure and evaluate how likely it is that you'll have another one. Tests may include: A neurological exam.

What test is used to test for a seizure?

An electroencephalogram (EEG). In this test, doctors attach electrodes to your scalp with a paste-like substance.

Can you change your seizure medication before pregnancy?

In some cases, it may be appropriate to change the dose of seizure medication before or during pregnancy.

What is the classification of focal seizures?

Focal seizures are classified according to the International Classification of Epileptic Seizures and International Classification of Epilepsies and Epilepsy Syndromes.

What is focal onset seizures?

Focal-onset seizures are manifestations of abnormal epileptic firing of brain cells in a localised area or areas of the brain. The diagnosis of focal-onset seizures initially entails an EEG, a detailed history from the patient and eyewitnesses, as well as computer tomographic or, preferably, magnetic resonance imaging scans. Video EEG to record ictal events may be necessary to establish the correct diagnosis. Focal seizures are classified according to the International Classification of Epileptic Seizures and International Classification of Epilepsies and Epilepsy Syndromes. It is important to try to decide how the seizure event fits into this system in order to successfully evaluate and optimise treatment, as well as to give detailed information to the patient about their seizures and prognosis. Once the decision to treat the seizures has been made, the physician must choose which medication is the most appropriate to begin with. Carbamazepine, phenytoin or valproic acid (sodium valproate) are often rated as first-line drugs, but factors such as adverse-effect profiles, age, possibility of pregnancy, and concomitant diseases and medication also need to be considered. Most of the newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) appear to have good efficacy and better tolerability than the older agents, but evidence to support their superiority is scarce and has led to conflicting advice in several guidelines. Among the newer AEDs, lamotrigine, gabapentin, topiramate and oxcarbazepine have obtained monotherapy indication in many countries. The higher costs of the newer AEDs may inhibit their wider use, especially in poorer countries.

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