what is the treatment of seizures directed at

As epileptic seizures originate in the thin outer layer of the brain (the cortex), the most commonly performed operations are directed at removing part of the cortex. WHY HAVE EPILEPSY SURGERY?

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What is the best treatment for seizures?

The Epilepsy Center at Johns Hopkins offers individually tailored treatment plans for all people with epilepsy, even those with the most challenging seizure disorders.Patients can benefit from treatments informed by recent research, including technologically advanced surgical options for seizures that do not respond to medication or diet.

What foods stop seizures?

The person has difficulty breathing or waking after the seizure. The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes. The person has another seizure soon after the first one. The person is hurt during the seizure. The seizure happens in water. The person has a health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or is pregnant.

How do you cure seizures?

Surgical treatment. The surgical treatment of epilepsy has advanced significantly in recent years and is directed at either removal of the cause of the epilepsy (for example a tumour or sclerotic temporal lobe) or prevention of seizure spread by tractotomy, callosotomy or sub-pial resection. Preoperatively, AED treatment must be optimized, the epileptic focus must be defined (scalp …

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 ...

Is there more than one way to treat epilepsy?

There is more than one way to treat seizures or epilepsy. Based on your diagnosis, your doctor will discuss which therapies are likely to be most effective. These include:

Does Johns Hopkins have a seizure clinic?

Johns Hopkins offers a First Seizure Clinic, Genetic Testing Clinic and a well-equipped Epilepsy Monitoring Unit to help diagnose seizures and epilepsy.

What is the procedure for seizures?

When medications fail to provide adequate control over seizures, surgery may be an option. With epilepsy surgery, a surgeon removes the area of your brain that's causing seizures. Doctors usually perform surgery when tests show that: Your seizures originate in a small, well-defined area of your brain.

How to get rid of seizures in epilepsy?

Medication. Most people with epilepsy can become seizure-free by taking one anti-seizure medication, which is also called anti-epileptic medication. Others may be able to decrease the frequency and intensity of their seizures by taking a combination of medications.

How does an EEG work?

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. CT scanner. Open pop-up dialog box. Close.

What is an EEG?

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.

What is the best treatment for epilepsy?

For some types of epilepsy, minimally invasive approaches such as MRI -guided stereotactic laser ablation may provide effective treatment when an open procedure may be too risky. In these procedures, doctors direct a thermal laser probe at the specific area in the brain causing seizures to destroy that tissue in an effort to better control the seizures.

What to do if you have a migraine?

Tell your doctor if you have migraines. Doctors may prescribe one of the anti-epileptic medications that can prevent your migraines and treat epilepsy.

What test is used to diagnose epilepsy?

Your doctor may also suggest tests to detect brain abnormalities, such as: Electroencephalogram (EEG). This is the most common test used to diagnose epilepsy. In this test, electrodes are attached to your scalp with a paste-like substance or cap. The electrodes record the electrical activity of your brain.

How to stop a seizure from hurting?

This can prevent injury. Put something soft and flat, like a folded jacket, under his or her head. Remove eyeglasses. Loosen ties or anything around the neck that may make it hard to breathe. Time the seizure.

How long should you stay with a seizure patient?

Stay with the person until the seizure ends and he or she is fully awake.

What happens if you have a seizure in water?

The person has another seizure soon after the first one. The person is hurt during the seizure. The seizure happens in water. The person has a health condition like diabetes, heart disease, or is pregnant.

How to help someone after a syringe?

Once they are alert and able to communicate, tell them what happened in very simple terms. Comfort the person and speak calmly. Check to see if the person is wearing a medical bracelet or other emergency information. Keep yourself and other people calm.

What is the name of the seizure that causes a person to cry out?

First aid for generalized tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures. When most people think of a seizure, they think of a generalized tonic-clonic seizure, also called a grand mal seizure. In this type of seizure, the person may cry out, fall, shake or jerk, and become unaware of what’s going on around them.

How many people have a seizure?

About 1 out of 10 people may have a seizure during his or her lifetime. That means seizures are common, and one day you might need to help someone during or after a seizure.

Do you call 911 for a seizure?

Seizures do not usually require emergency medical attention. Only call 911 if one or more of these are true: The person has never had a seizure before. The person has difficulty breathing or waking after the seizure. The seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes. The person has another seizure soon after the first one.

What is the surgical intervention for epilepsy?

Successful surgical intervention for the treatment of epilepsy involves the removal of epileptogenic tissue while sparing cortical brain regions critical to motor and cognitive functions. These separate and sometimes competing goals are partially achieved by means of careful evaluation of patients in the presurgical phase. At the time of surgery, the neurosurgeon has a wealth of information on each patient’s cerebral functions through neurophysiologic, neuropsychological, and imaging studies. Nonetheless, surgeons in many epilepsy surgery centers rely on one more test—intraoperative cortical stimulation—as a way of delineating the boundaries of resectable brain tissue.

How do you treat epilepsy?

The surgical treatment of epilepsy has advanced significantly in recent years and is directed at either removal of the cause of the epilepsy (for example a tumour or sclerotic temporal lobe) or prevention of seizure spread by tractotomy, callosotomy or sub-pial resection. Preoperatively, AED treatment must be optimized, the epileptic focus must be defined (scalp and depth EEG, CT and MRI) and the risk and/or extent of postoperative cognitive and/or motor impairment evaluated. Outcome is best in younger patients, but overall about 50% of patients become seizure-free (most continue to require AEDs). Mortality is less than 1% and morbidity between 5% and 20%, depending on the neurosurgical centre and the site of the lesion.

What is the most commonly performed operation to treat epilepsy?

Surgical treatment should be considered in any patient whose epilepsy cannot be controlled by doses of medication that are free from unacceptable side effects. An excision from one temporal lobe is the most commonly performed operation to treat epilepsy.

How is language assessed in epilepsy?

Language functions are assessed using a variety of tasks. Frequently patients are asked to recite overlearned series (e.g., the ABCs, months of the year) or to name items presented rapidly. Disrupted speech, speech hesitations, and perseverations are viewed as evidence of language localization. Naming has been described as discretely organized, whereas other language processes, such as reading, may be associated with a wider cortical network. 92 Memory is evaluated in some epilepsy centers, although this is not a routine part of the exam at the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. Memory investigation entails the application of stimulation during encoding, consolidation, or retrieval of new information. Disruption in a specific stage of memory suggests an association with the stimulated neural region.

What are some alternatives to diazepam for cerebral palsy?

Alternatives to diazepam are baclofen and dimethothiazine ( Griffiths and Bowie, 1973 ). The treatment of athetoid movements is even more unpredictable. Any effect of diazepam on the involuntary movements may result from a reduction of tension and anxiety. This may also apply to tetrabenazine, although very occasionally it seems to have a more specific effect. If the athetosis is unilateral the possibility of a stereotactic operation on the basal ganglia can sometimes be considered, but rarely in generalized athetosis. Stereotaxic ablation of the cerebellar dentate nucleus (dentatotamy), bilateral if necessary, can reduce involuntary movements as well as spasticity ( Gornall, Hitchcock and Kirkland, 1975 ).

Can anticonvulsants cause epilepsy?

Considerable concern has been expressed about the problems of pregnancy in women with epilepsy. Anticonvulsants may increase the risk of congenital malformations, as may the epilepsy itself. It is difficult to separate the complex interactions that may occur in a patient with epilepsy in pregnancy.

Can epilepsy affect pregnancy?

The metabolism of most anticonvulsant drugs changes in pregnancy, and plasma levels may fall. Women with severe epilepsy tend to get more attacks, particularly in the first trimester. Maternal complications may include an increased risk of hyperemesis, vaginal bleeding and toxaemia.

How to treat epilepsy syndrome?

The most important step is to select an antiepileptic drug that is appropriate for the patient's particular type of epilepsy. A specific epilepsy syndrome diagnosis is based on the history of the patient's seizure types, neurologic status and EEG findings ( Table 2).

What is the goal of treating epilepsy?

The goal of treating patients with epilepsy is to control seizures completely without causing unacceptable side effects. In the past several years, a number of new antiepileptic drugs have become available, and more will soon be released.

What is the goal of epilepsy therapy?

The goal of therapy is to completely control seizures without producing unacceptable medication side effects. Patients who do not achieve complete seizure control should be referred to an epilepsy specialist, since new medications and surgical treatments offer patients unprecedented options in seizure control.

How common are epileptic seizures?

Epileptic seizures are a common and important medical problem, with about one in 11 persons experiencing at least one seizure at some point. 1 Epilepsy—the tendency to have recurrent, unprovoked seizures—occurs with a prevalence of about 0.5 percent and a cumulative lifetime incidence of 3 percent. 2 The management of patients with epilepsy is often challenging, as evidenced by a recent report that over one half of all patients with epilepsy continue to experience at least occasional seizures despite treatment with antiepileptic medications. 3 New clinical advances offer considerable hope to these patients. This article reviews the practical clinical implications of recent studies on the epidemiology, diagnosis and management of epilepsy.

Why is refractory seizures important?

The problem of refractory seizures is important since patients with ongoing seizures are subject to considerable physical risk. Studies consistently suggest that people with epilepsy, especially those who experience convulsions, are at risk of dying as a consequence of their seizures.

What to do if trials with one or two agents fail to achieve acceptable results?

If trials with one or two agents fail to achieve acceptable results, refer the patient to an epilepsy specialist for consultation

Is juvenile myoclonic epilepsy a syndromic diagnosis?

The importance of making a syndromic diagnosis is illustrated by juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, a common idiopathic generalized epilepsy syndrome in which patients may experience absence, myoclonic and convulsive (clonic-tonic-clonic or tonic-clonic) seizures. If phenytoin (Dilantin) or carbamazepine (Tegretol) is used for treatment, ...

What is the procedure to treat epilepsy?

Surgery is most commonly performed to treat partial epilepsy, since only one area of the brain is involved. During surgery, the area of the brain that triggers the seizures (usually a portion of the anterior temporal lobe) is removed. After surgery, some patients will be completely free of seizures; in others, the seizures will be better controlled. A few patients may need additional surgery.

How do you treat epilepsy?

The majority of epileptic seizures are controlled through drug therapy, particularly anticonvulsant drugs. The type of treatment prescribed will depend on several factors including the frequency and severity of the seizures as well as the person's age, overall health, and medical history. An accurate diagnosis of the type of epilepsy is also critical to choosing the best treatment.

What is the best medication for epilepsy?

Older medications used to treat epilepsy include: 1 Dilantin or Phenytek 2 Phenobarbital 3 Tegretol or Carbatrol 4 Mysoline 5 Zarontin 6 Depakene 7 Depakote, Depakote ER 8 Valium and similar tranquilizers such as Tranxene and Klonopin

What is a seizure disorder?

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder where brain activities are abnormal, causing more than one or recurrent episodes of seizures. Most cases of seizures can be managed conservatively with medication and supportive treatments.

How many epilepsy surgeries are performed annually?

However, only about 3,000 epilepsy surgeries are performed annually.

How long does epilepsy last?

How Long Epilepsy Treatment Lasts. In some types of epilepsy, patients can be taken off treatment after a few years, while other types of epilepsy require life-long treatment. With few exceptions, patients who are seizure -free for a certain period should be reevaluated to determine whether the drug can be discontinued.

What is the medical term for a sudden attack?

A seizure is a general term for a sudden attack. The term seizure is used in neurology (the medical specialty dealing with the nervous system) to refer to the sudden onset of abnormal electrical discharge within the brain which can lead to convulsions. Convulsions are uncontrolled violent spasms (jerking) of muscles of the body. Epilepsy is the medical term for the condition of having chronic seizure disorder.

What is valproic acid prescribed for?

A pt has been prescribed valproic acid for the treatment of myoclonic seizures. When reviewing this pts latest lab results for signs of adverse effects, what results should the nurse prioritize?

Can a woman with a seizure disorder get pregnant?

C) "Women w/ a seizure disorder cannot get pregnant, and you will need to look into other alternatives, such as adoption."

What to do if your child has a continuous seizure?

If your child has continuous seizures ( status epilepticus ), they will be treated very aggressively with IV antiseizure medications, admitted to the intensive care unit, and possibly be placed on a breathing machine.

How to stop a seizure in a child?

Remove glasses or other harmful objects in the area. Do not try to put anything in the child's mouth to try to stop the seizure; you may injure the child or yourself.

How long should a child stay on one side after a seizure?

After the seizure ends, place the child on one side and stay with the child until they are fully awake.

How long does it take to adjust a med?

The doctor will follow the drug levels, which require frequent blood tests, and will watch closely for side effects. Often, it takes weeks to months to adjust the medications, and sometimes more than one medicine is needed.

How to prevent a child from drowning?

If the child is in a boat or near the water they should always have a life jacket on. You should also restrain the child to prevent drowning.

Can a doctor tell if a seizure is a seizure?

During the first visit, many doctors cannot be sure if the event was a seizure or something else.

Can you put anything in a child's mouth to stop a seizure?

Do not try to put anything in the child's mouth to try to stop the seizure; you may injure the child or yourself.

Diagnosis

Treatment

Clinical Trials

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

• Understanding your condition can help you take better control of it: 1. Take your medication correctly.Don't adjust your dosage before talking to your doctor. If you feel your medication should be changed, discuss it with your doctor. 2. Get enough sleep.Lack of sleep can trigger seizures. Be sure to get adequate rest every night. 3. Wear a medical...

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