The most common treatments for epilepsy are medicine, surgical procedures, seizure devices, and a special diet.
Medicine
Anti-seizure medicines limit the spread of seizures in the brain. It may take time to find the right medicine. Sometimes you’ll need a combination of medicines. It’s very important to take your medicine as prescribed.
Medicines work for about 2 in 3 people with epilepsy. If your seizures continue while taking medicine, tell your health care provider right way. They make want to change the amount or type of medicine you take.
Side effects
Medicines can cause side effects like tiredness or trouble thinking. Let your health care provider know if you’re having any side effects, so they can adjust the medicine if needed.
Do not skip or stop taking your seizure medicine
You should not skip or stop taking your seizure medicine without talking to your provider. Suddenly stopping your medicine might cause withdrawal symptoms, including life-threatening seizures.
Surgery
When seizures come from a single area of the brain (focal seizures), surgery might be helpful. Removing the affected area may stop future seizures or make them easier to control with medicine.
Seizure Devices - VNS stimulation
Vagus Nerve stimulation is a treatment for epilepsy where a small generator is implanted under the skin below the left collarbone. The Vagus Nerve is stimulated to reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures. This can be suitable for some people with seizures that are difficult to control with medication.
Benefits of Vagus Nerve stimulation may include:
- Fewer seizures.
- Shorter seizures.
- Faster recovery.
- Decreased seizure severity.
- Fewer medications.
- Improved alertness, mood and memory.
- Improved quality of life.
The goal of VNS therapy is to prevent seizures before they start, and stop if they do.
The procedure:
- A small device (generator and lead) is implanted during a short, outpatient procedure.
- Usually takes about an hour.
- Most people go home the same day.
- Involves a small incision in the neck and in the upper check area.
- Under general anaesthetic.
- Possible side effects of VNS therapy:
- Hoarseness/changes in voice tone.
- A tickling sensation in the throat or on the neck.
- A feeling of shortness of breath.
- Side effects usually decrease over time and mainly occur during stimulation.
Diet:
If medicine doesn’t work and surgery isn’t an option, there are other treatments that might help.
Your doctor may suggest:
Ketogenic Diet:
This is a strict, high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. It’s typically used in children whose seizures won’t stop. It’s prescribed by a health care provider and monitored by a dietician.