Epilepsy Health Center

More than 80 percent of patients with epilepsy can have their seizures controlled with medication.

After diagnosing the type of seizure, the doctor can recommend one of about two dozen different drugs that are available to control seizures. This usually depends on the type of seizures, the patient’s age and medical condition.

The doctor usually prescribes a drug and adjusts its dosage based on the patient. Usually the doctor starts at a low dosage and increases it if needed, after each blood test.

Based on the patient’s diagnosis, the doctor will determine whether or not the patient can stop using the medication. This depends on subsequent EEG tests, as well as how long the patient has been free of seizures.

If a medication is stopped suddenly, the patient may have more seizures that are harder to treat. The side effects of anti-epilepsy drugs are relatively minor and include:

• fatigue
• weight gain
• dizziness and
• depression. If your doctor recommends an anti-epilepsy drug, he or she will discuss the benefits and risks of it.
• Some patients may be allergic to certain drugs. These patients should contact the doctor immediately if they develop any kind of rash.

In some cases of childhood seizures, a special diet that is rich in fat and low in sugar can help to reduce the frequency of seizures. This type of treatment should be done under the supervision of a healthcare provider to make sure the child gets proper nutrition.

When medical treatment fails to control the seizures, a brain surgery may be considered. Brain surgery for seizures tries to remove the part of the brain that is responsible for abnormal electrical signals; this is the part that causes the seizures. However, these operations only work in less than half of all seizure patients.