Epilepsy

Epilepsy

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Treatment

Most seizures can be prevented with medication. The type of medication you receive will depend on many factors. Your neurologist will explain how to take your medication and what side effects might occur. Over time, your medication regimen may be changed during additional visits to your neurologist. Be sure to take your medication exactly as directed, and call your neurologist if you have questions or are having unexpected side effects.

In some cases, surgery may be recommended. Your neurologist will explain how surgery may help you, as well as the possible risks and complications of the surgical procedure.

Surgical procedures may be considered to prevent seizures or to implant devices that deliver medications or stimulators to emit electrical impulses. These procedures include:

• Focal resections -- The removal of a small area of the brain where seizures originate. This procedure often results in complete seizure control.

• Vagus nerve stimulation -- This procedure involves minor surgery and is a relatively new treatment that helps prevent or lessen the severity of seizures. An electrical stimulator is placed beneath the skin of the upper chest. The stimulator, which emits electrical impulses, is connected to an electrode that is attached to a nerve in the neck through a small incision. A patient with a vagus nerve stimulator continues to take medication but sometimes can reduce the amount or number of medications.

Your neurology team at the Epilepsy Center, along with your primary care physician, will design a treatment plan tailored to your medical condition, state of health and individual needs. You may need more than one kind of treatment, or treatment requiring several visits to UCSF Medical Center. You also may be referred to additional doctors or other medical professionals.

Most medical treatments can involve some risks or complications. Your neurologist will explain any possible risks or complications from the treatments you'll receive. Don't be afraid to ask your doctors, nurses or therapists about your treatment. If your treatment includes medication, be sure to take it exactly as the doctor has ordered. And remember to keep all your follow-up appointments with our doctors and other medical staff.

Prevention and follow-up

To help cope with epilepsy and reduce your chance of injury from seizures, we recommend these guidelines:

• Carry identification, including a bracelet, card or necklace that shows you have epilepsy. In an emergency, this information can ensure that you receive the right care.

• Explain to your family, friends and co-workers how to care for you if you have a seizure.

• Follow your state regulations about driving motor vehicles.

• If you are having regular or even occasional seizures, avoid dangerous situations at work and during leisure activities. For example, do not work in high places, on ladders or scaffolding, or near sharp or moving objects. Be careful when you play sports. Don't swim or go mountain climbing by yourself.

• Don't stop taking your seizure medication or change the amount you take unless you discuss this with your doctor.

• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before you take other medications in addition to your seizure drugs.

If you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant and you have been diagnosed with epilepsy, talk to your neurologist as soon as possible. You may need to take vitamin supplements to protect your baby.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007