Treatment For Epilepsy

Types of Treatment for Epilepsy

There are many different types of treatment for epilepsy. Treatments may involve medication, dietary changes, devices, or surgery. The ultimate goal of treatment is to minimize seizures and minimize the risk of side effects. Finding the right treatment for epilepsy often requires trial and error. Typically, newly diagnosed patients start with appropriate oral medications. Their neurologist may recommend a combination of medications or evaluate surgical options. If medication is ineffective, they may try a combination of diets and other treatments.

Common Symptoms of Epilepsy

If you have a history of epilepsy, your doctor may suspect that you are experiencing recurrent seizures. Seizures are sudden bursts of electrical activity that can affect your behavior, relationships, and safety. Seizures can disrupt your ability to drive or work. You may feel goose bumps, fear, or anxiety when you have them. You may also notice that your heart rate increases during these events. Seizures are the most common symptom of epilepsy.

Impact of Epilepsy on Individuals and Society

In addition to its impact on individuals, epilepsy can also have a significant economic and social impact. In addition to the financial burden of treatment, epilepsy can limit educational opportunities, limit access to certain occupations, and reduce quality of life. Many countries have laws reflecting centuries of ignorance about the disease. For example, laws permitting annulment of marriage due to epilepsy are considered discrimination against those with seizures. In addition, stigma associated with epilepsy can discourage people from seeking medical treatment.

Prevention and Management of Epilepsy

The best way to prevent epilepsy and the recurrence of seizures is to avoid accidents that cause severe head injuries. People with epilepsy are also at an increased risk of developing psychological problems, including depression and suicidal thoughts. If you are prone to seizures, your doctor may prescribe medication to control your symptoms. You may also need to undergo a seizure diary to help track your progress and identify any triggers.

Triggers and Causes of Epilepsy

In some cases, an epileptic person can have a seizure triggered by environmental stimuli. Reflex epilepsy, for instance, is triggered by certain sounds and images. These triggers may include certain kinds of music or the sound of church bells. Other types of nonvisual stimuli can also cause seizures, including certain types of music. Moreover, some types of nonvisual stimuli may trigger seizures, resulting in focal or generalized ones.

People who suffer from epilepsy often have a family history of it. Certain genes may play a role in epilepsy, but other factors are also suspected. Certain types of epilepsy result from abnormal communication among brain cells. These abnormal signals may cause seizures, which may be classified as focal or generalized. However, some individuals do not experience seizures after suffering a head injury. So, the main question is, what causes epilepsy?

Surgical Treatment for Epilepsy

In some cases, seizures may not be localized, and a physician may opt to perform a multilobar resection instead. The aim of this surgical procedure is to isolate the abnormal hemisphere from the normal hemisphere. This procedure is usually considered curative, but requires more specialized testing. The resulting scar can result in permanent damage to the brain. It is important to note that patients with a resection will still experience seizures if they have other types of surgery.