People take the majority of AEDs by mouth. Common medications for treating epilepsy include:. It is important to note that some drugs may prevent seizures in one person but not in another. Also, even when a person finds the right drug, it may take some time to find the ideal dosage. If at least two medications have been ineffective in controlling seizures, a doctor may consider recommending epilepsy surgery.
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, some surgical options include:. For some people, undergoing surgery may reduce the frequency and severity of their seizures. However, it is often important to continue taking antiseizure medication for several years following the procedure.
Another surgical option is the implantation of a device in the chest to stimulate the vagus nerve in the lower neck. The device sends preprogrammed electrical stimulation to the brain to help reduce seizures. Diet may play a role in reducing seizures. A review of research that appeared in the journal Neurology suggested that high fat, low carbohydrate diets could benefit children and adults with epilepsy. Five of the studies in the review used the ketogenic diet , while another five used a modified Atkins diet.
Typical foods in these diets include eggs, bacon, avocados, cheese, nuts, fish, and certain fruits and vegetables. However, many participants had difficulty maintaining these diets. Learn more about the study and the effect of diet on epilepsy here. Messaging systems in the brain control every function in the human body. Epilepsy develops due to a disruption in this system, which may result from brain dysfunction. In many cases, healthcare professionals will not know the exact cause. Some people inherit genetic factors that make epilepsy more likely to occur.
Other factors that may increase the risk include:. According to the CDC, epilepsy is most likely to develop in children under 2 years and adults over 65 years. In , the CDC stated that epilepsy affected around 1. That amounts to approximately 3. There are two main types of seizure based on whether or not they can determine the cause:. There are also three seizure descriptors — partial, generalized, and secondary generalized — depending on which area of the brain the seizure originates in. The sections below discuss partial, generalized, and secondary generalized seizures in more detail.
There are two subtypes of partial seizure:. A generalized seizure occurs when the epileptic activity affects both halves of the brain. The person will usually lose consciousness while the seizure is in progress. Tonic-clonic seizures: Perhaps the best-known type of generalized seizure, tonic-clonic seizures cause loss of consciousness, body stiffness, and shaking. Doctors previously called these grand mal seizures. A secondary generalized seizure occurs when the epileptic activity starts as a partial seizure but spreads to both halves of the brain.
As this seizure progresses, the person will lose consciousness. They may also request tests to determine the type of epilepsy and the type of seizures the person has. Based on these results, the doctor will be able to recommend treatment options, such as antiseizure medications. The doctor may also use blood tests to identify any underlying conditions that could be causing the epilepsy.
Neurological tests may also help a doctor determine the type of epilepsy the person has. A review of research linked over genes to epilepsy. This number continues to grow as more studies take place.
Genes may link to epilepsy directly, to brain anomalies that can lead to epilepsy, or to other genetic conditions that can cause seizures. Some people inherit genetic factors. However, certain genetic mutations may also cause epilepsy in people without a family history of the condition.
A variety of factors can lead to seizures. One study identified stress , sleep deprivation , and fatigue as the most frequent triggers among participants. Flickering lights and high levels of alcohol consumption can also cause seizures. Stress is a common cause of seizures, but the reason is unclear.
Research from in the journal Science Signaling focused on this trigger. The study also found that the molecule that typically suppresses brain activity in response to stress enhanced activity instead. This may contribute to seizures.
Read our coverage of this study here. Seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy. Some people may have a single seizure, or they may experience seizures that are not due to epilepsy. There are, however, many treatments and therapies available to help patients with epilepsy become seizure-free, including medication, anti-seizure devices, and surgery.
Research will help us find a cure for epilepsy. Globally, the burden of epilepsy is huge: Of the top 5 chronic conditions among children and adults, epilepsy is the costliest and second most common. Scientific research is our greatest hope for discovering the cures for epilepsy. CURE Epilepsy is proud to fund patient-focused research around the around.
Tests can determine if a person has epilepsy and, if so, what kind of seizures will result. Epilepsy and seizures can be treated by a variety of therapies, including medication, dietary changes, and surgery. Some individuals with treatment-resistant epilepsy also explore alternative treatments while looking to achieve seizure freedom, including participating in clinical drug trials.
The information contained herein is provided for general information only and does not offer medical advice or recommendations.
Individuals should not rely on this information as a substitute for consultations with qualified health care professionals who are familiar with individual medical conditions and needs. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website.
We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. For others, social dysfunction can continue into adulthood. Between 30 to 70 percent of people with epilepsy also have depression, anxiety, or both. Antiseizure medications can also have an effect on behavior. Switching or making adjustments to medication may help.
Behavioral problems should be addressed during doctor visits. Treatment will depend on the nature of the problem. You might also benefit from individual therapy, family therapy, or joining a support group to help you cope. Because you never know when a seizure will occur, many everyday activities like crossing a busy street, can become dangerous. These problems can lead to loss of independence. In addition to regular doctor visits and following your treatment plan, here are some things you can do to cope:.
Uncontrolled or prolonged seizures can lead to brain damage. Epilepsy also raises the risk of sudden unexplained death. Two types of brain surgery can cut down on or eliminate seizures. One type, called resection, involves removing the part of the brain where seizures originate.
When the area of the brain responsible for seizures is too vital or large to remove, the surgeon can perform a disconnection. This involves interrupting the nerve pathway by making cuts in the brain. This keeps seizures from spreading to other parts of the brain. Recent research found that 81 percent of people with severe epilepsy were either completely or almost seizure-free six months after surgery. After 10 years, 72 percent were still completely or almost seizure-free.
Dozens of other avenues of research into the causes, treatment, and potential cures for epilepsy are ongoing. Learn more about the long-term outlook for people with epilepsy ». Worldwide, 65 million people have epilepsy. That includes about 3 million people in the United States, where there are , new cases of epilepsy diagnosed each year.
As many as genes may relate to epilepsy in some way. For most people, the risk of developing epilepsy before age 20 is about 1 percent. Having a parent with genetically linked epilepsy raises that risk to 2 to 5 percent. For people over age 35, a leading cause of epilepsy is stroke.
Between 15 to 30 percent of children with intellectual disabilities have epilepsy. Between 30 and 70 percent of people who have epilepsy also have depression, anxiety, or both. Sudden unexplained death affects about 1 percent of people with epilepsy. Between 60 and 70 percent of people with epilepsy respond satisfactorily to the first anti-epilepsy drug they try.
About 50 percent can stop taking medications after two to five years without a seizure. Half of adults who try a modified Atkins diet have fewer seizures. Learn more facts and statistics about epilepsy ».
Natural treatments for epilepsy, such as herbs, biofeedback, and acupuncture, may complement traditional treatment options. Learn more. Temporal lobe epilepsy is one of 20 different kinds of epilepsy. It causes seizures that stem from the medial or lateral temporal lobes of the brain. Epilepsy isn't funny. Neither are seizures. But when you blackout, sometimes you do hilarious things you just have to laugh about.
Giving your child a substance you've been led to believe is harmful and addictive is cause for concern. But what if it can help them? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Type 2 Diabetes. Medically reviewed by Jeanne Morrison, Ph. Epilepsy symptoms Epilepsy triggers Heredity Causes of epilepsy Diagnosing epilepsy Epilepsy treatment Epilepsy medications Surgery for epilepsy Epilepsy diet Epilepsy and behavior Living with epilepsy Epilepsy cure Facts and statistics What is epilepsy?
There are several reasons you might have a seizure. These include: high fever head trauma very low blood sugar alcohol withdrawal Epilepsy is a fairly common neurological disorder that affects 65 million people around the world. What are the symptoms of epilepsy? What triggers an epileptic seizure? Is epilepsy hereditary? What causes epilepsy? How is epilepsy diagnosed? How is epilepsy treated? Medications for epilepsy. Is surgery an option for epilepsy management?
Dietary recommendations for people with epilepsy.
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