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Seizure Medication Alternative

Seizures most often come from a condition called epilepsy. According to the Mayo Clinic, 1 in 100 people will experience a seizure in their lifetime, but for epilepsy to be diagnosed a person needs to have two separate episodes. It is important to treat epilepsy since seizures can occur at any time, such as while driving, and can be dangerous. While medication is the most common treatment, if that doesn't work there are other options.

  1. Surgery

    • Once doctors determine that your seizures don't come a section in the brain that controls speech, hearing and speaking, surgery is an alternative option if medication is ineffective. The surgery involves taking out the part that is causing the seizures but if that part of the brain cannot be removed, the surgeon will then make incisions in that section so the seizures cannot spread to other parts of the brain. One drawback of surgery for seizures is the possible complications. In some situations, people lose cognitive function after seizure surgery.

    Vagus Nerve Stimulation

    • Another alternative to medication is the implantation of a device called a vagus nerve stimulator under the flesh of the chest after which wires from the device are attached to the vagus nerve. The device functions by sending electrical impulses to the nerve from which they travel to the brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, this device will cut down seizures by 30 percent to 40 percent. Possible side effects from the device include throat issues, muscle aches and coughing.

    Diet

    • If your child has epilepsy, your doctor may recommend what is known as a ketogenic diet. This diet, which is high in fats and low in carbohydrates, can be effective but has many possible side effects. One major concern is malnutrition, so medical supervision is necessary before attempting. Possible side effects include slow growth, dehydration and an accumulation of uric acid in the blood. However, children who do the ketogenic diet can potentially go off the diet in the future and remain seizure-free.

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