What Are the Treatments for Seizure Disorders?

For the millions of Americans who suffer from seizure disorders, anticonvulsant medications are the most common form of treatment used to control the number of seizures a patient has. Unfortunately, these medications are not always enough, and alternative treatment needs to be sought.

Testing

• Testing is the first step in determining the best course of treatment for a seizure disorder. The most common tests are an EEG, a test that measures the electrical brain waves of a patient, and an MRI, a test used to determine the specific area of the brain where the seizure takes place. The tests, combined with a physical assessment and information from the patient, help the neurologist determine the type of seizures the patient is suffering from. A variety of medications are used to treat seizures, and not all medications are effective for every type of seizure. This is why it is essential to determine the type of disorder the patient has.

Trial and Error

• Once the type of seizure has been determined (i.e., partial seizures, complex-partial seizures, juvenile myoclonic), the doctor can determine what medication will work best in managing the number of episodes his patient suffers from. During the first few months of treatment, the doctor may need to adjust the dose, change the medication or, in some cases, add a medication. Routine blood work may also be required to check the levels of the medication in a patient's blood; this helps the doctor know if the medication is at a therapeutic level. If it is and the patient still suffers from seizures, another form of treatment may be needed.

Common Medications

• Medications used to treat seizures are referred to as anticonvulsants. Common anticonvulsants used in the treatment of seizures include Depakote, Dilantin, Tegretol, Topomax and Klonopin. These all carry various side effects, the most common being drowsiness and weight gain. Zonegran is another effective medication, however, the patient also needs to do his part in the treatment process to receive the full benefits of the medications he is taking. This includes getting enough rest, avoiding alcohol and taking medication as prescribed. Fatigue is a contributing factor of seizure occurrence, so getting enough rest is vital to your treatment plan.

Surgery

• Surgery is an alternative for those who have not had success with aggressive medication treatment. It involves removing the area of the brain producing the seizures; however, there is no guarantee surgery will prevent seizures from occurring. In addition not everyone is a candidate for this treatment method. Many people suffer from seizures that are not localized, in which case surgery would not be helpful.

Vagus Nerve Stimulator

• A vagus nerve stimulator is a device the size of a silver dollar that is surgically implanted under the skin, on the chest. The leads run under the skin and are attached to the vagus nerve, the large nerve in the neck. The doctor programs the device to emit electrical stimulation every few minutes; these bursts of electrical energy help control a patient's seizures. This treatment, like surgery, is used when no other form of treatment has proven successful. However, it doesn't work for everyone.