Understanding epilepsy and seizure management options
Epilepsy Overview
Epilepsy is a neurological disease that is characterized by recurrent (2 or more), unpredictable, and unprovoked seizures.
What is a seizure?
A seizure is a burst of uncontrolled abnormal brain activity between brain cells that causes temporary abnormalities in muscle tone or movements, behaviors, sensations, or states of awareness.
Did you Know?
The Epilepsy Foundation reports that 1 in 26 will have epilepsy.1
Anti-Seizure Medications for People with Epilepsy
Many people with epilepsy can achieve seizure control with anti-seizure medications (ASMs) (also known as anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs)). Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) are the main type of seizure management for most people with epilepsy but are not a cure.
Approximately ⅔ of all cases of epilepsy in adults and children can achieve good control of their seizures with these types of medications and can decrease the risk of seizure recurrence.
Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
In some cases, epilepsy may not be well controlled with medications due to a variety of reasons.
Drug-resistant epilepsy, also known as intractable or refractory epilepsy, is when a patient still experiences epileptic seizures after treatment with at least 2 anti-epileptic medications.2
Drug-resistant epilepsy doesn’t have to remain uncontrolled
There are many non-medication options available to help control epileptic seizures. People with drug-resistant epilepsy should discuss their options with their healthcare team to find the best seizure management option for them.
Other Seizure Management Options
Besides ASMs, there are other types of seizure management options. Some of these options may be used alongside ASMs for optimal seizure control.
Epilepsy Devices
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
- Deep Brain Stimulation
- Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS)
Epilepsy Surgery
- Resection
- Disconnection
- Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy
Medical Ketogenic Diets
- Classic Ketogenic Diet
- Modified Atkins Diet
- Other Ketogenic Diet Variations
Effectiveness of a Medical Ketogenic Diet
Research shows that over half of individuals with refractory epilepsy will have at least 50% seizure improvement on the medical ketogenic diet.
References: 1. Epilepsy Foundation [Internet]. Accessed October 13, 2023. www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy. 2. Epilepsy Foundation [Internet]. Accessed October 13, 2023. www.epilepsy.com/treatment/medicines/drug-resistant-epilepsy.
The content in this section is for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice or consultations with your healthcare professional.
