WHAT IS EPILEPSY?

Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which neurons in the brain sometimes signal abnormally to one another. Signals between neurons in a healthy brain are responsible for processes in the body such as movement, thought, and emotion. When these signals become disturbed, a seizure can occur.

An epileptic seizure can include an altered state of consciousness, unusual sensations, and convulsions. These seizures vary in severity and frequency, lasting anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Typically, a patient is considered to have epilepsy after experiencing two or more seizures. There is no definitive answer for what causes epilepsy in most patients, but certain factors can lead to the condition:
• Heredity
• Head trauma
• Prenatal injuries
• Infections that affect the brain, such as meningitis
• Brain tumors
• Strokes
• Alzheimer’s disease

HOW DO NEUROLOGISTS TREAT EPILEPSY?

The goal of treating epilepsy is to prevent seizures, and treatment options vary depending on the particular needs of the patient. Seizures can be controlled in approximately 80% of epileptic patients. It is important to begin treating the condition immediately after diagnosis, as waiting may cause further complications.

Antiepileptic medications are most frequently used, and vary greatly depending on the age and lifestyle of the patient, as well as the severity of the disorder. Many seizures can be treated using a single drug, but in some cases a combination of medications may be necessary.

If seizures cannot be controlled through medication, a neurologist may recommend surgery. In recent years, surgery has become a much safer option then ever before, due to advances in brain imaging and surgical techniques. A procedure called vagus nerve stimulation may also be performed. This is when a battery-operated device is implanted under the skin, to stimulate the vagus nerve in the neck, many times resulting in seizure control.