Examples of epilepsy treatments include medications, surgery, and a ketogenic diet. This eMedTV article offers an overview of several treatments for this condition and stresses the importance of accurate diagnosis in determining proper management.
Drugs are usually the best way to control seizures caused by epilepsy. This eMedTV Web page discusses several different medications for epilepsy and stresses the importance of following a doctor's directions when discontinuing treatment.
People who take seizure medications have a higher risk of suicidal behavior than those who do not. This eMedTV segment gives an overview of seizure medications and suicide, including an important FDA warning on the topic.
As this eMedTV page explains, surgery for epilepsy is generally recommended only after two or three different medications have failed to control seizures. Surgery may also be recommended if a brain lesion is thought to be causing the seizures.
While many people with epilepsy appear to lead normal lives, living with the condition can be challenging. This eMedTV segment explores some of the common problems, such as driving restrictions, faced by people living with this condition.
A diet that is rich in fats and low in carbohydrates may help with epilepsy. This eMedTV article explains how, in some cases, this diet (also known as the ketogenic diet) has been shown to help control seizures in children.
Epilepsy and driving can be a dangerous combination. As this eMedTV article explains, the laws governing epilepsy and driving vary from state to state, but most states have laws about how long people have to be seizure-free before they can drive.
