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How Do I Know If I Have It?

Your doctor will take a detailed medical history (including a family history of seizures), gather information about your behavior before, during, and after the episode, and do a physical examination. An electroencephalogram (EEG) — brain wave study — performed on a sleep-deprived individual can reveal abnormal brain waves characteristic of epilepsy, and imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan can identify brain abnormalities that may be causing seizures.

What Are the Treatments?

Epilepsy can often be well controlled by medication. A recommended precaution for epileptics is to wear a Medic Alert bracelet so that other people can quickly recognize what is happening during a seizure and lend effective assistance.

Surgery may be recommended for the minority of patients whose seizures can't be controlled with medications. The most successful procedures are those in which the diseased area of the brain is identified and can be removed. There are other surgeries that involve disconnecting pathways between parts of the brain to prevent the seizure from spreading. In vagus nerve stimulation, a device that electronically stimulates the vagus nerve (which controls activity between the brain and major internal organs) is implanted under the skin, reducing seizure activity in some patients with partial seizures.

Stress may increase seizure activity in some people. Relaxation techniques, biofeedback and yoga may be helpful when used with medications.

Though controversial, a ketogenic diet — a high-fat, low protein and carbohydrate regime — is sometimes used to treat children aged 1-10 who have not responded to treatment. It may have some long term benefits since some children can stop the ketogenic diet after several years and still remain seizure free. Close medical supervision is required.

In the great majority of cases, seizures can be reduced in frequency and severity, or eliminated altogether, with regular medication; side effects vary, but most are mild. Antiseizure medications commonly prescribed include phenytoin (Dilantin), phenobarbital, Depakote, Tegretol, Lamictal, Topamax and Neurontin. There are a growing number of anticonvulsant medications available that can be used alone or in combination to treat seizures that are resistant to standard treatment.