Treatment of Seizures

The proper treatment of seizures requires an early, precise diagnosis, a careful choice of medicines, and attention to the psychological and social issues which inevitably accompany chronic health problems. Once a precise diagnosis of the type of seizures has been made, the first course of treatment is to use antiepileptic drugs chosen to match the type of seizure. Details of the medicines currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration and their indications and side effects can be found in the antiepileptic medication chart.

The aim of treatment with antiepileptic medicines is the complete control of seizures without side effects. Although all medicines carry risks, most antiepileptic medications are generally safe. Be sure you are familiar with the side effects and other problems that are associated with the medications that are prescribed for you and report them immediately to your physician.

The dose of medicine prescribed is based on individual differences in how your body uses up each dose, how much you weigh, how quickly the drug is absorbed and eliminated, and possible interactions with other medicines being taken for epilepsy or other disorders.

The ketogenic diet, a strict, doctor prescribed diet very high in fat and very low in carbohydrates, is occasionally useful, especially for children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome between the ages of two and five. Be sure to discuss this in detail with your physician.

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