Multiple new epilepsy treatments are on the horizon, as well.
Finding the right path for it’s possible for you to take some time.
Most peoples seizures can be controlled with just one medication, but some people may need more.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
With some medications, missing a dose isnt a problem.
The amount of medication that your body absorbs may also differ.
Also, while uncommon, its possible to be allergic to inactive ingredients.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
The Epilepsy Foundation advises caution when switching from brand-name to generic medications or switching between generic brands.
For people with difficult-to-control seizures, generic versions probably arent a good idea.
Always talk to your healthcare provider before making the jump to another brand or manufacturer.
Our Doctor Discussion Guide below can help you start that conversation.
Get our printable guide for your next doctor’s appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Thats known as drug-resistant or refractory epilepsy.
If youre in this subgroup, your healthcare provider may bring up surgery.
Surgery always has risks, so these must be weighed along with the benefits.
Risks include changes in your personality or your ability to think, though these arent common.
Surgery may also make it possible for you to take fewer medications and/or reduce your dose, though.
Four types of surgery are used to treat epilepsy.
Lobectomy is only for focal seizures, meaning that they start in a localized area of the brain.
Corpus Callosotomy
The brain is made up of a left and right hemisphere.
The corpus callosum connects and facilitates communication between them.
However, the corpus callosum isnt necessary to survive.
Hemispherectomy
Hemispherectomy is one of the oldest surgical techniques forepilepsy.
This surgery is usually used for children, but it can be helpful for some adults, too.
Seizures rarely get worse after this surgery.
Sometimes, a repeat hemispherectomy is needed, and the outcome for this is also typically good.
These specialist-driven therapies are all adjunctive treatments, meaning that they are additions to drug therapiesnot replacements for them.
This may lead to needing less medication.
Responsive Neurostimulation
Responsive neurostimulation is like a pacemaker for your brain.
It continuously monitors brain waves and analyzes patterns to detect activity that may lead to a seizure.
Then, it responds with electrical stimulation that returns brainwaves to normal, preventing the seizure.
This therapy is for people whose seizures arent controlled after trying at least two medications.
This can lessen or even stop seizures.
These effects also appear to increase with time.
This high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet is strict and can be difficult to follow.
This diet should only always be medically supervised.
The MAD encourages fewer carbohydrates and more fat than the standard Atkins diet.
This diet seems to have similar results to the classic ketogenic diet.
It doesnt restrict fluids or protein, and food is based on portion sizes rather than weights.
Until more research is available, the impact of a gluten-free diet on epilepsy remains speculative.
Lifestyle
Adopting healthy habitsmay help control your epilepsy, as well.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep deprivation can trigger seizures in some people, so double-check you get enough.
If you have trouble getting to sleep or wake up often, talk to your healthcare provider.
Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation.
Take time out for activities you enjoy and find hobbies that help you unwind.
Dont exercise too close to bedtime, though, or you may have trouble drifting off.
Dont ever change your dose or stop taking your medication without consulting your healthcare provider.
This should only be done with your healthcare providers permission and supervision.
it’s possible for you to buy one online or at some local pharmacies and drug stores.
This is called the Mozart Effect.
However, both groups had fewer EEG abnormalities and decreased seizures.
Yoga should only be used along with your regular treatments, never by itself.
An additional benefit is that yoga can help you manage stress.
Biofeedback uses sensors attached to your body, so its non-invasive.
It also has no side effects.
Still, more studies need to be done.
Art
Epilepsy can have a marginalizing effect that may lead to feelings of sadness and low self-confidence.
The drop-out rate was low, as well.
Its much more precise and has fewer risks than traditional surgery.
Subthreshold Cortical Stimulation
Subthreshold cortical stimulation uses electrodes connected to a generator.
In one study, 10 out of 13 participants who had the treatment said their epilepsy became less severe.
These medications reduce the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures.
They may do this in different ways.
Some change how neurotransmitters, or brain chemicals, send messages.
Others affect how ions move in and out of brain cells, affecting electrical activity.
Dont stop taking your medication without talking with your healthcare provider.
Stopping medication suddenly can cause dangerous side effects and trigger seizures.
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