Symptoms and treatment of Epilepsy

Description

Epilepsy is also known as a seizure disorder — is a disorder of the brain that causes recurring seizures. There are many types of epilepsy. In some people, the cause can be identified. In others, the cause is not known.

Epilepsy is common. It is estimated that 1.2% of the people in the united States have active epilepsy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Epilepsy affects people of all genders, races, ethnicities and ages.

Seizure symptoms can vary widely. Some people can lose consciousness during a seizure, while others do not. Some people stare for a few seconds during a seizure. Others may repeatedly twitch their arms or legs, the movements known as seizures.

Having a single seizure does not mean that you have epilepsy. Epilepsy is diagnosed if you have had at least two unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart. Unprovoked seizures do not have a clear cause.

Treatment with medications or sometimes surgery can control seizures for most people with epilepsy. Some people require treatment for life. For others, the seizures go away. Some children with epilepsy may outgrow the condition with age.

Symptoms

Seizure symptoms vary depending on the type of attack. Because epilepsy is caused by a certain activity in the brain, seizures can affect any process of the brain. Seizure symptoms can include:

Temporary confusion.
Episodes of spell.
The rigid muscles.
Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs.
The loss of consciousness.
Psychological symptoms such as fear, anxiety or deja vu.

Sometimes, people with epilepsy can have changes in their behavior. You can also have symptoms of psychosis.

The majority of people with epilepsy tend to have the same type of seizure each time. Usually the symptoms are similar from episode to episode.

Attack warning signs

Some people with focal seizures have warning signs in the moments before a seizure starts. These warning signs that are known as aura.

Warning signs can include a feeling in the stomach. Or could include emotions such as fear. Some people may feel a deja vu. Auras could also be a taste or a smell. It could even be visual, such as a constant or flashing light, a color or a shape. Some people may experience dizziness and loss of balance. And some people may see things that are not there, known as hallucinations.

Seizures are classified as either focal or generalized, based on how and where the brain activity causing the attack begins.

When the seizures seem to be the result of the activity within a single brain area, which are called focal seizures. These attacks fall into two categories:

Focal seizures without loss of consciousness. Once called simple partial seizures, these seizures do not cause a loss of consciousness, also known as the conscience. May alter emotions or change the way things look, smell, feel, taste or sound. Some people experience déjà vu. This type of attack can also lead to involuntary spasms of a body part, like an arm or a leg. And focal seizures can cause sensory symptoms, such as tingling, dizziness and flashing lights.
Focal seizures with impaired consciousness. Once the called complex partial seizures, these seizures involve a change or loss of consciousness. This type of attack can seem like being in a dream. During a focal seizure with impairment of consciousness, people can look at the space and not respond in ways typical for the environment. It can also perform repetitive movements, such as hand rubbing, chewing, swallowing or walking in circles.

Symptoms of focal seizures may be confused with other neurological diseases, such as migraine, narcolepsy, or mental illness. A thorough examination and tests necessary to determine whether the symptoms are the result of epilepsy or any other disease.

Focal seizures lobe of the brain. Some types of focal seizures include:

Temporal lobe seizures. Temporal lobe seizures begin in the areas of the brain called the temporal lobes. The temporal lobes process the emotions and play a role in the short-term memory. People who have these seizures often experience an aura. The aura can include sudden emotion such as fear or joy. It can also be a sudden smell or taste. Or an aura may be a feeling of déjà vu, or an increase of the sensation in the stomach. During the seizure, people can lose awareness of their surroundings. You can also look at the space, smack their lips, swallowing or chewing several times, or have movements of their fingers.
Frontal lobe seizures. Frontal lobe seizures begin in the front part of the brain. This is the part of the brain that controls movement. Frontal lobe seizures cause people to move the head and eyes to one side. Not respond when spoken to and may cry or laugh. You could extend an arm and flex your other arm. You can also make repetitive movements such as rocking or bicycle pedal.
Occipital lobe seizures. These seizures begin in the area of the brain called the occipital lobe. This lobe affects the vision and the way in which the people go. People who have this type of attack may have hallucinations. Or you can lose all or part of their vision during the seizure. These attacks can also cause blinking of the eyes or make the eyes move.

Generalized seizures

The seizures that appear to involve all areas of the brain are called generalized seizures. Generalized seizures are:

Absence seizures. Absence seizures, formerly known as petit mal seizures, often occur in children. Symptoms include staring into space, with or without subtle movements of the body. The movements can include eye blinking or lip smacking, and only last for 5 to 10 seconds. These attacks can occur in groups, what happens as often as 100 times a day, and causes a brief loss of consciousness.
Tonic seizures. Tonic seizures cause stiffening in the muscles and can affect consciousness. These attacks often affect the muscles of the back, arms and legs and may cause the person to fall to the ground.
Atonic seizures. Atonic seizures, also known as drop seizures, causes a loss of muscle control. From this most often affects the legs, often the causes of suddenly falls to the ground.
Clonic seizures. Clonic seizures are associated with repeated or rhythmic, jerking muscle movements. These attacks usually affect the face, neck, and arms.
Myoclonic seizures. Myoclonic seizures usually appear as sudden brief jerks or twitches, and usually affect the upper part of the body, arms and legs.
Generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures, formerly known as grand mal seizures, are the most dramatic type of epileptic attack. Can cause a sudden loss of consciousness, and the body stiffness, spasms and tremors. Sometimes cause the loss of bladder control or biting of the tongue.

When to see a doctor

Seek medical help immediately if any of the following occurs with an attack:

The seizure lasts more than five minutes.
Of the breath or of the consciousness of no return after the seizure stops.
A second attack follows immediately.
You have a high fever.
You're pregnant.
You have diabetes.
You've injured during the seizure.
You continue to have seizures despite the fact that he has been taking anti-seizure medication.

If you have a seizure for the first time, seek medical advice.

Causes

Epilepsy has no identifiable cause in about half of people with the condition. In the other half, the condition can be attributed to several factors, including:

The genetic influence.Some types of epilepsy in families. In these cases, it is likely that there is a genetic influence. Researchers have linked some types of epilepsy-specific genes. But some people have genetics of epilepsy that is not hereditary. The genetic changes that can occur in a child without being passed down from a parent. For most people, genes are only a part of the cause of the epilepsy. Certain genes may make a person more sensitive to the environmental conditions that trigger the attacks.
Trauma to the head. Head Trauma as a result of a car accident or other traumatic injury can cause epilepsy.
Factors in the brain. Brain tumors can cause epilepsy. Epilepsy can also be caused by the way in which blood vessels form in the brain. People with blood vessel conditions such as arteriovenous malformations and cavernous malformations may have seizures. And in adults older than 35 years of age, stroke is the main cause of epilepsy.
Infections. Meningitis, HIV , encephalitis virus and other parasitic infections can cause epilepsy.
The injury before the birth. Before birth, babies are sensitive to brain damage that could be caused by several factors. It may include an infection in the mother, poor nutrition or there is not enough oxygen. This brain damage can result in epilepsy or cerebral palsy.
The conditions of development. Epilepsy can occur at times with the conditions of development. People with autism are more likely to have epilepsy than are people without autism. The research has also found that people with epilepsy are more likely to have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other developmental conditions. Have both conditions may be associated with genes.

The genetic influence. Some types of epilepsy in families. In these cases, it is likely that there is a genetic influence. Researchers have linked some types of epilepsy-specific genes. But some people have genetics of epilepsy that is not hereditary. The genetic changes that can occur in a child without being passed down from a parent.

For most people, genes are only a part of the cause of the epilepsy. Certain genes may make a person more sensitive to the environmental conditions that trigger the attacks.

Seizure triggers

Seizures can be triggered by things in the environment. The seizure triggers not cause epilepsy, but that can trigger seizures in people with epilepsy. The majority of people with epilepsy do not have reliable triggers that always cause a seizure. However, you can often identify the factors that make it easier to have a seizure. Possible seizure triggers include:

The consumption of Alcohol.
Flashing lights.
The use of illicit drugs.
Skipping doses of anti-seizure medications, or take more than prescribed.
The lack of sleep.
The hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.
Stress.
The dehydration.
Skipping meals.
Disease.

Risk factors

Certain factors may increase the risk of epilepsy:

Age. The onset of epilepsy is most common in children and older adults, but the condition can occur at any age.
The history of the family. If you have a family history of epilepsy, you may be at an increased risk of seizures.
The head injury. Head injuries are responsible for some cases of epilepsy. You can reduce your risk with the use of a safety belt while driving a car. Also wear a helmet when riding a bike, skiing, riding a bike or doing activities with a high risk of head injury.
Stroke and other vascular diseases. Stroke and other diseases of the blood vessels can cause brain damage. Brain damage can trigger seizures and epilepsy. You can take steps to reduce the risk of these diseases. Limit the consumption of alcohol, not smoking, eating a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
Dementia. The dementia it may increase the risk of epilepsy in older adults.
Infections of the brain. Infections such as meningitis, which causes inflammation in the brain or in the spinal cord, may increase your risk.
Seizures in childhood. High fever in children can sometimes be associated with seizures. Children who have seizures due to high fever usually do not develop epilepsy. The risk of epilepsy is increased if a child has a long-fever-associated seizures, other nervous system condition or a family history of epilepsy.

Complications

Seizures in certain moments, it can be dangerous to you or others.

The fall of. If you fall during a seizure, you can injure your head or break a bone.
Drowning. People with epilepsy are 13 to 19 times more likely to drown while swimming or bathing to people without epilepsy. The risk is greater, because you may have a seizure while in the water.
Car accidents.A seizure that causes a loss of consciousness or control can be dangerous if you are driving a car or operating other equipment. Many states have driver license restrictions related to the ability of the pilot to control the seizures. In these states, there is a minimum amount of time that a driver must be free from seizures before being cleared to drive. The amount of time that can vary from months to years.
Problems with sleep. People who have epilepsy may have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, known as insomnia.
Complications in pregnancy.Seizures during pregnancy pose dangers to the mother and the baby. Also, certain anti-epileptic drugs increase the risk of birth defects. If you have epilepsy and you are thinking about getting pregnant, get medical help as you plan your pregnancy. Most women with epilepsy can become pregnant and have healthy children. That must be monitored carefully during pregnancy. The medications may need to be adjusted. It is very important that you work with your health care team to plan your pregnancy.
The loss of memory. People with some types of epilepsy have problems with the memory.

Car accidents. A seizure that causes a loss of consciousness or control can be dangerous if you are driving a car or operating other equipment.

Many states have driver license restrictions related to the ability of the pilot to control the seizures. In these states, there is a minimum amount of time that a driver must be free from seizures before being cleared to drive. The amount of time that can vary from months to years.

Complications in pregnancy. Seizures during pregnancy pose dangers to the mother and the baby. Also, certain anti-epileptic drugs increase the risk of birth defects. If you have epilepsy and you are thinking about getting pregnant, get medical help as you plan your pregnancy.

Most women with epilepsy can become pregnant and have healthy children. That must be monitored carefully during pregnancy. The medications may need to be adjusted. It is very important that you work with your health care team to plan your pregnancy.

Emotional health problems

People with epilepsy are more likely to have mental health problems. They can be a result of dealing with the disease itself as well as of the medicine side effects. But even people with controlled epilepsy are at greater risk. The emotional health of the problems that can affect people with epilepsy are:

Depression.
Anxiety.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Other life-threatening complications of epilepsy are not common but can happen. These include:

Status epilepticus. This condition occurs if you are in a state of continuous seizure activity lasting more than five minutes. Or it may occur if you have seizures without regaining full consciousness between them. People with status epilepticus, have a greater risk of permanent brain damage and death.
Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (sudep).People with epilepsy also have a small risk of sudden death. The cause is unknown, but some studies show that it can occur due to heart or respiratory diseases. People with frequent tonic-clonic seizures or people whose seizures are not controlled by medications may be at increased risk of ofSUDEP. In general, approximately 1% of people with epilepsy die ofSUDEP. It is more common in people with severe epilepsy that does not respond to treatment.

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (sudep). People with epilepsy also have a small risk of sudden death. The cause is unknown, but some studies show that it can occur due to heart or respiratory diseases.

People with frequent tonic-clonic seizures or people whose seizures are not controlled by medications may be at increased risk of SUDEP . In general, approximately 1% of people with epilepsy die from SUDEP . It is more common in people with severe epilepsy that does not respond to treatment.

Diagnosis

To diagnose epilepsy, your health care professional to review your medical history and symptoms. You may have several tests to diagnose epilepsy and to detect the cause of the seizures. They may include:

A neurological exam. This test is to assess your behavior, movements, mental function and other areas. The test helps to diagnose epilepsy and determine the type of epilepsy you may have.
Blood tests. A blood sample can detect signs of infections, genetic disorders, or other conditions that may be associated with seizures.
The genetic testing. In some people with epilepsy, genetic testing may provide more information about the disease and how to treat it. Genetic testing is most often performed on children, but can also be useful in some adults with epilepsy.

You can also have images of the brain of the tests and scans that detect changes in the brain:

Electroencephalogram (EEG).This is the most common test used to diagnose epilepsy. In this test, a small metal discs called electrodes are attached to your scalp with an adhesive or the lid. The electrodes record the electrical activity of your brain. If you have epilepsy, it is common to have changes in the pattern of brain waves. These changes occur even when you're not having a seizure. Your health care professional can monitor video during anEEGto detect and record any type of seizure. This can be done while you are awake or asleep. The recording of seizures may help to determine what type of crisis that we are having, or to rule out other conditions. The test can be done in a health care professional or hospital. Or you can have a ambulatoryEEG. TheEEGrecords seizure activity in the course of a couple of days at home. You can get the instructions to do something, which can cause seizures, such as sleep before the test.
High densityEEG. In a variation of an EEG, you can have a high-density EEG . For this test, electrodes are placed closer together, in comparison with a conventional EEG . High-density EEG can help to more precisely determine which areas of your brain affected by the attacks.
Computed tomography (CT scan). A ct scan uses X-rays to obtain cross-sectional images of the brain. CT scans can detect tumors, bleeding, and / or cysts in the brain that may be the cause of the epilepsy.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An mri uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create a detailed view of the brain. As a ct scan, an mri is seen in the structure of the brain to detect what may be the cause of the seizures. But a magnetic resonance imaging provides a more detailed look into the brain of a ct scan.
FunctionalMRI(fMRI). A functional magnetic resonance imaging measures changes in blood flow that occur when specific parts of the brain are working. This test can be used before surgery to identify the exact location of the critical functions, such as speech and movement. This allows surgeons to avoid those areas during the operation.
Positron emission tomography (PET). PET scans use a small amount of low-dose radioactive material. The material is injected into a vein to help you visualize the metabolic activity of the brain and detect the changes. The areas of the brain with low metabolism, you can indicate places where seizures occur.
Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT).This type of test is used ifMRIandEEGdidn not point to the location in the brain where the seizures start. ASPECTtest uses a small amount of low-dose radioactive material. The material is injected into a vein to create a detailed 3D map of the blood flow during seizures. Zones greater than the typical flow of blood can indicate the areas where seizures occur. Another type of ofSPECTtest called subtraction ictalSPECTcoregistered toMRI(SISCOM) may provide even more detailed results. The test is superimposed theSPECTresults with brainMRIresults.
Neuropsychological tests. These tests evaluate the thinking, memory and language skills. The results of the test helps you to determine what areas of the brain are affected by the attacks.

Electroencephalogram (EEG). This is the most common test used to diagnose epilepsy. In this test, a small metal discs called electrodes are attached to your scalp with an adhesive or the lid. The electrodes record the electrical activity of your brain.

If you have epilepsy, it is common to have changes in the pattern of brain waves. These changes occur even when you're not having a seizure. Your health care professional can monitor video during an EEG to detect and record any type of seizure. This can be done while you are awake or asleep. The recording of seizures may help to determine what type of crisis that we are having, or to rule out other conditions.

The test can be done in a health care professional or hospital. Or you can have an ambulatory EEG . The EEG recorded seizure activity in the course of a couple of days at home.

You can get the instructions to do something, which can cause seizures, such as sleep before the test.

Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). This type of test is used if the MRI and the EEG does not point to the location in the brain where the seizures start.

A SPECT test uses a small amount of low-dose radioactive material. The material is injected into a vein to create a detailed 3D map of the blood flow during seizures. Zones greater than the typical flow of blood can indicate the areas where seizures occur.

Another type of SPECT test called the subtraction SPECT ictal coregistered to mri (SISCOM) may provide even more detailed results. The test is superimposed on the SPECT results with the results of the magnetic resonance imaging of the brain.

Together with the results of your test, a combination of other techniques can be used to help identify where in the brain the seizures start:

Statistical parametric mapping (SPM). SPM is seen in areas of the brain with increased blood flow during seizures. This is in comparison to the same areas of the brain of people who do not have seizures. This provides information about where the attacks begin.
Electrical source imaging (ESI). ESI is a technique that takes data from the EEG and projects in a magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. This is done to show the areas where the seizures are occurring. This technique provides more accurate detail than EEG alone.
Magnetoencephalography (MEG). MEG measures the magnetic fields produced by brain activity. This helps to identify the potential areas where the seizures start. MEG can be more accurate than the EEG because the skull and the tissue that surrounds the brain interfere less with the magnetic fields. MEG and magnetic resonance imaging together provide the images show the areas of the brain affected by the attacks, and is not affected by the attacks.

The diagnosis of seizure type and where the attacks start gives you the best chance to find an effective treatment.

Treatment

The treatment can help people diagnosed with epilepsy have fewer seizures or even completely stop having seizures. Possible treatments include:

Drugs.
Surgery.
Therapies that stimulate the brain using a device.
A ketogenic diet.

Medicine

Most people with epilepsy can become seizure-free by taking an anti-seizure medicine, also called an anti-epileptic medicine. Others may be able to decrease the number and intensity of their attacks by taking more than one medication.

Many children with epilepsy who are not having symptoms of epilepsy, finally, you can stop taking the medication and live a seizure-free life. Many adults are able to stop taking medications after two or more years without seizures. Your health care team can advise you about the right time to stop taking the medications.

Finding the right medication and dosage can be complex. Your healthcare provider may consider your condition, the frequency of seizures, your age and other factors when choosing which medications to prescribe. Your healthcare provider may also review any other medications you may be taking to ensure that the anti-epileptic drugs do not interact with them.

You can take a single medication at a low dose. Then your healthcare provider may increase your dose a little at a time until their seizures are well controlled.

There are over 20 different types of anti-epileptic drugs available. The medicines that you take depends on the type of seizures you have, your age and other health conditions.

Anti-seizure medicines can have some side effects. Mild side effects include:

Fatigue.
The dizziness.
The increase of weight.
The loss of bone density.
Rashes on the skin.
Loss of coordination.
Problems with speech.
The memory and thinking problems.

More serious but rare side effects include:

Depression.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Severe skin rash.
The inflammation of certain organs, like the liver.

For the best seizure control possible with the medicine, follow these steps:

Take medicines exactly as prescribed.
Always call your health care professional before switching to a generic version of the drug or taking other medicines. This includes medicines that you get on with or without a prescription and herbal remedies.
Never stop taking your medication without talking to your health care professional.
Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience new or increased feelings of depression or thoughts of suicide. Also, contact your healthcare provider right away if you have changes in your mood or behavior.
Tell your health care professional if you have migraines. You may need an anti-seizure medication that can prevent migraine headaches and the treatment of epilepsy.

At least half of the people diagnosed with epilepsy become seizure-free with your first medicine. If the anti-epileptic drugs do not offer good results, you may be able to have the surgery or other treatments. It is likely that you will have regular follow-up appointments with your health care professional to check the status of their disease and medications.

Surgery

When medications do not provide sufficient control of seizures, epilepsy surgery may be an option. With the epilepsy surgery, a surgeon removes the area of your brain that is causing seizures.

The surgery is usually done when the tests show that:

Its onset seizures in a small and well defined in the area of your brain.
The surgery does not affect vital functions such as speech, language, movement, vision or hearing.

For some types of epilepsy, minimally invasive approaches, such as magnetic resonance imaging-guided stereotactic laser ablation can help to relieve the symptoms. These treatments can be used when open surgery is too risky. This procedure involves the use of a laser thermal probe directed to the area in the brain causing seizures. It destroys the tissue in an effort to better control of seizures.

You can continue to take medication to prevent seizures after a successful surgery. However, you may be able to take fewer medications and reduce their dose.

In a small number of people, the epilepsy surgery can result in complications. Complications may include a permanent change in the ability of thinking. Talk with your surgical team members about their experience, success rates and complication rates with the procedure you are considering.

Therapies

Apart from medications and surgery, these potential therapies offer an alternative for the treatment of epilepsy:

Stimulation of the vagus nerve.Vagus nerve stimulation may be an option when medications have not worked well enough for the control of seizures and surgery is not possible. A device called a vagus nerve stimulator is implanted under the skin of the chest, similar to a cardiac pacemaker. The wires from the stimulator are connected to the vagus nerve in the neck. The battery-powered device sends bursts of electrical energy through the vagus nerve and the brain. It is not clear how this inhibits seizures, but the device may reduce seizures in 20% to 40%. Most of the people still need to take anti-seizure medication. But some people may be able to reduce their dose of medication. Vagus nerve stimulation side effects may include sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty breathing or a cough.
The deep brain stimulation. In deep brain stimulation, surgeons implant electrodes into a specific part of the brain, normally the thalamus. The electrodes are connected to a generator implanted in the chest. The generator regularly sends electrical impulses to the brain at intervals of time and may reduce attacks. Deep brain stimulation is often used for people whose seizures do not improve with medications.
Responsive neurostimulation. These implantable pacemaker-like devices that can help to reduce the frequency of seizures are occurring. The devices analyze the patterns of brain activity to detect seizures, as they start. To deliver the electrical stimulation to stop the attack. The research shows that this therapy has few side effects and can provide long-term seizure relief.

Stimulation of the vagus nerve. Vagus nerve stimulation may be an option when medications have not worked well enough for the control of seizures and surgery is not possible. A device called a vagus nerve stimulator is implanted under the skin of the chest, similar to a cardiac pacemaker. The wires from the stimulator are connected to the vagus nerve in the neck.

The battery-powered device sends bursts of electrical energy through the vagus nerve and the brain. It is not clear how this inhibits seizures, but the device may reduce seizures in 20% to 40%.

Most of the people still need to take anti-seizure medication. But some people may be able to reduce their dose of medication. Vagus nerve stimulation side effects may include sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty breathing or a cough.

Ketogenic diet

Some children and adults with epilepsy to reduce its attacks by following a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates. This may be an option when medications are not helping to control epilepsy.

In this diet, called a ketogenic diet, the body breaks down fats instead of carbohydrates to obtain energy. After a couple of years, some children may be able to halt the ketogenic diet and remain seizure-free. It is important that this be carried out under the close supervision of health professionals.

Experts do not know how a ketogenic diet works to reduce seizures. But the researchers think that the diet creates chemical changes that suppress seizures. The diet also alters the actions of the cells in the brain to reduce the attacks.

Obtain medical attention if you or your child is considering a ketogenic diet. It is important to ensure that your child receives enough nutrients when you are following a diet.

Side effects of a ketogenic diet can include dehydration, constipation, and slowed the growth of not getting enough nutrition. Side effects may include an accumulation of uric acid in the blood, which can cause kidney stones. These side effects are not common if the diet is correct, and with medical supervision.

Following a ketogenic diet can be difficult. Low glycemic index and modified Atkins diets provide less restrictive alternatives that still can provide some help for the control of seizures.

Potential future treatments

Researchers are studying many possible new treatments for epilepsy, including:

The continuous stimulation of the seizure onset zone, known as the subthreshold stimulation.Subthreshold stimulation is the continuous stimulation to an area of the brain below a level that is physically perceivable. This type of therapy seems to improve the seizure of the results and the quality of life for some people with seizures. Subthreshold stimulation helps to stop an attack before it happens. This treatment can work in people who have seizures that start in one area of the brain called the area eloquent. This area can't be removed because it could affect speech and movement. Or it might help people with seizure types that may not improve with a response to neurostimulation.
The minimally invasive surgery. New minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound, show promise for the treatment of seizures. These surgeries have less of a risk than the traditional open brain surgery for epilepsy.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). TMS was applied focused magnetic fields in the areas of the brain where seizures occur for the treatment of seizures without the need for surgery. Can be used for patients whose seizures occur near the surface of the brain and cannot be treated with surgery.
Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). This technique provides an electrical stimulation through the scalp into the brain to reduce seizures over time. This treatment can be applied in the home.

The continuous stimulation of the seizure onset zone, known as the subthreshold stimulation. Subthreshold stimulation is the continuous stimulation to an area of the brain below a level that is physically perceivable. This type of therapy seems to improve the seizure of the results and the quality of life for some people with seizures. Subthreshold stimulation helps to stop an attack before it happens.

This treatment can work in people who have seizures that start in one area of the brain called the area eloquent. This area can't be removed because it could affect speech and movement. Or it might help people with seizure types that may not improve with a response to neurostimulation.

Lifestyle and home remedies

The understanding of your condition can help you keep better control of it:

Take your medicine correctly. Do not adjust the dose before you talk with a member of the health team. If you believe that your medication needs to be changed, talk to your health professional.
Get enough sleep. Lack of sleep can trigger seizures. Make sure you get enough rest each night.
Wear a medical alert bracelet. This will help emergency personnel know how to treat properly.
Exercise. Exercise can help to maintain a good physical health and reduce depression. Be sure to drink enough water, and the rest, if you get tired during exercise.

In addition, make healthy life choices. To manage stress, limit alcohol consumption, and not smoking cigarettes.

Coping and support

Not be able to control the seizures can lead to depression. But you can live an active, full of life with epilepsy. To help you cope:

Educate yourself and your friends and family about epilepsy, to better understand the disease.
Try to ignore the negative reactions of the people. It helps to learn about epilepsy, so that you know the facts, contrary to the misconceptions about the disease. And try to keep your sense of humor.
To live as independently as possible. To continue working, if possible. If you can not handle because of their seizures, to investigate the public transport options near you. If it's not cleared to drive, you could consider the possibility of relocating to a city with good public transportation options.
Find a health professional that you like and with whom you feel comfortable.
Try not to worry about having a seizure.
Find an epilepsy support group to meet people who understand what is happening.

If you can't work outside the home because of your seizures, you might consider the possibility of working from home. And there are other ways to feel connected with people.

Let the people who live and work with know how to handle a crisis. This can help if they are with you when you have one. You can offer suggestions such as:

Carefully roll the person onto one side to prevent choking.
Place something soft under the person's head.
Loosen the tie.
Do not place fingers or any other thing in the person's mouth. People with epilepsy do not "swallow" their tongues during a seizure — it is physically impossible.
Do not try to hold on to someone who is having a seizure.
If the person is in motion, clean the dangerous objects.
If immediate medical assistance is required, stay with the person until medical personnel arrive.
Observe with attention to the person who can give details about what happened.
The time of the seizure.
Be quiet during the seizures.

Preparing for your appointment

You can start by seeing your health care professional. However, when you call to schedule an appointment, you may be referred immediately to a specialist. This specialist can be a doctor trained in brain and nervous system conditions, known as a neurologist. Or you may be referred to a neurologist trained in epilepsy, known as an epileptologist.

Appointments can be brief and there's often a lot to talk about. It is a good idea to be well prepared. Here is the information to help you prepare for your appointment, and what to expect.

What you can do

Maintain a detailed seizures calendar.Each time a seizure occurs, write down the time, the type of attack and how long it lasted. Also take note of the circumstances surrounding the attack. May include loss of the drugs, lack of sleep, increased stress, menstruation, or other events that may trigger an asthma attack. Search for the entry of people who can watch their seizures, including family, friends, and coworkers. This allows you to record the information that you may not know.
Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time of making the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you are taking.
Have a family member or friend.Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who comes with you may remember something that you missed or forgot. You may not be aware of everything that happens when you're having a seizure. Someone who saw the seizure may be able to answer any questions during your appointment.
Write questions to ask their health professional. Prepare a list of questions will help you make the most of your appointment time.

Maintain a detailed seizures calendar. Each time a seizure occurs, write down the time, the type of attack and how long it lasted. Also take note of the circumstances surrounding the attack. May include loss of the drugs, lack of sleep, increased stress, menstruation, or other events that may trigger an asthma attack.

Search for the entry of people who can watch their seizures, including family, friends, and coworkers. This allows you to record the information that you may not know.

Have a family member or friend. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who comes with you may remember something that you missed or forgot.

You may not be aware of everything that happens when you're having a seizure. Someone who saw the seizure may be able to answer any questions during your appointment.

For epilepsy, some basic questions include:

What is likely causing my attacks?
What kinds of tests do I need?
It is my epilepsy likely temporary or long-term?
What treatment do you recommend it?
What are the alternatives to the primary treatment that you are suggesting?
How can I make sure that I don't hurt myself if I have another attack?
I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
You should see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover it?
Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing?
Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take my house? What sites do you recommend?

In addition to the questions you have prepared, do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment anytime you don't understand something.

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare provider is likely to ask a series of questions, such as:

When did you first begin to experience seizures?
Make your attacks seem to be triggered by certain events or conditions?
Do you have similar feelings just before the onset of a seizure?
Have your seizures occurred often or once in a while?
What symptoms occur when you experience a seizure?
What, if anything, seems to improve your attacks?
What, if anything, appears to worsen seizures?

What you can do in the meantime

Certain conditions and activities that may trigger seizures, so that it can be helpful if you:

Do not drink large amounts of alcohol.
Do not use nicotine.
Get enough sleep.
Reduce stress.

Also, it is important to keep a record of their attacks before your appointment.