Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. It can be a confusing and frightening condition, but with the support of your healthcare team and the right information, epilepsy can be managed effectively.
Understanding seizures
A seizure occurs due to abnormal or excessive electrical activity in the brain. There are two main categories of seizures: provoked and unprovoked. Provoked seizures are caused by a specific trigger, such as electrolyte imbalance, or use or withdrawal of certain medications or substances, that can hopefully be corrected or avoided in the future. Unprovoked seizures typically occur in epilepsy.
- Seizure diagnosis: Diagnosing seizures can be tricky, as there are many other conditions that mimic seizures (fainting, stroke, tremor, sleep disorders, psychological conditions). Physicians often must rely on incomplete information to make a diagnosis, including witness accounts and home videos. Many people who have a seizure do not remember the symptoms, making diagnosis even more challenging.
- Seizures vs. epilepsy: A single seizure doesn’t necessarily mean epilepsy. However, when the risk of seizure recurrence is high enough, epilepsy is usually diagnosed and treated with anti-seizure medications. Epilepsy means a natural tendency of the brain to have unprovoked seizures.
Diagnosing and treating epilepsy
Epilepsy has many causes, such as brain tumors, past brain injuries, strokes, abnormal brain development or genetic conditions. In many cases, the cause remains unknown, but treatment can still be very effective.
- Diagnosis: A physician will evaluate many different factors, including symptom history, a physical examination and test results. The physician typically focuses on these questions to determine if a patient has epilepsy:
- Are your events actually seizures or something else?
- If they are seizures, do you have epilepsy?
- What is the cause of your seizures/epilepsy?
- Treatment: Medication is the first line of defense for most people with epilepsy. Medication can completely control seizures in about two-thirds of people. Finding the right medication often involves trial and error, as physicians aim for the best possible seizure control with the fewest side effects.
- Backup treatment options: If medications aren’t controlling your seizures, a specialized epilepsy center can provide a more comprehensive evaluation. The first step would be to confirm the diagnosis. The next step would be exploring backup treatment options, including surgery, implantable devices or specialized diets, with careful consideration of your personal circumstances.
Living with epilepsy
Having epilepsy doesn’t necessarily mean disability or limitations on your potential. With proper treatment, most people with epilepsy can live full and productive lives.
- Seizure triggers: If you have epilepsy, common triggers to be aware of include missing medication doses, lack of sleep, sickness, infection, fever and stress.
- Driving and activities: Whether you can drive, participate in certain activities or work in certain capacities depends on your specific situation and seizure control. Each state has distinct regulations governing driving privileges for individuals who may have had a seizure, often requiring many months of seizure freedom before being permitted to drive. Your physician and healthcare team can help you navigate these issues to best support your health and safety.
- Epilepsy is manageable: Epilepsy is a manageable condition with a lot of hope for a fulfilling life. Working with your healthcare team is key to finding the right treatment and keeping seizures under control.
Endeavor Health offers a comprehensive epilepsy program with a team of experienced neurologists and neurosurgeons. To learn more, visit us online or call 630-836-9121.