Diagnosis of Epilepsy, Epilepsy Treatment, Epilepsy Management, Seizure, Epileptic Seizure

DIAGNOSIS & TREATMENT

How is epilepsy treated?

Treatment is usually with Antiepileptic Drugs also referred to as AEDs. Many epilepsy syndromes respond well to a specific drug or to a combination of drugs. Drugs do not cure epilepsy but most seizures can be prevented by taking medication regularly one or more times a day. For many people, medication makes it possible to live normal, active lives free of seizures. Others may continue to have seizures, but less frequently.

When drugs are not effective, other treatment methods or regimes may be used.

In children, a Ketogenic diet (a high fat, low carbohydrate, restricted calorie diet) may be suggested – usually as additional therapy. For some children this works, although its mechanisms are not well understood. To introduce this diet the child is usually hospitalised as the radical dietary changes involved have the potential to cause quite serious problems for the child. Once the child is stabilised on the diet they can return home, with the diet managed by the parents or carers.

Not all doctors are keen about the Ketogenic diet. They know from experience that they have their best success with drugs that have been extensively clinically trialled. While drugs are not without their problems, any adverse effects are usually well understood and manageable. Doctors are usually far less certain about radical dietary changes and usually have little training in this area.

The general view is that if your child has the potential to become seizure-free by taking Antiepileptic Drugs without any adverse affects, then your child will be better off. They will have the opportunity to live a normal childhood without radical dietary restraints. Getting on top of seizures quickly is an important contribution to ensuring normal childhood development.

Books, videos and other information sources relating to the Ketogenic diet are available through the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria.

 

Related Articles