How is Epilepsy Being Treated?

Anyone who has a epilepsy seizures must be assessed by an epilepsy specialist (neurologist) or an epilepsy specialist team usually comprising of:

• doctors
• nurses
• medical social workers

You will undergo test that will usually include"

• blood test
• an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) of the brain (where this is not possible, a CT scan may be done)
• an EEG (electroencephalograph - measures the brain's electrical waves)

Sometimes additional tests may be necessary such as an ECG.  The test will help your doctor find out if there is any underlying cause for your fit.

What is the Treatment for Epilepsy and the Epilepsy Medication?

If there is any treatable underlying cause for your epilepsy seizures, your doctor will treat it.  In addition, he will assess the likelihood of another epileptic fit occurring.  If the chance is high, you will usually be prescribed treatment with anti-epileptics include:

•  
• phenytoin
• carbamazepine
• aodium valproate

Other treatment forms, such as surgery, may be considered, but tese are less common.  Unless your epilepsy is very stable and you can be discharged to your family doctor, you will usually be followed up the specialist at regular intervals.

 

Tags: Epilepsy