Treatment and medication
Epilepsy is treatable. There are pharmacological interventions available which help in reducing the chances of a seizure from occurring. [6]
Brain surgery and nerve stimulation are other treatment choices. The choice of treatment is, however, not liable to personal selection. It is more dictated by the type of epilepsy, pattern of seizure, other associated symptoms of epilepsy, or other medical conditions. [7]
Antiepileptic medications AEDS
Anticonvulsants or anti-epileptic medicines are effective in about 70% of cases. They function by altering the balance of ions in a way which prevents the onset of an electrical burst in the neurons. Hence, these medicines do not cure epilepsy, but prevent the symptomatic picture of epilepsy from developing. Some drugs available under this label are:
- Topiramate
- Carbamazepine
- Sodium valproate
- Lamotrigine
These drugs are selected on the basis of specificities of seizure type and epileptic pattern. In case of a single seizure, with very low chances of recurrence, some physicians may opt to avoid initiating a medical treatment.
One very important point to consider about these drugs is their potential interaction with other medicines, alcohol, smoking etc. Pregnancy also dictates a careful choice in term of least risky drug. It is important that the doctor knows about any other prescriptions the patient is on, and/or other over-the-counter medicines the patient is using while taking an anti-epileptic. Patients with co-existing liver or kidney disease have to be carefully evaluated for the dose of these drugs. Liver and kidney both take an important part in the metabolism of the drugs, and hence, their efficacy. Some possible side-effects of anti-epileptic drugs in general can be summed as:
- Headaches
- Fetal developmental problems
- Hair loss, or excessive hair growth
- Tiredness
- Weight loss
- Rash
If any such side-effects come to notice, the patient should directly consult the doctor. It is not encouraged to give up medicines without consulting the doctor. Some doctors may recommend progressively decreasing dose and then eventually discontinue drugs after at least 2 years of seizure-free time.