Treating Epilepsy

 

Drug Therapy

Many seizure disorders are controlled by various types of anti-convulsant drugs. Monotherapy (using one drug) or polytherapy (using a combination of drugs) may be prescribed by the doctor. Different types of seizures require different types of drugs. Many drugs, however, may produce numerous and unwanted side effects.

Ketogenic Diet
This strictly supervised diet is prescribed for children 1 to 8 years of age or for older children, provided that they and their families are highly motivated. It is high in fat and low in carbohydrates and protein. The diet is prescribed when seizures are deemed out of control or the side effects of medication and / or surgery are considered unacceptable. Seizures are brought under control in many of the children who try it and are eliminated, often permanently, in half of the children who rigidly stick to the diet.

 

Surgery
Surgery is used when other medical avenues have been pursued, and when the injured brain tissue causing the seizures can be identified and safely removed without damaging psychological or major body functions. This applies to only a small percentage of people. Different types of operations may be performed. In general, they fall into two main groups:
removal of the area of the brain that is producing the seizures
interruption of nerve pathways along which seizure impulses spread.


Medications

Brand Name (Generic Name)

Ativan (lorazepam)

Tegretol, Carbatrol (Carbamazepine)

Depakene (Valprote)

Depakote, Epival (Divalproex sodium)

Diamox (acetazolamide)

Dilantin (phenytoin)

Felbatol (felbamate)

Gabitril (tiagabine)

Keppra (levetiracetam)

Klonopin (clonazepam)

Lamictal (lamotrigine)

Mysoline (primidone)

Neurontin (gabapentin)

phenobarbital

Phenytek

Topamax (topiramate)

Trileptal (oxcarbazepine)


Zarontin (ethosuximide)

Zonegran (zonisamide)
 

Possible Side Effects

Drowsiness, fatigue, poor coordination, behaviour changes

Dizziness, drowsiness, headache, blurry vision, nausea, decreased coordination

Upset stomach, liver toxicity, hairloss, weight gain, tremor

Apetite loss, frequent urination, drowsiness, hair loss, numbness, kidney stones

Apetite loss, frequent urination, drowsiness, numbness, kidney stones

Nystagmus, ataxia, skin rash, blurred or double vision, gingival hyperplasia, folate deficiency

Vomiting, insomnia, anorexia, headache, liver and blood toxicity, nausea

Tremour, nervousness, weakness, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, sleepiness

Fatigue, sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, poor coordination

Drowsiness, slurred speech, double vision, behaviour changes

Headache, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, skin rash, clumsiness

Drowsiness, hyperactivity in children, ataxia, behaviour changes

Sleepiness, clumsiness, dizziness, twitching, fatigue

Sleep disruption, excitability, irritability, cognitive impairment, drowsiness

Insomnia, twitching, gum overgrowth, hairiness, thickening of features, rash, clumsiness

Confusion, sleepiness, clumsiness, difficulty thinking and talking, nausea, tingling sensation of the skin

Sleepiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, rash, difficulty concentrating, double vision

GI upset, loss of appetite, headache, lethargy, dizziness, behaviour changes

Kidney stones, nausea, fever, loss of appetite, sleepiness, rash, irritability, dizziness, difficulty concentrating