Determining Seizure Disorder Treatment Options

Seizure disorders can be a frightening experience for both the individual and their family. It is important to find an effective treatment plan that works for the individual, as each person’s needs are different. While there is no single “cure” for a seizure disorder, there are many treatment options available to help manage symptoms and reduce seizures. Usually, treatment plans are comprehensive and require the engagement of family members and caregivers.

In this article, we will talk about seizure disorder treatments, and where you can go in Farmington Hills for top-notch treatments for seizure disorders.

Consulting a Neurologist

The first step in determining which treatments will be best suited to you or your loved one’s seizure disorder is to consult with a neurologist who specializes in treating seizures or epilepsy. Understanding the nature and severity of the seizure disorder is extremely important before exploring possible treatments.

Seizure Disorder Treatment Options

Some of the treatments a neurologist may recommend are the following:

• Lifestyle changes, such as getting enough sleep, avoiding triggers like stress and fatigue, exercising regularly, eating healthy meals on time throughout the day, lessen the frequency and severity of seizures, and make it easier to control them.
• Anti-seizure medications work by reducing excitability within brain cells, so they don’t become overly active during epileptic episodes. These drugs must often be taken daily in order to remain effective. Commonly prescribed medications include anticonvulsants such as phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamazepine (Tegretol), and valproic acid (Depakote). These drugs help control electrical signals in the brain that may lead to seizures by either blocking them completely or decreasing their intensity, so they don’t become full-blown seizures. Other medicines such as benzodiazepines can be used to reduce seizure frequency if other medications fail to help achieve the desired outcome.
• Neurostimulation, which involves electrical stimulation applied directly onto nerve fibers responsible for causing convulsions. This procedure typically requires surgery, and once in place, allows the doctor to adjust how much energy goes into specific areas. Neurostimulation techniques have proven to be very successful in helping patients improve their quality of life.
• Alternative therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to change thought patterns associated with fear and anxiety around having future epileptic episodes, as well as learn relaxation strategies to cope during times of heightened stress and emotionality, which can increase the risk of experiencing an epileptic fit.
• Surgery may be recommended in certain cases where medication fails to control an individual’s epileptic symptoms effectively. A surgeon can remove the area of the brain where the seizures occur, also known as a focal resection, to reduce the seizure burden.

With proper diagnosis, treatment, and a combined support system consisting of friends, family, and caregivers, an individual with a seizure disorder can experience a positive outcome despite the initial prognosis.

Epilepsy Treatment in Novi, MI

The board-certified neurologists at Associates in Neurology specialize in the treatment of patients with seizure disorders. Our doctors treat every patient with gentleness and compassion. We can determine the proper treatment methods based on the results of our assessment, as well as how the patient responds to the prescribed treatment. Since our treatment plans are individualized, we continue to fine-tune them to give our patients the best possible outcomes.

To schedule an appointment with one of our neurologists, call our office today at (248) 478-5512, or use our convenient online request form. Associates in Neurology serve patients in Farmington Hills, Novi, and Howell.