Epilepsy. Therapy

What types of treatment are available for epilepsy?

In cases where people have occasional single epileptic seizures, which occur with very long intervals of time between them, or where seizure have clearly identified triggering causes, anti-epileptic therapy is generally delayed. Long-term pharmaceutical anti-epileptic therapy is only commenced once a firm diagnosis of epilepsy has been made.

The reasons for treating epilepsy

There may be many different reasons behind a doctor's decision to advise, and for the parents to agree to a particular course of therapy for a child's epilepsy.

If any of several of the following factors applies to your child, these would be good reasons to consider treatment:

  • Your child has repeated seizures
  • An EEG scans reveals definite and clear changes in the child's brain.
  • The child's epilepsy is having a limiting effect on their life.
  • Not treating the epilepsy is extremely likely to cause negative consequences for the child's development.
  • The child is at risk of being injured during seizures (e.g. because of the sudden loss of consciousness or from injury during falls).

Treatment objectives in epilepsy

Before beginning a course of treatment it is sensible to think about the treatment objectives because there are many different possible objectives to aim for. Treatment objectives will be determined in joint discussions by doctors, parents and, as far as possible also by the child affected.

Therapy objectives could be:

  • Freedom from seizures
  • less frequent or milder seizures
  • to avoid injury during seizures
  • to have as few limitations as possible in everyday life
  • the lowest possible number of side effects from the treatment and no disruptions to the child's normal development
  • improvement in quality of life.
  • It is important to formulate realistic objectives so as to reduce the risk of being disappointed. Freedom from seizures is not always the primary therapy objective.

Individual therapy strategy in a case of epilepsy

Once the treatment objectives have been determined, the therapy is planned. Various treatment options are available, depending on the form of epilepsy, the progress of the condition and the family situation. The first line of treatment for epilepsy is with pharmaceutical medications. There are, however, other treatment options available: Because of the other problems associated with epilepsy a limitation to treatment of the seizures alone is in many cases insufficient. Treatment should therefore be holistic and include counselling and training.

Treatment options in epilepsy

  • Pharmaceutical therapy
  • Counselling (social support etc.)
  • Surgical therapy
  • Vagus nerve stimulator
  • Ketogenic diet
  • Psychotherapeutic procedures: Self-control of epileptic seizures, biofeedback, natural healing methods / homeopathy
  • training

Therapy options in epilepsy: Pharmaceutical therapy

Detailed information on the treatment of epilepsy with pharmaceutical medication

Therapy options in epilepsy: Non-pharmaceutical therapy in epilepsy.

Epilepsy surgery procedures, vagus nerve stimulation, ketogenic diet, self-control of seizures, natural healing methods, homeopathy

Therapy options in epilepsy: General Psychotherapy.

As with other conditions and illnesses, epilepsy often imposes strong emotional and mental burdens on a person which can have negative effect on the course of the condition.

Professional care

Kluger

PD Dr. med.

Gerhard Kluger


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