Other Seizure Treatments
Surgery for epilepsy
Vagal nerve stimulation
Ketogenic diet
Relaxation techniques for people with seizures
Surgery for epilepsy
Surgery may be an option for people whose seizures cannot be controlled by medicine or who have severe reactions to antiepileptic drugs.
If a single, localized abnormal area is found within the brain, it may be possible to remove it surgically and control the seizures. Another less common type of surgery interrupts nerve pathways along which seizure messages spread within the brain.
Epilepsy surgery is major brain surgery and the benefits must be weighed against the risks. It is only carried out after a detailed evaluation has been carried out, including thorough review of a patient's seizure history, sophisticated EEG monitoring, and detailed brain-imaging tests.
For some patients surgery completely stops seizures, but in others it achieves partial control or provides no improvement. Often, people who become seizure-free through surgery may still need to remain on antiepileptic medications.
Vagal nerve stimulation
Vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is a procedure for people whose seizures are poorly controlled by medications. It is approved for use in some parts of the world.
A small device, similar to a pacemaker, is placed under the skin near the vagal nerve on the side of the neck. This implantable device, together with small electrodes, stimulates the vagal nerve at regular, timed intervals. This regular stimulation has been shown to disrupt the activity in the brain that can lead to seizures. (Most of the research has involved people with partial seizures.)
Ketogenic diet
In some people (mostly children who have seizures that are difficult to control) a particular high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet can be helpful. This "ketogenic diet" is very difficult to follow for a long time, so a Neurologist will usually only recommend it after antiepileptic drugs have been tried and failed.
 A ketogenic diet should be tried only after talking with your Neurologist
A ketogenic diet must be supervised by your Neurologist (usually with the help of a nutritionist)
Relaxation techniques for people with seizures
Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing can help to reduce stress and may help to prevent seizures in some people.
In addition to treatment, there are many ways to improve quality of life in people with epilepsy. To learn other tips and ideas for living with epilepsy click here.
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