Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which a person’s brain cells send signals abnormally, leading to seizures.

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Individuals with epilepsy may experience different types of seizures that fit into these two main categories:

Focal Onset Seizures (FOS)
  • Seizures that begin on one side of the brain, also known as partial seizures. Focal onset seizures are the most common type of seizure experienced by people with epilepsy.
Generalized Onset Seizures
  • Seizures that start in both sides of the brain and affect the whole body. Generalized seizures may start as focal, and then spread to both sides of the brain.

For individuals who have experienced a seizure, suspect they have had one, or have been told by others that they sometimes appear unaware of their actions, doctors may conduct the following tests to confirm a diagnosis:

  • Blood Tests: Evaluates metabolic and blood chemistry imbalances, toxins, and poisons.
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG): Measures brain activity through small sensors attached to your scalp. This test allows your doctor to evaluate the electrical signals produced by your brain.
  • Video-EEG Monitoring: Follows the same procedure as an EEG, while also recording your activity via video during the test.
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Creates detailed images of your brain. You will lay in a cylindrical machine as radio waves are sent via pulses.
  • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: Relies on a radioactive drug that is typically injected into your hand or arm, and can help detect brain disorders.
  • Magnetoencephalography (MEG): Identifies where in your brain seizures are produced. It is painless and non-invasive.
  • Spinal Tap/Lumbar Puncture: Fluid from around your spinal cord is withdrawn and examined. This test is typically used when your provider is concerned that the cause of epilepsy is due to infection or immunological brain disease.
  • Neurological Exam: Evaluates your behavior, motor abilities, and mental function.
  • Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: Uses X-rays to generate images of your brain.
  • Single-Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT): Relies on a low dose of radioactive material injected into a vein to determine highly active areas of your brain.

Treatments for epilepsy include: 

  • Medications: This is the most common method of treating epilepsy and controls seizures in 70% of people. Medications do not eliminate the cause of seizures but prevent them from happening.
  • Diet Changes: Specific diets can help control seizures. These diets are typically used in combination with medications. A classic keto diet (high-fat, low-carb) or a modified Atkins diet (similar to keto) may be used.
  • Surgery: Occasionally, surgery is performed to stop seizures by removing the problem area of the brain or disconnecting it from the rest of the brain. Surgery is common in people who have drug-resistant epilepsy.
  • Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): A device is used to stimulate your vagus nerve. There are two vagus nerves, one on each side of the body, that run from the lower brain to the stomach. The device causes the areas of your brain generating seizures to be stimulated.
  • Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS): A device detects epileptic activity in the brain and delivers electrical stimulation. This treatment is often used for those who are not responsive to medication or surgery.
  • Deep Brain Stimulation: A device implanted in the brain delivers a mild electrical current to interfere with electrical malfunctions caused by seizures.

Ongoing Research

More research into effective epilepsy treatment options is critical.

Current Research Studies

Discover our featured studies below for epilepsy. If these studies are not right for you, there are over 350 clinical trials actively recruiting participants with epilepsy. Visit ClinicalTrials.gov to find epilepsy research studies near you.

Featured Study

X-TOLE and X-ACKT | Epilepsy Studies

For those living with either focal-onset seizures (FOS) or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (PGTCS), you may be eligible for a clinical trial that may help reduce the frequency of seizures.

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Resources

Find an online community of fellow patients, caregivers, and advocates below
as well as some other general resources!

Epilepsy/Seizure Support and Discussion
A support group for people living with epilepsy or experiencing seizures.
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Epilepsy and Seizure Support Group
A support group for people with epilepsy, families of those with epilepsy, and anyone who has been affected by epilepsy.
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Reddit Group: r/Epilepsy
A subreddit community for people who are affected by epilepsy.
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Reddit Group: r/Seizures
A subreddit community for those who experience seizures.
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The Epilepsy Foundation
Organization dedicated to mitigating the challenges of living with epilepsy, promoting new treatments, and raising awareness.
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International League Against Epilepsy
Organization comprised of 120+ national chapters working to ensure that health care providers, patients, caregivers, governments, and the public can access educational and research resources critical to understanding and treating epilepsy.
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Epilepsy Alliance America
National organization providing support and care to individuals living with epilepsy.
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CURE Epilepsy
Organization dedicated to finding a cure for epilepsy through patient-focused research.
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Sharp Waves Podcast: An Epilepsy Podcast from ILAE
The International League Against Epilepsy established The Sharp Waves Podcast, which tells the stories of people who have epilepsy, physicians who treat epilepsy, and researchers who study the condition.
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Living Well with Epilepsy
Visit the Living Well with Epilepsy page to view the various blogs that offer advice on living with epilepsy. There are blogs dedicated to the following subjects: motherhood, self-care, job, healthcare, and lifestyle.
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You Are Not Alone: Resource Guide
Check out this guide from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to find resources including national organizations dedicated to addressing epilepsy and family and sibling support groups.
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How to Qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits
This guide from the Epilepsy Foundation outlines the process of applying for disability benefits as an individual living with epilepsy.
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Assistance for Prescription Costs
This guide from the Epilepsy Foundation provides instructions on applying for a patient assistance program if you need help covering the cost of your medications.
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24/7 Helpline
Contact this line at any time to connect with a trained specialist who can answer questions and provide support.
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Stanford Medicine-Led Study Identifies Novel Target for Epilepsy Treatment
Read the article to learn how a little-known part of the brain may be involved in starting and maintaining seizures, according to a clinical trial.
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Cutting-Edge Algorithm Improves Intracranial EEG Accuracy to Improve Future Patient Care
Check out this article to learn about research aimed at improving seizure detection and localization, ultimately enhancing outcomes for epilepsy patients.
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