Treating Epilepsy

Diverse ways people live with seizures

A seizure can be a terrifying experience. We all have a seizure threshold, so anyone can have one. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.

One in 10 people experience a seizure at some point in their lives. The promising news is researchers are making progress in finding new solutions for people with Epilepsy. We can all help by creating a support system that sustains their chosen treatment plan and lifestyle.

Seizures

Dr. Olivia Kim-McManus, associate clinical professor of neuroscience and pediatric epileptologist, explains that seizures generally fall into two broad categories: focal seizures, which occur in one area of the brain, and general seizures, where electrical neural activity is affected across brain regions.

Seizures can vary in intensity and the brain area where they occur. “The appearance of the seizure often reflects the function of the brain area it occurs in,” says Kim-McManus. “An individual having a seizure may experience full-body convulsions, or they may appear unresponsive to voice and touch. It’s a spectrum, and a lot of that spectrum depends on how many seizures you have, how often they occur, and if you can get them under control with treatments.”

Medications

There is no comprehensive cure for Epilepsy, but there are ways to treat seizures. This includes over three dozen types of medications. According to Dr. Maria Montenegro, a Rady Children’s Hospital pediatric neurologist, “Several new antiseizure medications have become available since the last decade, and more are being developed.”

It may take some trial and error to find the proper medical treatment. It’s common for people with Epilepsy to receive multiple prescriptions before finding one that meets their needs. If medications alone do not work, neurologists may recommend alternative treatments such as dietary therapies.

Did you know?

50,000 San Diegans live with Epilepsy.

Dietary Therapies

Some people may be able to treat Epilepsy by following a special diet and utilizing the gut-brain axis to control seizures. There are various types of dietary therapies. The most traditional is the Ketogenic Diet, which requires highfat intake and low carbohydrates. Other dietary treatments, such as the Modified Atkins Diet (MAD) and the Low Glycemic Index Treatment (LGIT), are generally used to moderate carbohydrate consumption. To ensure these dietary treatments are safe and effective, consult a dietitian and neurologist before making any changes.

Alternative Pathways

If medications and dietary therapies are not effective in managing seizures, doctors may recommend nerve stimulation or brain surgery. These options may seem daunting, but they have been utilized in Epilepsy treatment for over a century and are highly effective in reducing the severity and frequency of seizures.

Based on her experience with neuromodulatory devices, Dixon-Salazar found that stimulators can help improve long-term awareness, wakefulness and memory. Some people find complementary and alternative therapies helpful. Learn about more options at www.webmd.com/epilepsy/epilepsyalternative-therapies.

Exciting Research

Neuroscience is evolving and providing opportunities for progress. Focusing on the gut-brain axis, Bloom Science is just one San Diego lab performing cutting-edge research with the hope of developing new therapeutics for patients with neurological disorders.

Throughout San Diego and the world, researchers are unlocking brain secrets and finding that there is much more to explore. Dixon-Salazar is one of many neuroscientists who is excited for the future. “Every time a new medicine comes out, a chunk of people become seizure-free,” DixonSalazar says. “It’s really just a matter of matching the right person to the right treatment at the right time.”

A New Approach: Tailored Medicine

Thanks to advancements in research, we know that customized treatment is crucial to treating seizures. According to Montenegro, the next step in the treatment of Epilepsy is “tailored medicine.” It’s an individualized approach that uses a combination of antiseizure medication, dietary therapy or surgical treatment, depending on the person’s health background and cause of their Epilepsy.

Day to Day with Someone Who Has Epilepsy

While great progress is being made through research and tailored care, it is important to recognize challenges faced by those with Epilepsy and their families. Seizures can be unpredictable.

“It is important for people to know their triggers,” says Dixon-Salazar. “The more you can manage your triggers, the better you will feel and the more in control.” Friends and family can play a supportive role by being aware of potential triggers, which could include fatigue, flashing lights, dehydration, illness, missing medications or the most common one, stress.

Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding seizures often causes depression and anxiety. Everyone can help reduce negative attitudes caused by misinformation and misconceptions when they raise awareness by talking about it and sharing information, such as this article and the resources on page 17.

Living with Epilepsy

“Each person is unique in their own Epilepsy journey,” says Wendy Urushima-Conn, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation of San Diego County. “Our goal is to share resources and various options people may want to consider with their family and medical care team.”

Her advice is to get connected and get into the community. “The initial diagnosis can be terrifying,” says UrushimaConn. “People may feel isolated and unaware that supportive resources, groups and forums may benefit them. You do not have to be on this road alone!”

Would a seizure action plan be helpful? Consider using the Epilepsy Foundation form at www.epilepsy.com/sites/default/ files/2023-08/SeizureActionPlan2023ACCE.pdf. v

Maria Isabella Burritt grew up in San Diego alongside her brother, who has Epilepsy. She now studies molecular and cellular neuroscience in Chicago.

For a list of apps that are helpful to people with Epilepsy, visit www.SNRFSD.org.

Seizure First Aid

1. STAY with the person until they are awake and alert after the seizure.

• Time the seizure.

• Remain calm.

• Check for medical ID.

2. Keep the person SAFE.

• Move or guide away from harm.

3. Turn the person onto their SIDE if they are not awake or aware.

• Keep airway clear.

• Loosen tight clothing around neck.

• Put something small and soft under the head. Call 9-1-1 if:

• Seizure lasts longer than 5 mins.

• Person does not return to their usual state

• Person is injured, pregnant or sick

• Repeated seizures

• First-time seizure

• Difficulty breathing

• Seizure occurs in water DO NOT

• Do NOT restrain

• Do NOT put any objects in their mouth (rescue meds are OK if prescribed by a healthcare professional)