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q=Epilepsy

Epilepsy

Also called: seizure disorder

A disorder in which nerve cell activity in the brain is disturbed, causing

seizures.

Common

200,000 to 3 million US cases per year

Can't be cured, but treatment may help
Requires a medical diagnosis
Lab tests or imaging often required
Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong
During a seizure, a person experiences abnormal behavior, symptoms,
and sensations, sometimes including loss of consciousness. There are
few symptoms between seizures.

Epilepsy is usually treated by medications and in some cases by surgery,

devices, or dietary changes.

August 31, 2015

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Ages affected
0-2
3-5
6-13
14-18
19-40
41-60
60+

Symptoms
Requires a medical diagnosis

During a seizure, a person experiences abnormal behavior, symptoms,

and sensations, sometimes including loss of consciousness. There are
few symptoms between seizures.

People may experience:

Muscular: muscle twitch or muscle spasms

Psychological: anxiety, depression, or fear

Cognitive: amnesia or mental confusion
Sensory: aura or pins and needles
Whole body: fainting or fatigue

Also common: seizures, headache, sleepiness, staring spells, or

temporary paralysis after a seizure

Treatments
Can't be cured, but treatment may help

Epilepsy is usually treated by medications and in some cases by surgery,

devices, or dietary changes.

Prescription

Gabapentin (Neurontin), Primidone (Mysoline), Phenobarbital, Valproic

acid (Depakene), Ethosuximide (Zarontin), Pregabalin (Lyrica),
Clonazepam (Klonopin), Levetiracetam by injection or by mouth (Keppra),
Phenytoin by mouth (Dilantin) or by injection, Oxcarbazepine (Trileptal),
Midazolam by injection, Lamotrigine (Lamictal), Topiramate (Topamax),
Diazepam (Valium), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Felbamate (Felbatol)

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Specialists

Neurologist: Treats nervous system disorders.

Primary care provider (PCP): Prevents, diagnoses, and treats diseases.

Neurosurgeon: Specializes in nervous system disorders.
Consult a doctor for medical advice
Note: The information you see describes what usually happens with a medical condition,
but doesn't apply to everyone. This information isn't medical advice, so make sure to contact
a healthcare provider if you have a medical problem. If you think you may have a medical
emergency, call your doctor or a emergency number immediately.

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