To fully diagnose epilepsy, doctors will perform EEG testing to vieiw patient's brain waves, MRIs, CT scans on the brain, as well as review clinical history and family history (8).
Brainwaves from EEG scan
©2013 Bola Adamolekun, MD
Treatment
Epilepsy is a spectrum condition with a wide range of seizure types and control varying from person-to-person. Because there are many different types of epilepsy that all have different signs and symptoms that differ from every patient, medications and treatments also have different affects on each patient.
Medications:
In most cases, the seizures are controlled with medications that affect the chemicals that involve nerve impulses, but this disorder is lifelong. Depakote (valproate or valproic acid) is a broad-spectrum anti-seizure drug that treats the three seizure types that occur. Keppra (levetiracetam), Topax (topiramate), and Lamictal (lamotringe) have also been proven to treat juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (9).
Side affects:
If not taken properly, Depakote can also cause serious harm to the pancreas, which may get worse quickly.
Other Treatments
By removing food additives that may trigger an allergic reaction, it could relieve the severity of the symptoms associated with a seizure. Vitamin and folic acid supplements consisting of B6, taurine (an amino acid) and omega 3 fatty acids have also been known to help. Changes in diet and supplement intake could also interfere with anti-seizure medication, so it is important for the patient to have strict medical supervision (10).
Massage
Massage therapy could be very beneficial for the side effects of seizures including muscle stiffness, muscle and body fatigue, anxiety and mood changes. Treatments could greatly help the client relax and improve their sleep schedule.
Adjustments to pressure and techniques may have to be made due to the medications, but there are no contraindications for massage therapy as long as the client is having an episode (5).
©2013 Bola Adamolekun, MD
Treatment
Epilepsy is a spectrum condition with a wide range of seizure types and control varying from person-to-person. Because there are many different types of epilepsy that all have different signs and symptoms that differ from every patient, medications and treatments also have different affects on each patient.
Medications:
In most cases, the seizures are controlled with medications that affect the chemicals that involve nerve impulses, but this disorder is lifelong. Depakote (valproate or valproic acid) is a broad-spectrum anti-seizure drug that treats the three seizure types that occur. Keppra (levetiracetam), Topax (topiramate), and Lamictal (lamotringe) have also been proven to treat juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (9).
Side affects:
- Nausea, vomiting, mild stomach pain, diarrhea
- Confusion, headache, dizziness, weakness
- Blurred vision, problems with balance or walking
If not taken properly, Depakote can also cause serious harm to the pancreas, which may get worse quickly.
Other Treatments
By removing food additives that may trigger an allergic reaction, it could relieve the severity of the symptoms associated with a seizure. Vitamin and folic acid supplements consisting of B6, taurine (an amino acid) and omega 3 fatty acids have also been known to help. Changes in diet and supplement intake could also interfere with anti-seizure medication, so it is important for the patient to have strict medical supervision (10).
Massage
Massage therapy could be very beneficial for the side effects of seizures including muscle stiffness, muscle and body fatigue, anxiety and mood changes. Treatments could greatly help the client relax and improve their sleep schedule.
Adjustments to pressure and techniques may have to be made due to the medications, but there are no contraindications for massage therapy as long as the client is having an episode (5).