have all the information about your seizures, it will be essential to bring someone with you who has seen them.
The main part of the diagnosis process is a variety of tests to assess your brain health. Some of the tests include blood tests, electroencephalograms (EEGs), computerized tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging scans (MRIs), and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. The results of these tests can diagnose epilepsy and help your doctor finalize your possible treatment program.
How Epilepsy Is Treated
Epilepsy is a chronic condition and as such can’t be cured. However, many people manage it with the right medication. The medications you need can vary depending on your age, the state of your health, the type of seizures, and the severity of your condition. Your doctor may also tweak your regimen depending on your reactions to the drugs that have been prescribed.
It’s typical for doctors to prescribe anti-seizure medications to manage epilepsy. There are dozens of them available and possible side effects include fatigue, skin rashes, dizziness, memory issues, weight gain, as well as depression. Additionally, your doctor may recommend a ketogenic diet – which some people have found to be helpful.
If your medications aren’t making a difference, surgery is also an option. Your doctor is only likely to recommend this step if tests show that your seizures are being controlled by a specific section of your brain that isn’t associated with important functions such as speech, language, motor function, vision, or hearing.
Epilepsy affects millions of Americans and can significantly affect your life. Fortunately, once you’re diagnosed, you can start a treatment regimen that allows you to manage the condition effectively. The key is getting assessed once you’ve had two or more seizures that have no known cause.