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HOW TO TREAT EPILEPSY

ABOUT ANTI-SEIZURE MEDICATION

Epilepsy medications don't cure epilepsy, but they can reduce how often seizures occur, and can stop seizures completely in many people. There are approximately 30 different medications available for epilepsy treatment. The kind of medication right for a particular person depends on their epilepsy type, age and gender, use of other medications, other medical conditions, and a number of additional factors. People with epilepsy need to work closely with their physician to choose the right medication. Many of our newer medications may control seizures with fewer side-effects than some of our older medications. Again, response to the seizure medication is very individually based

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Many epilepsy medications are available as generics, which can greatly reduce the cost of treatment. For most people, generic epilepsy medications work just as well as name-brand medications at a fraction of the cost. It is of importance to try to use the same brand of generic medicine each time, as there is variation from brand to brand. A few people may require name-brand medications to properly control seizures. It is important to take medication as prescribed. A physician or pharmacist should advise on whether a medication should be taken with food, what to do in the event of a missed dose, and how the medication should be stored.

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TREATMENTS OTHER THAN MEDICATION

Other treatments are sometimes used when medications do not adequately control seizures. Brain surgery is sometimes performed when seizures cannot be controlled with medication. In addition, there are several types of brain stimulation devices, including vagus nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation, which may also help reduce seizures.

Certain special high-fat diets, including the ketogenic diet, modified Atkins diet and low-glycemic diet, are occasionally used, especially with children, for hard-to-control seizures,​

Our Mission

Providing support to all 100 counties of North Carolina, the Epilepsy Alliance North Carolina exists to help anyone who battles the effects of epilepsy. From assisting with payment for medications to connecting people to doctors across the state, the alliance fields 8,000 to 10,000 phone calls each year, and is here to support families as a locally based resource with a long, proud history of service in North Carolina.

​​Epilepsy Alliance NC is dedicated to supporting those impacted by epilepsy in local communities by confronting the spectrum of challenges created by seizures. Our efforts to accomplish this lofty goal include education, advocacy, support and research that may accelerate ideas into therapies.

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Piedmont One, Suite 5541 A

1920 W. First Street Winston-Salem, NC 27104

(800) 451-0694

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