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- Alterative
Treatments
Medication
can control seizures for the majority of persons with epilepsy.
However, some people's seizures are not helped by medication or
they experience unacceptable side effects. In these situations
other options may be considered.
Epilepsy Surgery. Epilepsy surgery
most commonly involves the removal of the part of the brain where
the seizures originate. Less commonly, an operation is used to
reduce the spread of a seizure from one side of the brain to the
other. Like any surgical procedure, there are risks and potential
benefits. Lengthy testing and evaluation by a team of health professionals
is required before a decision to try this option can be made.
Ketogenic Diet. The ketogenic
diet can benefit some children with difficult to control seizures.
This is a very special diet and requires the supervision of medical
professionals and a dietician. The diet is very high in fat, low
in carbohydrates, has restricted calories and no sugar. Anything
that the child puts in his/her mouth including toothpaste, must
be monitored. Fluid intake is also restricted. The diet requires
compliance with very stringent rules, but can be very useful for
some children in reducing the number of seizures.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation. When other treatments
are not effective, some peopel with epilepsy can benefit from
electrical stimulation of the brain, via the vagus nerve in the
neck. A small electrode is wrapped around the nerve. The electrode
is connected to a battery (under the skin, below the collarbone)
that periodically delivers a small electrical stimulus. The device
must be programmed and checked regularly by a doctor
but the patient has the ability to turn the device on if they
feel a seizure starting. Vagus nerve stimulation is safe, and
although the success rate for total seizure control is low, it
may give some persons an improved quality of life derived from
the sense of control offered by this device.
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