Treatment

Treatment of Epilepsy: What to Expect

Once epilepsy has been diagnosed, the first step in treatment is usually anti‑epileptic medication (AEDs). Doctors choose the medication based on several factors:

- the type of seizures,
- the epilepsy syndrome,
- the underlying cause,
- and any other medical conditions a person may have.

For some people, the first medication works well and completely controls the seizures. Others may need a second or even a third medication, sometimes in a carefully adjusted combination. A change in medication may be needed if:

• the treatment is not effective enough, or
• the side effects are too strong.

Despite the best possible medical treatment, up to one third of people with epilepsy do not become seizure‑free with medication alone. In these cases, it is important to consider other treatment options, such as dietary therapies, neurostimulation, or epilepsy surgery, depending on the individual situation.

Below you will find an overview of the available treatment options for people with epilepsy.