Home About Us About Epilepsy • Types of Seizures • Diagnosing Epilepsy • Treatment       • Drug Therapy • First Aid • Living with Epilepsy • Related Articles • Glossary   Programs & Services Resources & Links Events How Can I Help? Contact Us Site Map About Epilepsy: Treatment TREATMENT Drug Therapy Many seizure disorders are controlled by various types of anti-seizure medications (sometimes called anti-convulsants or anti-epileptic drugs [AEDs]). Monotherapy (using 1 drug), or polytherapy (using a combination of drugs) may be prescribed by your doctor. Different types of seizures require different medications. Many drugs may produce numerous and unwanted side effects. Click HERE for more information about drug therapies currently available. Resistance to Medication Approximately: • 50% of seizures are eliminated by medication, • 30% of seizures are reduced in intensity and frequency by medication, • 20% of seizures are resistant to medication.   Vagus Nerve Stimulation Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) involves periodic mild electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve in the neck by a surgically implanted device similar to a heart pacemaker. VNS has been found effective in controlling some epilepsies when anti-epileptic drugs have been inadequate or their side effects intolerable, and neurosurgery has not been an option. Common side effects, which occur only during stimulation, may include a tingling sensation in the neck and/or mild hoarseness of the voice. Other possible side- effects may include coughing, voice alteration, shortness of breath, transient sensations of choking, throat pain, ear or tooth pain, and skin irritation or infection at the implant site. Unlike many medications, there seems to be no significant intellectual, cognitive, behavioural or emotional side effects to VNS therapy. VNS is approved in more than 20 countries, and is now the second most common treatment for epilepsy in the USA. Ketogenic Diet This strictly supervised diet is prescribed for children. The diet is high in fat and low in carbohydrates. It is prescribed when seizures are drug resistant and surgery is not an option. Seizures are brought under control in many of the children who try the diet, and are eliminated - sometimes permanently - in some of the children who rigidly stick to the diet. Surgery Surgery is used when drugs have failed and when the injured brain tissue causing the seizures can be identified and safely removed without damaging psychological or major body functions. This applies only to a small percentage of persons living with epilepsy. Different types of operations may be performed. In general, they fall into two main groups: • Removal of the area of the brain that is producing the seizures • Interruption of the nerve pathways along which seizure impulses spread. Information provided is not intended to replace any medical advice provided by your physician or neurologist. It is intended to supply general information on epilepsy and seizures. For further medical information or specific diagnostic questions, please refer your concerns to your physician or neurologist. Click here for a printable version of this page