Epilepsy
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 1, 2024.
Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes seizures. It is also called a seizure disorder. A seizure means an abnormal area in your brain sometimes sends bursts of electrical activity. A seizure may start in one part of your brain, or both sides may be affected. Depending on the type of seizure, you may have movements you cannot control, lose consciousness, or stare straight ahead. You may be confused or tired after the seizure. A seizure may last a few seconds or longer than 5 minutes. A birth defect, tumor, stroke, dementia, injury, or infection may cause epilepsy. The cause of your epilepsy may not be known. If your seizures are not controlled, epilepsy may become life-threatening.
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Medicines:
- Antiseizure medicine will help control your seizures.
- Antianxiety medicines may been given for immediate control of a seizure. These may be given orally, rectally, or through an IV.
Monitoring:
- Pulse oximetry measures how much oxygen is in your blood.
- Telemetry is continuous monitoring of your heart rhythm. Sticky pads placed on your skin connect to an EKG machine that records your heart rate and rhythm.
- Arterial blood gas (ABG) measures how much oxygen and carbon dioxide are in your blood.
Tests:
- Blood and urine tests will show if you have an infection that may be causing seizures. These tests can also give information about your overall health.
- An EEG records the electrical activity of your brain. It is used to find changes in the normal patterns of your brain activity.
- CT or MRI pictures may be used to check for abnormal areas. You may be given contrast liquid to help your brain show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
- A PET scan is used to see activity in areas of your brain. You are given radioactive material that helps healthcare providers see the activity better.
- A SPECT scan uses radioactive material to find where the seizure started in your brain. This scan may be done if other scans do not show where the seizure started.
Treatment:
- Oxygen may be given if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be.
- Surgery may help reduce how often you have seizures if medicine does not help. Ask your healthcare provider for more information about surgery for epilepsy.
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
RISKS:
After a seizure you may feel confused or have a headache. The recovery phase can last minutes or up to 2 weeks. Epilepsy may increase your risk for depression and anxiety. Fear of seizures may affect your independence, such as driving, employment, and social relationships. Seizures can cause serious injury or sudden death.
CARE AGREEMENT:
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.© Copyright Merative 2024 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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