Seizures can happen when there is an abnormal activity in the brain. Therefore, one can get different types of attacks. Some common signs are unnecessary movement and passing out. An attack can last for seconds to a few minutes and can happen to anyone at any age. Almost 65 million people in the world have epilepsy. Nearly 3 million are Americans. Up to this day, there is no specific cure for this health problem. However, this illness can be treated through epilepsy medication.
Possible Causes
Everyone can get epilepsy. However, it can happen in small children and older adults. Also, it is common in men than in women. Patients with this illness usually experience attacks. The following are some causes:
- Very high fever
- Head injuries
- Very low blood sugar levels
- Reducing alcohol intake after a long time of heavy drinking
Doctors need to know your symptoms. It is to give a proper seizure treatment for you. Also, there is a care plan for you. It can change according to your body’s reaction to the treatment.
This article lists possible treatments for attacks.
1. Medicines
Patients can take a drug that can stop attacks. It is known as the best treatment. Indeed, drugs can decrease its seriousness. Up to now, there is no proven cure for it. Therefore, medicines are the only way to stop symptoms. However, it cannot stop an ongoing attack.
How Medicine Works
Medicines travel through the blood. It starts from the stomach to the head. Once it reaches the head, it will stop the attack. There are different medicines widely available. You may take one or two types of medicine. However, it all depends on your doctor’s advice. There are popular epilepsy medications like Carbamazepine and Topiramate.
These drugs are most of the time in liquid. But some are also in capsules and injectables. You can start the treatment by taking the lowest dosage and increase the dose slowly. A patient can have it once or several times daily. You should always follow the doctor’s order when taking your medicines. Drugs are useful and effective. Therefore, it is good to take them according to the doctor’s advice.
The possible side effects of drugs
- Tiredness
- Light-headedness
- Memory problems
- Rashes
- Lack of body coordination
- Memory lapse
2. Keto Diet
Some seizure medications are not useful for some. So, some people with this health problem try other possible treatments. For instance, one can change their food. It is called a keto diet. This diet is more of good fat. However, it is lesser in carbohydrates like bread and rice. Eating foods with too much bad fat will not help. Making the right food choices is key.
3. Nerve Stimulation
It uses a machine to stimulate a nerve. This nerve can prevent attacks. The device is placed below the neck. It will send a signal to the nerve at the neck area. This treatment helps in preventing attacks. A doctor will tell you if it is the right treatment for you.
4. Brain Operation
In case seizure medications do not help the patient. A doctor can offer operation as the last option. The operation will take part of the brain responsible for having an attack.
Resection is the common type of surgery for this case. It is done by taking out the part of the brain. Temporal lobectomy is the most successful type of surgery. Also, it is done by removing this part of the brain. Hence, this operation can stop the development of attacks.
Some people need to stay awake during the operation. Doctors do it by speaking to the patients. Besides, it is done to stop damaging parts that control the basic senses.
5. Lifestyle Changes
Aside from medicines and operation, there are other seizure treatments. Likewise, lifestyle changes can treat it.
- Take your medicines on time and correctly. It is important to talk to your doctor before making any changes to the dosage. Let your doctor know if you think it is not good for you.
- Getting enough sleep is good to avoid attacks. Not getting enough sleep can cause it.
- Being active is good for a healthy body and mind. Also, drink water and rest after.
- Making good life choices is can help. For instance, staying away from alcohol is one. Also, being positive is another way to live a healthy life without attacks.
- Wearing a bracelet can also help. It will alert people around. This device can tell them about your health problem.
