How are seizure disorders treated?
Once a seizure disorder of Epilepsy has been diagnosed the first line of treatment is usually medication therapy that focuses on reducing the frequency and severity of the seizures. The goal is to find a medication that will control the seizures but not produce side effects. Because many people will continue on medication for many years, selection of a good first drug is extremely important. Anticonvulsants and other prescription agents are usually prescribed based on the type of seizures that the patient is experiencing. The following medications are frequently prescribed: Letvetiracetam (Keppra) – is an anticonvulsant that is a synaptic vesicle protein. It is believed to impede nerve conduction along the nerve synapses and therefore inhibit seizure activity. Benzodiazepines which are a family of drugs, used to treat insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, muscle spasms, and seizure disorders. Examples include: Clonazepam (Klonipin) Clorazepate (Tranxene) Diazepam (Valium) Phenytoin (Dilant
