Epilepsy

Nervous System

Overview
Symptoms
Research
Resources
Stories & Profiles

Overview

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder in which a person’s brain cells send signals abnormally, leading to seizures.

At A Glance

Nervous System condition Requires specialist care

Common Signs And Symptoms

Uncontrolled Movements Usually In The Hands Toes Or Face And On One Side Of The Body
Sweating Excess Saliva Skin Color Changes
Changes In Emotional State
Occasional Temporary Paralysis Todd Paralysis In Specific Body Parts For Several Hours
Stiff Muscles
Loss Of Consciousness
Crying Or Groaning
Jerking Of The Arms Or Legs

People with epilepsy may experience a variety of symptoms including:

Types of Epilepsy

Individuals with epilepsy may experience different types of seizures that fit into these two main categories:

FOS(Focal Onset Seizures)Seizures that begin on one side of the brain, also known as partial seizures. Focal onset seizures are the most common type of seizure experienced by people with epilepsy.
Generalized Onset SeizuresSeizures that start in both sides of the brain and affect the whole body. Generalized seizures may start as focal, and then spread to both sides of the brain.

Diagnosis Journey

For individuals who have experienced a seizure, suspect they have had one, or have been told by others that they sometimes appear unaware of their actions, doctors may conduct the following tests to confirm a diagnosis:

Blood TestsEvaluates metabolic and blood chemistry imbalances, toxins, and poisons.Electroencephalogram (EEG)Measures brain activity through small sensors attached to your scalp. This test allows your doctor to evaluate the electrical signals produced by your brain.Video-EEG MonitoringFollows the same procedure as an EEG, while also recording your activity via video during the test.Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)Creates detailed images of your brain. You will lay in a cylindrical machine as radio waves are sent via pulses.Positron Emission Tomography (PET) ScanRelies on a radioactive drug that is typically injected into your hand or arm, and can help detect brain disorders.Magnetoencephalography (MEG)Identifies where in your brain seizures are produced. It is painless and non-invasive.Spinal Tap/Lumbar PunctureFluid from around your spinal cord is withdrawn and examined. This test is typically used when your provider is concerned that the cause of epilepsy is due to infection or immunological brain disease.Neurological ExamEvaluates your behavior, motor abilities, and mental function.Computerized Tomography (CT) ScanUses X-rays to generate images of your brain.Single-Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT)Relies on a low dose of radioactive material injected into a vein to determine highly active areas of your brain.

Treatment Options

Treatments for epilepsy include:

01MedicationsThis is the most common method of treating epilepsy and controls seizures in 70% of people. Medications do not eliminate the cause of seizures but prevent them from happening.
02Diet ChangesSpecific diets can help control seizures. These diets are typically used in combination with medications. A classic keto diet (high-fat, low-carb) or a modified Atkins diet (similar to keto) may be used.
03SurgeryOccasionally, surgery is performed to stop seizures by removing the problem area of the brain or disconnecting it from the rest of the brain. Surgery is common in people who have drug-resistant epilepsy.
04VNS(Vagus Nerve Stimulation)A device is used to stimulate your vagus nerve. There are two vagus nerves, one on each side of the body, that run from the lower brain to the stomach. The device causes the areas of your brain generating seizures to be stimulated.
05RNS(Responsive Neurostimulation)A device detects epileptic activity in the brain and delivers electrical stimulation. This treatment is often used for those who are not responsive to medication or surgery.
06Deep Brain StimulationA device implanted in the brain delivers a mild electrical current to interfere with electrical malfunctions caused by seizures.

Ongoing Research

More research into effective epilepsy treatment options is critical.

Current Research Studies

Discover our featured studies below for epilepsy. If these studies are not right for you, there are over 350 clinical trials actively recruiting participants with epilepsy. Visit ClinicalTrials.gov to find epilepsy research studies near you.

Research & Resources

Clinical research helps scientists learn more about Epilepsy and develop better treatments for the future.

FEATURED CLINICAL STUDY

X-TOLE and X-ACKT | Epilepsy Studies

For those living with either focal-onset seizures (FOS) or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (PGTCS), you may be eligible for a clinical trial that may help reduce the frequency of seizures.

Recruiting

View Study