Trusted Options for Epilepsy Treatment on the Central Coast
If epilepsy is a part of your life, you know that this movement disorder can cause seizures ranging from severe to mild. The epilepsy treatment that best fits your lifestyle may depend on the intensity and frequency of your seizures.
At Dignity Health Central Coast, your neurologist will work with you to develop a personalized care plan. Your treatment options can improve your quality of life, giving freedom from seizures and more independence.
Find a Doctor today to begin working with one of our expert neurologists to find the most effective epilepsy treatment on the Central Coast.
Epilepsy Treatment at Dignity Health Central Coast
If your epilepsy is caused by an underlying disease or condition, your Dignity Health Central Coast doctor will talk to you about addressing that as a first step. If your epilepsy is caused by an infection, for example, your doctor may recommend medications that cure the infection. If you have a brain tumor or blood vessels in the brain that are abnormal, your treatment options may include surgery to repair blood vessels or remove tumors.
Treating the underlying condition may cause the epilepsy to go away. If that is the case, another intervention may not be needed.
Anti-Seizure Medications to Prevent Epileptic Seizures
There are many anti-seizure (anticonvulsant) medications available. Finding the one that works for you may be appropriate if treating your underlying condition doesn’t effectively prevent seizures or when the cause of the condition is unknown.
Our Dignity Health Central Coast experts are focused on helping you heal with your physical, mental, and spiritual needs in mind. Your doctor will work with you to identify the most effective anti-seizure medication for your lifestyle and medical history.
Your doctor will talk to you about the specifics of your epilepsy medication and the follow up required. Keep these things in mind:
- Your dosage may have to be changed from time to time.
- Routine blood testing may be required to help monitor side effects.
- Bone health can be affected by many anti-seizure medications. You will need to work with your doctor on ways to support your bone health.
It is important to note that if you are a woman taking anti-seizure medications, you should have a conversation with your doctor if you are thinking about getting pregnant. Some epilepsy medications can cause birth defects.
Options for Epilepsy Surgery
Surgery is an option if your epilepsy doesn’t respond to medications. Your Dignity Health Central Coast doctor can explain the two main procedures currently available for treating epilepsy:
- Implanting of a vagal nerve stimulator (VNS), which is a device similar in function and size to a heart pacemaker
- Removing small areas of brain tissue that are the cause of your seizures
Interested in finding out more about epilepsy treatments? Contact us today at Dignity Health Central Coast.
Dignity Health provides award-winning neurological care, including epilepsy treatment options, on the Central Coast.