Weekly Health Page Articles: Neurosciences Institute

Avoid Triggers, Take Medication to Manage Epilepsy

Epilepsy (or recurrent seizures) is one of the most common conditions affecting the brain. Causes include brain damage from birth defects, head traumas, strokes, brain tumors, or infections such as meningitis or encephalitis. Some seizures may even have a genetic basis. 

"Most seizures occur in a particular part of the brain," says Robert E. Gardner, MD, neurologist on staff at Saint Francis Medical Center. "Using an EEG, or electroencephalogram, we can monitor abnormal brainwave activity to help determine the type of epilepsy and the best option for treatment."

While a diagnosis of epilepsy has many implications for school, work and relationships, it is not necessarily a debilitating condition. Epilepsy patients should avoid triggers that make seizures more frequent or severe and take anti-epileptic medication to prevent further seizures. 

From Weekly Health Page: Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006