However, there's little evidence for their effectiveness, and some can cause an increased risk of seizures. Many people with epilepsy use herbal remedies. There is some evidence that a strict high-fat, low-carbohydrate (ketogenic) diet might be effective, particularly for children. Researchers are looking into these therapies, hoping to determine their safety and effectiveness, but good evidence is mostly still lacking. Some people with common neurological conditions, including seizures, turn to complementary and alternative medicine, such as: Avoiding these triggers where possible might help improve seizure control. There is also evidence that severe stress can provoke seizures, and that seizures themselves can cause stress. Some seizures might be triggered by alcohol intake, smoking and, especially, lack of sleep. The device sends signals to the electrode to stop signals that trigger a seizure. This newer procedure involves implanting an electrode into your brain that's connected to a stimulating device, similar to a cardiac pacemaker, which is placed under the skin of your chest. It is activated only when you begin to have a seizure, and it stops the seizure from occurring. A responsive neurostimulator is a newer type of implanted device. This procedure usually reduces the number of seizures. This involves implanting a device - similar to a cardiac pacemaker - to stimulate your vagus nerve. This prevents seizures from moving into other parts of the brain. If the portion of the brain that's causing seizures is too vital to remove, surgeons might make a series of cuts to help isolate that section of the brain. If your seizures always begin in one spot in your brain, removing that small portion of brain tissue might reduce or eliminate your seizures. A wire that travels under the skin connects the device to the electrode. The amount of stimulation delivered by the electrode is controlled by a pacemaker-like device placed under the skin in the chest. If you have surgery for your frontal lobe seizures, you're likely to continue to need anti-seizure medication after the surgery, although possibly at a lower dose.ĭeep brain stimulation involves implanting an electrode deep within the brain. In addition, functional MRI (fMRI) is used to map the language area of the brain. Brain mapping involves implanting electrodes into an area of the brain and using electrical stimulation to determine whether that area has an important function, which would rule out surgery on that area. Two newer imaging techniques - single-photon emission computerized tomography (SPECT) and subtraction ictal SPECT coregistered to MRI (SISCOM) - can help identify the area generating seizures.Īnother imaging technique, known as brain mapping, is commonly used before epilepsy surgery. Surgery involves pinpointing the areas of the brain where seizures occur. If your seizures can't be controlled with medications, surgery might be an option. In vagus nerve stimulation, an implanted pulse generator and lead wire stimulate the vagus nerve, which leads to stabilization of electrical activity in the brain. Doctors can then match what physically occurs when you have a seizure with what appears on the EEG during the seizure. Both a video camera and an EEG monitor run all night. Video EEG is usually performed during an overnight stay at a sleep clinic. EEGs are often helpful in diagnosing some types of epilepsy, but results can be normal in frontal lobe epilepsy. An EEG monitors the electrical activity in your brain via a series of electrodes attached to your scalp. Some people feel claustrophobic inside MRI machines, although the test itself is painless. An MRI scan uses radio waves and a powerful magnetic field to produce detailed images of soft tissues, which make up the brain.Īn MRI scan involves lying on a narrow pallet that slides into a long tube. Brain imaging, usually MRI, might reveal the source of frontal lobe seizures. Your doctor might suggest the following tests.īrain scans. You might also have a neurological exam, which will assess: Your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history and give you a physical exam.
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