An Overview about Treatment Modalities of Epilepsy

Abstract

For most people with epilepsy, antiseizure medications are the main treatment modality, with the aim of stopping seizures at the earliest opportunity without causing side effects, which can affect quality of life. Seizure remission is also likely to reduce morbidity and to decrease the risk of premature mortality associated with continuing seizures, particularly motor seizures. The outlook for most patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy is good; around 65% to 70% achieve long-term seizure freedom with the first or second antiepileptic drug prescribed. However, despite the availability of more than 22 antiepileptic drugs, it is estimated that around 30% of newly diagnosed epilepsy patients will remain resistant to both drug monotherapy and polytherapy and will continue to experience seizures. Many drugs can be used for focal and generalized seizures. Others are specific for particular forms of seizures, for example sodium channel modulators are mainly appropriate for focal seizures. For those who might require treatment, an individualized management plan needs to be put in place promptly.