Question 1

What is epilepsy and what causes seizures?

Accepted Answer

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder defined by two or more unprovoked seizures occurring more than 24 hours apart, resulting from abnormal, excessive electrical activity in the brain. Causes vary widely and include genetic factors, prior brain injury or stroke, brain tumors, infections, and developmental disorders; in many cases no specific cause is identified (idiopathic epilepsy).

Question 2

What medications are used to treat epilepsy?

Accepted Answer

Antiseizure medications (ASMs) — formerly called antiepileptic drugs — are the cornerstone of epilepsy management; commonly used agents include levetiracetam, lamotrigine, valproate, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and lacosamide, chosen based on seizure type, epilepsy syndrome, patient age, sex, and comorbidities. The American Epilepsy Society (AES) recommends a shared decision-making approach because no single drug is universally superior; approximately 60–70% of patients achieve seizure freedom on their first or second medication — consult your healthcare provider or epileptologist to find the best regimen.

Question 3

Can epilepsy be cured?

Accepted Answer

Epilepsy cannot be cured in most cases, but up to 70% of people with epilepsy can achieve seizure freedom with appropriate antiseizure medication. For patients whose seizures are not controlled by medication (drug-resistant epilepsy), options include epilepsy surgery, the ketogenic diet, vagus nerve stimulation, or responsive neurostimulation (RNS) — consult a comprehensive epilepsy center to evaluate surgical candidacy or other advanced therapies.

Question 4

What should someone do during a seizure?

Accepted Answer

During a convulsive seizure, bystanders should protect the person from injury by clearing hard objects away, gently cushioning the head, and placing them on their side (recovery position) to prevent choking — never restrain the person or place anything in their mouth. Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes, if a second seizure follows, if the person does not regain consciousness, or if they are injured; after a seizure, stay with the person until they are fully alert and, if this is a first seizure, seek immediate medical evaluation.

Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy)

Overview

Drug classes used to treat seizure disorders (epilepsy)

Medications for seizure disorders (epilepsy)

Drug comparisons for seizure disorders (epilepsy)

Frequently asked questions