Understanding Epilepsy Treatment and If Surgery Is an Option

A few years ago, I went to the doctor to see if I qualified for epilepsy surgery. I stayed in the hospital over 2 weeks. I did not qualify because I had generalized epilepsy. Which means my epilepsy isn't in one spot, it's all over my brain.

I personally did not want to have surgery because there is the potential that it wouldn't work. Not to mention, I would still need to be on my medication.

Epilepsy causes and treatments

My epilepsy is unknown. Therefore, the medical professionals do not know what the cause is. Epilepsy can be caused by various things. It can be genetic or from a brain injury, infections, or tumors. Or it can be an unknown cause.

Surgery isn't the first option for treating epilepsy, as medication is typically the first line of treatment. But if medications aren't helping your seizures, surgery may be a treatment option to help live a normal life.

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Trying epilepsy mediation options

When I was first diagnosed with epilepsy, I was put on several different anti-epileptic drugs. The doctors had to find the right combination. I can recall overbearing side effects as a child in middle school. I told my parents we need to find a medicine that works. As a child, I knew I did not want the side effects to alter my life.

Usually, people who are diagnosed with epilepsy receive treatment through anti-epileptic drugs also known as AEDs. The medications help control seizures in many cases. However, not everyone has the same response to medication and the side effects could be more overwhelming than the episodes.

Trying dietary treatments and lifestyle changes

In addition to medication, there are certain diets I was told to adopt. The first one was the ketogenic diet, which can sometimes help people with epilepsy. For me, it was a hard diet to stick to as a child.

I've tried pescatarian and cutting back on sugar. Sugar, for some reason, drains me. I try to get enough sleep and I pay attention to body's stress levels. Paying attention to your body, stress levels, getting enough sleep, and knowing your seizure triggers are all important factors to avoiding seizures.

Is epilepsy surgery an option for me?

When I was tested for epilepsy surgery, I was having seizures frequently. I wanted to change medication because of the long-term side effects. However, I was not a candidate because my seizures are all over my brain.

Epilepsy surgery is generally for people who do not respond to their medication and their seizure activity is in a specific section of the brain. And these seizures aren't controlled.

Surgery is not an option for my generalized epilepsy

When thinking about having epilepsy surgery, be sure to ask your doctor lots of questions. Ask about medications, lifestyle changes, seizure triggers, and whatever else you may want to know in order to make an informed choice about treatment.

Work hand and hand with your healthcare provider and be sure to advocate for yourself.