​​​Epilepsy

Living with epilepsy can mean managing seizures, medications, safety concerns, and changes throughout different stages of life. With the right evaluation and treatment plan, many people can manage epilepsy and stay active in daily life. 

At WMCHealth, our epilepsy specialists care for adults and children with recurrent and complex seizures. Our team offers advanced testing, medication management, surgical evaluation, and specialized care based on your needs. 

Types of Seizures in Epilepsy 

Seizures may be classified by where they begin in the brain. Understanding the seizure pattern can help guide diagnosis and treatment. 

Focal Seizures 

Focal seizures begin in one area of the brain. They may affect movement, sensations, behavior, or awareness. 

Generalized Seizures 

Generalized seizures involve both sides of the brain from the start. They can include absence, atonic, myoclonic, tonic, or tonic-clonic seizures. 

Unknown-Onset Seizures 

Sometimes, the beginning of a seizure cannot be clearly identified. Additional testing may help your care team better understand the seizure pattern. 

Diagnosing Epilepsy 

Because seizures can resemble other conditions, your care team will review details about the event before recommending tests. 

Testing may include: 

• Blood tests: Look for medical conditions that may contribute to seizures 
• Neurological examination: Evaluates functions such as movement, reflexes, sensation, and coordination 
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): Records electrical activity in your brain 
• Video EEG monitoring: Connects recorded seizure events with changes in brain activity 
• MRI or other brain imaging: Looks for structural or functional changes that may be related to seizures 
• Genetic testing: May help identify genetic factors related to epilepsy when appropriate 

Some patients may also benefit from WMCHealth’s Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU). Continuous video and EEG monitoring can help your care team better understand seizure activity and guide treatment. 

Epilepsy Treatment 

Treatment depends on your seizure type, frequency, overall health, and response to therapy. Your epilepsy care team will work with you to choose an approach based on your needs and goals. 

Anti-Seizure Medication 

For most people with epilepsy, antiseizure medication is the first treatment for epilepsy. Your neurologist will work with you to identify the medication and adjust the dose to help control your seizures while limiting side effects. 

Dietary Therapy 

Some people with difficult-to-control epilepsy may benefit from specialized dietary therapy. Your care team can help determine whether this option is appropriate for you. 

Epilepsy Surgery Evaluation 

If seizures continue despite trying two appropriate medications, your neurologist may recommend an evaluation for epilepsy surgery or another advanced treatment. An evaluation helps determine which options may be appropriate for you. 

Surgical treatments may include traditional procedures or minimally invasive laser ablation, also called laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT). 

Neuromodulation 

When medication alone isn’t enough, some patients may benefit from devices that use electrical stimulation to reduce seizure activity, including: 

• Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) 
• Responsive neurostimulation (RNS) 
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) 

Specialized Epilepsy Care 

Some life stages and health needs can affect how epilepsy is managed. WMCHealth offers specialized care that addresses these needs alongside your ongoing epilepsy treatment. 

Transitioning From Pediatric to Adult Epilepsy Care 

Moving from pediatric to adult epilepsy care brings new responsibilities and decisions. At WMCHealth’s Transition Clinic for Pediatric to Adult Epilepsy Care, we help you prepare for this next stage while maintaining continuity in your treatment. 

Our team offers: 

• Comprehensive medical evaluations  
• Individualized treatment plans  
• Guidance on managing epilepsy in adulthood  
• Support for complex epilepsy  
• Strategies for becoming more independent in your care  

We help young adults take a more active role in their epilepsy care as they transition to adult specialists. 

Epilepsy Care for Women 

Hormonal changes and different life stages can affect epilepsy symptoms, medications, and treatment planning. At WMCHealth’s Clinic for Women with Epilepsy, our epileptologists provide individualized care from adolescence through menopause. 

Services include: 

• Life-stage care: Evaluation and treatment for concerns such as catamenial epilepsy and changes during menopause  
• Family planning: Medication review, folic acid guidance, and planning before pregnancy  
• Pregnancy and postpartum care: Coordination with maternal-fetal medicine specialists, medication monitoring, and individualized delivery and postpartum plans  
• Women’s health support: Guidance on birth control interactions, bone health, and other epilepsy-related concerns  

Our specialists coordinate epilepsy treatment with reproductive and maternal health needs throughout each stage of care. 

Patient Resources for Living With Epilepsy 

Managing epilepsy often involves questions between appointments. These resources can help you prepare for care, respond to seizures, and manage daily life.