Stopping Seizures, Curing Epilepsy -- Research Summary | Medical News and Health Information

Nearly three million Americans have some form of epilepsy, and in our report from Vanderbilt, Joseph Neimat, M.D. talks about an improved surgical procedure which is helping stop epileptic seizures in about 70-percent of the patients. Watch “Stopping Seizures, Curing Epilepsy” to learn more about the less-invasive surgery for patients whose doctors can pinpoint the area of the brain that is causing their seizures.

Stopping Seizures, Curing Epilepsy -- Research Summary

BACKGROUND: Epilepsy is a disorder that causes recurring seizures. Seizure symptoms can vary. Some patients with epilepsy simply stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure, while other patients have full-fledged convulsions. About one in 100 people in the United States will experience an unprovoked seizure in their lifetime. However, having one seizure does not mean someone has epilepsy. At least two unprovoked seizures are mandatory for a diagnosis of epilepsy. Many children with epilepsy outgrow the condition. (SOURCE: Mayo Clinic)

CAUSES: In about half of patients who have epilepsy, there is no known cause for the condition. Some types of epilepsy run in families, making it likely that there is a genetic influence. Other possible risk factors include head trauma; medical events like strokes or heart attacks that can damage the brain; dementia; diseases like meningitis, AIDS and viral encephalitis; prenatal injury; and developmental disorders such as autism and Down syndrome. (SOURCE: Mayo Clinic)

TREATMENT: Even mild seizures may require treatment because they can be dangerous during activities like driving. Treatment typically starts with medications because most patients with epilepsy can become seizure-free with a single anti-epileptic drug. Many patients can discontinue medication after two or more years without suffering seizures. Another therapy, known as vagus nerve stimulation, involves implanting a stimulator underneath the skin of the chest. Wires from the stimulator are wrapped around the vagus nerve in the patient's neck. The batter-powered device delivers short bursts of electrical energy to the brain through the vagus nerve. The device can reduce seizures by up to 40 percent. Some children with epilepsy have been able to reduce their seizures by following a diet that is high in fats and low in carbohydrates. This is known as the ketogenic diet. Surgery is also an option when tests show that seizures originate in a small, well-defined area of the brain that doesn't interfere with function like speech, language or hearing. In these types of surgeries, doctors remove the area of the brain that is causing the seizures. (SOURCE: Mayo Clinic)

AN EASIER SURGERY: Now, doctors are performing surgery in a minimally-invasive way. First, a multidisciplinary team of neurologists, neuro-psychologists and neurosurgeons review extensive data on patients and determine if they are good candidates for the procedure. They then surgically remove a small piece of tissue in the area of the brain where the seizures are located. Traditional surgery, known as a full temporal lobectomy, requires a larger incision and removal of a larger piece of tissue. With the less-invasive surgery, patients have a quicker recovery. Doctors also say they have observed the same success with this less-invasive approach. (SOURCE: Vanderbilt University Medical Center) MORE (see below)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Craig Boerner, National News Director
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, TN
Craig.Boerner@vanderbilt.edu

Stopping Seizures, Curing Epilepsy -- Research Summary | Medical News and Health Information