Epilepsy: Updated Treatments and Care
Date:
11/5/2009 | 12:00 pm
About 200,000 new cases of seizure disorders and epilepsy are diagnosed each year and almost 3 million people in the U.S. have some form of epilepsy. Seizure disorders and epilepsy affects a number of physical and mental functions. Epilepsy affects women differently than men, especially in the area of reproduction. Some types of epilepsy can be inherited. Parents with a history of seizures are more likely to have children with the same condition than those with other generalized seizures.
Melissa Carran, M.D, is a Cooper neurologist and along with her colleagues is an integral part of the Cooper Neurological Institute. She is board certified in Psychiatry and Neurology. She received her medical degree from the University of Cincinnati. She completed her internship at Crozer Chester Medical Center and her residency and a fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, both in Philadelphia. Dr. Carran sees patients at the Cooper Neurological Institute in Camden and in her office in Cherry Hill.
Dr. Carran will answer questions about treatments and living with epilepsy.
Melissa Carran, M.D.
: Thanks so much for joining me today for this week’s Health eTalk on epilepsy. This medical condition affects people of all ages and in many different ways. As you know, it involves malfunctioning of the electrical currents in the brain. If you have this disorder or know someone with it, you know that it affects your life in many ways. With treatment and perseverance, you can live a full and happy life. I’m happy to answer any questions you have related to this condition.
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1. What foods can trigger a seizure? 2. Can seizures stop a women from pregnancy? Kathy from Camden |
11/5/2009 12:00:54 PM |
Some people think certain foods cause their seizures, but that is not something that has been confirmed by research. If, for instance, you think seafood causes your seizures, then you could avoid it. It's more likely that something else happens, like anxiety, or rapid, stressed breathing that cause you to think the food causes the seizure.
Certainly, alcohol or withdrawal from heavy use can cause seizures. So stay away from alcohol, as it also lowers your medication levels.
Women with epilepsy have a harder time getting pregnant for several reasons. The main issue is the hormonal changes that occur due to the seizures and the medications. Fertility rates are also slightly lower in men with epilepsy.
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I was diagnosed with a seizure disorder 23 years ago. I have been taking Dilantin ever since. I am seizure-free for over 20 years. Will I need to continue the medication for the rest of my life? Margot from Sewell |
11/5/2009 12:03:30 PM |
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My husband has had several seizures and has been told he has epilepsy but he doesn't seem to have the same triggers as I read about. What could this be and can our children inherit this? Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. Cindy from Cape May |
11/5/2009 12:06:46 PM |
I wouldn't worry too much about your children having epilepsy. Some types are inherited, but they tend to be milder, and easier to control with medication.
I can't tell you what type of epilepsy your husband has without much more information, but there are many different ways it can start. Seizures can start almost anywhere in the brain, and therefore, can feel or look many different ways.
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I am taking Tegretol (for many years now) and I have noticed balance issues. I also know that each time I go for my routine appointments with my neurologist, he has me stand on one leg and then the other and also has me tap my nose with left hand finger and then right. What exactly are the issues associated with either Epilepsy or Tegretol that affect a person's balance? Cathy from Cherry Hill |
11/5/2009 12:09:44 PM |
Epilepsy by itself can make people feel dizzy or off balance as well, and this is improved by proper treatment.
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I saw a show on television on Sunday where a person with severe epilepsy was given an implant to stimulate her brain. Is anyone doing this surgery around here? Thank you. Bill from Sewell |
11/5/2009 12:12:32 PM |
The implant you heard about is a "deep brain stimulator". The idea is that these devices will sense a seizure starting, then turn on to interrupt or abort the seizure with electricity (most of them at this point just stimulate all the time). Some devices are being designed to infuse medication (anti-convulsant) at the site of the seizure. This would be nicer than taking many pills!
Unfortunately, these did not meet the criteria for FDA approval yet. Luckily, there are many other options for seizure control. Some of which the patient you saw didn't try yet, since there are very new medications that are more effective than the stimulator. At Cooper we implant Vagal Nerve Stimulators. The deep brain stimulators are in research trials, none of which are available around here, currently.
Melissa Carran, M.D.
: Thank you to each of our participants today. Your frankness will help others who deal with this condition each day. If I can be of more assistance, I hope you’ll click the appointment button this page or call for an appointment at 1.800.8Cooper (1.800.826.6737). I hope this information has been helpful. Have a great day!Editor's Note: Cooperhealth.org moderators retain editorial control over Health eTalk and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts.
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