Medication

is still the first line of defense for managing seizures, with specific drugs tailored to target different types of seizures.

Although it’s the least invasive treatment option, medications are powerful central nervous system depressants, and are accompanied by intense side effects.

The way they work is by slowing down brain activity to help prevent seizures, so their side effects tend to include reduced motor and cognitive functioning, dizziness, stomach upset, weight gain, and exhaustion, to name a few.

The first step to finding a medication that works for you is to understand what kind of seizure disorder you have.

classification by seizure type

  • Generalized Onset Seizures

    Generalized onset seizures affect both sides of the brain simultaneously and are characterized by widespread electrical discharges.

    This classification includes several types of seizures, such as tonic-clonic (formerly known as grand mal), which involves sudden muscle rigidity followed by rhythmic jerking, absence seizures (brief lapses in consciousness often mistaken for daydreaming), and myoclonic seizures, which are sudden, brief involuntary muscle jerks.

    These seizures vary in symptoms but are all rooted in extensive brain involvement.

  • Focal Onset Seizures

    Focal onset seizures originate in just one part of the brain and can vary widely in how they manifest, depending on the affected area.

    This type of seizures includes focal aware seizures, which is where you still maintain consciousness.

    Focal impaired awareness seizures, where consciousness is partially or fully impaired. Symptoms can range from unusual feelings or sensations to involuntary movements or changes in behavior, reflecting the specific brain region involved.

  • Unknown Onset Seizures

    Unknown onset seizures are those where the origin of the seizure onset isn't immediately identifiable, either due to lack of witness or inadequate evidence from EEG recordings.

    This category can later be reclassified as either generalized or focal once more information is available.

    Initially, these seizures present without clear characteristics, making them particularly challenging to diagnose and treat effectively.

look up medication lists according to your type of seizures.

New medications are being approved on a continual basis, so although this is a helpful place to start, make sure you do your own research, ask your doctor, and crowdsource it!