Epilepsy Treatments Offered at Dignity Health North State
Epilepsy treatments aim to reduce the number and severity of seizures, which can range from mild to debilitating. Treatments for epilepsy often include medications, treating underlying conditions, and, sometimes, surgery.
If you’re experiencing seizures and other epilepsy symptoms, meet with a Dignity Health North State neurologist to learn about our epilepsy treatment in Northern California. For expert care, Find a Doctor at St. Elizabeth Community Hospital in Red Bluff or Mercy Medical Center in Redding.
Treatments for Seizures with an Underlying Cause
Epilepsy is sometimes caused by an underlying condition, including abnormal blood vessels in the brain, an infection, a brain tumor, or another treatable condition that your doctor will likely address first. Treatments may include surgery to repair blood vessels or remove tumors or medications to cure an infection.
Sometimes, curing an underlying condition ends epileptic seizures. If this is the case, your doctor may recommend simply monitoring you and regular follow-ups, with no other treatments required.
Seizure Medications
If treating an underlying condition doesn’t stop seizures from occurring, or if the cause of epilepsy is unknown, your Dignity Health North State doctor may prescribe a seizure medication known as an anticonvulsant. There are many anti-seizure medications for epilepsy, and you may need to try several to find one that works.
A few important considerations before you start taking a seizure medication for epilepsy:
- If you’re a woman and planning to get pregnant, be sure to discuss anticonvulsant seizure medications with your doctor first; some can cause birth defects.
- You may need routine blood testing to check for side effects.
- Your doctor may change the dosage from time to time.
- Many anti-seizure medications can affect bone health, so talk to your doctor about how you can maintain healthy bones.
Other Epilepsy Treatments in Northern California
If your seizures don’t respond to seizure medications, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Two main surgical procedures treat epilepsy: removing small areas of brain tissue responsible for causing your seizures or implanting a vagal nerve stimulator (VNS), a device similar in size and function to a heart pacemaker.
The best epilepsy treatment for you usually depends on the frequency and severity of your seizures. Doctors at Dignity Health North State will work with you to design a plan that addresses your spiritual, mental, and physical health.
Dignity Health North State offers personalized epilepsy treatment with compassion in Red Bluff and Redding, CA.