Comprehensive Epilepsy Treatment in Southern California

Depending on what part of the brain is affected, epileptic seizures can range from mild to debilitating. The goal of epilepsy treatment is to reduce the severity and frequency of seizures.

Available at Dignity Health Southern California, treatments for epilepsy include:

• Treatment for underlying conditions
• Medications
• Surgery

Keeping your whole well-being as our priority, our neurology team and can help build a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. To learn more about your options for epilepsy treatment at Dignity Health Southern California, use our online Find a Doctor tool and make an appointment today.

Treating the Underlying Cause of Epilepsy

If your epilepsy is caused by a treatable underlying issue, your doctor will most likely address that issue first. Sometimes, curing an underlying condition can cause epilepsy to go away.

Underlying causes of epilepsy can include:

• Abnormal blood vessels in the brain
• Infection
• Brain tumor

Depending on what is causing your symptoms, your treatment options might include, medications to cure an infection, surgery to remove tumors or repair blood vessels, or another intervention if appropriate.

Anti-Seizure Medication for Epilepsy

If treating an underlying condition did not stop seizures from occurring, or if the cause of your seizures is unknown, your Dignity Health Southern California doctor may recommend an anti-seizure (anticonvulsant) medication. There are many anti-seizure medications for epilepsy, and you may need to try more than one before finding one that works.

Things you should consider before taking anticonvulsant medications for epilepsy:

• Before getting pregnant, women who take anti-seizure medications should discuss the issue with their doctor. Some anticonvulsant medications can cause birth defects.
• You may need to periodically change your dosage.
• Due to side effects, you may need routine blood testing.
• Anti-seizure medications may affect bone health. Create a strategy with your doctor to keep your bones healthy.

Surgery for Epilepsy

Your doctor may recommend surgery if your epilepsy doesn’t respond to medications. The two main procedures for treating epilepsy are:

• Implantation of a vagal nerve stimulator (VNS), a device to help reduce the number of seizures you experience
• Removal of small portions of the brain that are causing the seizures

Considering Your Treatment Options at Dignity Health Southern California

Your doctor at Dignity Health Southern California will work with you to design a treatment plan that addresses your medical concerns and lifestyle. The best treatment option for you will also depend on the frequency and severity of your seizures. At Dignity Health, we treat the whole person, not just the condition — our mission is simple: humankindness.