Following a diagnosis of epilepsy, 50 to 60 percent of patients are well controlled on medication. However, a large percentage of patients (about 30 percent to 35 percent) have seizures despite medical therapy.
Many patients are troubled by unanswered questions regarding the cause and prognosis of their seizures. Some attribute their epilepsy to coincidental events or conditions, placing blame on themselves or family members.
An accurate diagnosis of seizure type is critical in determining the optimal treatment. Non-epileptic seizure, which typically do not respond to anti-epileptic medications, may be extremely difficult to distinguish from epileptic events.
Epilepsy Center Referrals
Patients may be referred to the Epilepsy Center for:
- Unsatisfactory seizure control
- Unacceptable side effects from anti-epileptic drugs
- Psychosocial problems related to poor seizure control
- Structural focal brain lesion
- Self-injury from uncontrolled drop attacks