Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the treatments of Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
Generally, treatment of epilepsy consists of anticonvulsant therapy to reduce the number of future seizures. The most commonly prescribed drugs include phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, gabapentin, or primidone administered individually for generalized tonic-clonic seizures and complex partial seizures. Valproic acid, clonazepam, and ethosuximide are commonly prescribed for absence seizures. Gabapentin and felbamate are also anticonvulsant drugs.
A patient taking anticonvulsant medications requires monitoring for toxic signs: nystagmus, ataxia, lethargy, dizziness, drowsiness, slurred speech, irritability, nausea, and vomiting.
If drug therapy fails, treatment may include surgical removal of a demonstrated focal lesion to attempt to stop seizures. Emergency treatment of status epilepticus usually consists of diazepam (or lorazepam), phenytoin, or phenobarbital; dextrose 50% I.V. (when seizures are secondary to hypoglycemia); and thiamine I.V. (in chronic alcoholism or withdrawal).
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Therapy includes treatment of the underlying disorder or condition causing the seizures, avoidance of precipitating factors, suppression of recurrent seizures by prophylactic therapy, antiepileptic medications or surgery, and addressing psychological and social issues.
Generally, treatment of epilepsy consists of drug therapy specific to the type of seizure. The most commonly prescribed drugs include phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, valproic acid, and primidone administered individually for generalized tonic-clonic seizures and complex partial seizures.
CLINICAL TIP: I.V. fosphenytoin is an alternative to phenytoin that’s just as effective, with a long half-life and minimal central nervous system depression. In addition, it can be administered rapidly without the adverse cardiovascular effects that occur with phenytoin.
Valproic acid, clonazepam, and ethosuximide are commonly prescribed for absence seizures. A patient taking an anticonvulsant requires monitoring for signs of toxicity, such as nystagmus, ataxia, lethargy, dizziness, drowsiness, slurred speech, irritability, nausea, and vomiting.
If drug therapy fails, a vagus nerve stimulator implant may help reduce the incidence of focal seizure. Transcranial magnetic stimulators are also under study and have been shown to help some patients. Treatment may also include surgical removal of a demonstrated focal lesion in an attempt to stop seizures.
CLINICAL TIP: Some children may respond to a ketogenic diet, rich in fats and low in carbohydrates. A dietitian should be consulted if this is prescribed.
Emergency treatment of status epilepticus usually consists of I.V. administration of diazepam, lorazepam, phenytoin, or phenobarbital; dextrose 50% (when seizures are secondary to hypoglycemia); and thiamine (in chronic alcoholism or withdrawal).
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Search Specialists by State and City
By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.
Copyright © 2009 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved.
Deciding on treatment for the seizure disorder epilepsy involves balancing several factors, including the kinds of seizures being treated and...
"I authorize the release of any medical or other information necessary to process this claim." Do you recognize these words? You should, if...
Germs are a fact of life and catching an infectious disease like a cold may seem inevitable. But there are simple ways to protect yourself against...
Sexual contact can sometimes result in problems. An unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases may be some of those consequences. But by...