Introduction

For more than 80 years, the most effective treatment for people with epilepsy (seizure disorders) has been use of seizure-preventing medications called anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).

While the medications do not cure epilepsy, they make it possible for many people to live normal, active lives completely free of seizures. Others may continue to have seizures, but less frequently.

If the drugs are not effective, other treatment methods may be used. In children, the ketogenic diet (a high fat, low carbohydrate, restricted calorie diet prescribed by the doctor) may be an option. For some people, surgery may be recommended, or treatment with a device that delivers electrical signals to the brain.