Epilepsy is a central nervous system disorder (neurological disorder) in which the nerve cell activity in your brain is disturbed, causing a seizure during which you experience abnormal behavior, symptoms and sensations, including loss of consciousness. Seizure symptoms vary. Some people with epilepsy simply stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure, while others repeatedly twitch their arms or legs. About 1 in 100 people in the United States may have an unprovoked seizure once in life. However, a solitary seizure doesn't mean you have epilepsy. At least two unprovoked seizures are generally required for an epilepsy diagnosis. Even mild seizures may require treatment because they can be dangerous during activities such as driving or swimming. Treatment, which generally includes medications or sometimes surgery, may eliminate or reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures. Some children with epilepsy even outgrow the condition with age. Expertise and experience. Mayo Clinic doctors trained in brain and nervous system conditions (neurologists) and brain and nervous system surgery (neurosurgeons) have expertise and experience in evaluating and treating people with epilepsy. Neurologists and neurosurgeons at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota have experience treating children with epilepsy. Researchers also study potential treatments including medications, deep brain … Continue reading →

The good news is there are excellent medications available now that can help patients strive for no seizures and limited side effects. Today, patients and their physicians are demanding excellence in epilepsy medications and treatment. It is okay to demand more from your epilepsy medication and to have the goal of achieving 100% seizure freedom. Your first step may be to see your primary care doctor and to get a referral to a neurologist or epileptologist who has the deepest knowledge in the field. Before your medical visit, write down any questions you have. If possible, write down everything you remember about what brings on your seizures, and also be prepared to discuss your medical history including any past injuries. Questions your neurologist may ask include: Epilepsy can be a complicated condition, and you need to learn as much as you can to achieve seizure freedom; so make sure you ask questions. Together with your neurologist or epileptologist, you can make the best decision for your health. Back to top There are over a dozen medications currently available for epilepsy treatment. Epilepsy medications are either called first-generation or second-generation, depending on when they were first discovered and made available. Some … Continue reading →

Our weekly general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. No cure exists for autism, and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. The range of home-based and school-based treatments and interventions for autism can be overwhelming. The goal of treatment is to maximize your child's ability to function by reducing autism symptoms and supporting development and learning. Your doctor can help identify resources in your area. Treatment options may include: Managing other medical conditionsChildren with autism may also have other medical conditions, such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, limited food preferences or stomach problems. Ask your child's doctor how to best manage these conditions together. Keep all of your child's health care providers updated on any medications and supplements your child is taking. Some medications and supplements can interact, causing dangerous side effects. Teens and young adults with autism may have issues with body changes, increased social awareness and transitions. Your health care provider and community advocacy and service organizations can offer help. Read more: Autism: Treatments and drugs - MayoClinic.com … Continue reading →

While there is no established cure for autism, there are many therapies that can help. Some help manage symptoms, other teach social and behavioral skills, and still others are intended to cure autism altogether. Find out what's out there, what seems to work for whom, and how to figure out whether a treatment is working well for you or your child. Before you plunge into selecting an autism treatment (or several treatments!), it's important to know what your options are, and how to evaluate whether a treatment is working. These articles will give you an introduction to both topics. There are many theories regarding the causes and "core deficits" of autism. As a result, there are many different types of therapies and treatments developed specifically to alleviate symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. On the upside, that means you have a range of options to try. On the downside, it means you never know whether you've tried the most effective option for you or your child. Because there are so many choices -- and no "one best choice" -- most families try at least a few types of treatment. And most find that some combination of treatments make a real difference. … Continue reading →