Diagnosis, Treatment, Control

It starts when a cluster of brain cells begins to emit rapid, rhythmic and repetitive electrical discharges. The malfunction may remain confined to a small section or it may spread throughout the entire brain. The result is a seizure. It may manifest as a fleeting episode of staring, a sudden drop attack, or a prolonged, life-threatening convulsion.

The incidence of recurrent seizures makes up the phenomenon known as epilepsy. Although it was first recognized thousands of years ago, only in recent decades have effective treatments been developed to treat this devastating disorder.

Today seizures and epilepsy develop in approximately 180,000 Americans of all ages each year. Stroke, cardiovascular disease, brain tumors and Alzheimer's disease are all causes of epilepsy in those over the age of 65. Overall, there are 2 million people with epilepsy. Repeated seizures can damage developing brains and uncontrollable epilepsy affects employment and family life, presenting barriers to independence and quality of life.

Thanks to new medications and other forms of treatment, the control of seizures is an attainable goal for many people, often with minimal drug side effects. The Epilepsy Program is dedicated to providing comprehensive management with a full range of the most advanced treatment options for people with epilepsy, while helping to improve quality of life.