Intractable Epilepsy

What is it?

It is defined as the epilepsy, which cannot be controlled with medication. Individuals with intractable epilepsy have frequent and severe seizures and their quality of life is affected. It is also called drug resistant epilepsy or refractory epilepsy.

What are the symptoms?

• Continuing seizures even while on medication
• Frequent falls
• Tongue biting
• Loss of bladder and bowel control

What are the causes?

• Seizures become stronger and medication dose exceeds the safe limits
• Poor drug compliance (missing doses)
• Stress and sleep deprivation
• Brain abnormalities
• Genetic disturbances
• Intolerance to medications

Treatment:

• Increasing the dose and adding newer medication
• Diet changes like ketogenic diet
• Improving sleep and following consistent sleep habits
• VNS therapy a device inserted under the skin sends impulses to brain through a nerve in the neck (vagus nerve)

Surgery:

• Implantation of a device to treat seizures
• Removing a part of brain causing seizures
• Disrupting nerve pathways that
• promote seizure impulses

Authored By Dr. Sai Sudarsan