How do you manage refractory epilepsy?
Non-drug therapies, such as epilepsy surgery, vagus nerve stimulation, responsive neurostimulation, deep brain stimulation, dietary therapies, or experimental clinical trials, may be good options for some people. Only 5% of people (1 out of 20) with refractory epilepsy get better each year.
What is the difference between refractory and intractable epilepsy?
Intractable epilepsy is when seizures can’t be controlled by medicines. (Intractable means “not easily managed or relieved.”) It’s also called refractory, uncontrolled, or drug-resistant epileptic seizures.
What is refractory partial onset seizures?
The 2010 classification system has designated what we used to call partial-onset seizure as focal seizures, so we may use either term in this program. Partial-onset seizures are those that come from one focus in the brain. They are refractory in about 30% to 40% of patients.
What percentage of epilepsy is refractory?
This condition is also referred to as intractable, medically refractory, or pharmacoresistant epilepsy. As many as 20 to 40 percent of patients with epilepsy (roughly 400,000 people living in the United States) are likely to have refractory epilepsy.
What can cause refractory epilepsy?
What causes refractory epilepsy? Some seizures have known causes, such as head injuries, infections, fevers, or brain tumors. But often the cause of seizures in epilepsy is not known. In the same way, it is not clear why some people with epilepsy are not helped by antiepilepsy medicines.
Is refractory epilepsy a disability?
If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy and you can’t work and you expect to be unable to work for at least 12 months you can file a claim for Social Security disability benefits.
How is refractory epilepsy diagnosed?
Intractable (or refractory) epilepsy occurs when AEDs fail to improve the severity or frequency of seizures. It’s diagnosed after you’ve tried at least two AEDs (alone or together) without positive results. As a result, the condition is often characterized by frequent medication changes.
Can you work with refractory epilepsy?
Living with refractory epilepsy They may have trouble at work or school. They may no longer be allowed to drive. They may also have injuries that result from their seizures. It is important to do what you can to limit your chances of injury.
How long do seizures last with refractory epilepsy?
These seizures may last a few seconds or a few minutes. About one-third of people with epilepsy will eventually develop refractory epilepsy. This means that medicines don’t work well, or at all, to control the seizures. Refractory epilepsy can have a big effect on your life. People with refractory epilepsy may have trouble at work or school.
What is sursurgery for epilepsy?
Surgery may be especially helpful if you have refractory partial epilepsy. Your doctor may recommend surgery if you still have seizures after trying two or three antiepilepsy medicines. During the procedure, the doctor will remove the part of your brain that’s starting the seizures.
What is the best diet for refractory epilepsy?
Managing refractory epilepsy A special diet called a ketogenic diet may help control your seizures. This type of diet is high in fats and low in carbohydrates. If you follow this diet, you will need to work closely with your doctor and take supplements of certain nutrients as needed.
What are the symptoms of seizures while taking antiepilepsy drugs?
These are symptoms of a seizure: If you still have seizures while you’re taking an antiepilepsy drug, you may have refractory epilepsy. If you have refractory epilepsy, the type of seizures you have may affect your treatment. Seizures may be: Primary generalized.