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Epilepsy can be successfully treated in most people but not prevented or cured. The risk of epilepsy due to a head injury can be reduced by taking safety measures, such as by wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle or motorcycle and wearing a seat belt while in a car.
In patients who have epilepsy, seizures can often be prevented or decreased in frequency by consistently taking the appropriate anti-epileptic medication such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbitone or valproate. The choice of drug depends on the patient and on the type of seizure. A person should work with their doctor to find the right medication(s) and dose.
The number of seizures can also be decreased by avoiding seizure triggers such as sleep deprivation, excessive stress and alcohol consumption, and use of illicit drugs such as cocaine. Treating underlying conditions can also lessen the frequency of seizures.
Last Review Date: June 7, 2017