Epilepsy Treatment at Mayo Clinic

Epilepsy Treatment at Mayo Clinic provides specialized evaluation and individualized medical care for patients experiencing recurrent seizures, epilepsy and seizure-related neurological conditions. Treatment may include comprehensive seizure evaluation, medication management, advanced diagnostic testing, dietary therapies, neuromodulation and surgical evaluation for appropriately selected patients whose seizures are not adequately controlled with medication.

Price

Price on Request

Why Price on Request?

The cost of epilepsy treatment depends on the type and severity of seizures, neurological consultation, diagnostic testing, EEG monitoring, brain imaging, laboratory testing, medications, specialized procedures, surgery and follow-up care required. A personalized estimate is provided according to the patient's individual treatment needs.

Complete Description

What Is Epilepsy Treatment?

Epilepsy Treatment focuses on controlling seizures, identifying their underlying cause and helping patients achieve the best possible neurological function and quality of life.

Treatment is individualized according to the patient's seizure type, frequency, age, medical history, diagnostic findings, medications, response to previous treatment and overall health.

Conditions Evaluated and Treated

Epilepsy specialists may evaluate and treat:

• Epilepsy

• Recurrent seizures

• Focal seizures

• Generalized seizures

• Drug-resistant epilepsy

• Childhood epilepsy

• Adolescent epilepsy

• Adult epilepsy

• Seizure disorders

• Seizures associated with brain lesions

• Epilepsy related to structural brain abnormalities

• Epilepsy following brain injury

• Other complex seizure disorders

Epilepsy Evaluation

A comprehensive epilepsy evaluation may include:

• Detailed seizure history

• Description of seizure episodes

• Neurological examination

• Review of previous diagnoses

• Medication history

• Review of previous EEG results

• Review of brain imaging

• Family medical history

• Assessment of seizure triggers

• Evaluation of treatment response

The goal is to determine the seizure type, identify possible causes and develop an appropriate treatment strategy.

Seizure History Assessment

The epilepsy team may carefully review:

• When seizures first started

• Frequency of seizures

• Duration of episodes

• Symptoms before seizures

• Changes in awareness

• Abnormal movements

• Loss of consciousness

• Recovery after seizures

• Possible seizure triggers

• Previous emergency treatment

• Previous medication response

Information from family members or witnesses may also be useful when the patient cannot remember the event.

Types of Seizures

Epilepsy specialists may evaluate different seizure patterns, including:

• Focal seizures

• Generalized seizures

• Focal to bilateral tonic-clonic seizures

• Absence seizures

• Myoclonic seizures

• Tonic seizures

• Atonic seizures

• Other seizure types

Accurate seizure classification can help guide treatment decisions.

EEG Testing for Epilepsy

Electroencephalography (EEG) is commonly used in epilepsy evaluation to record electrical activity in the brain.

Depending on the clinical situation, EEG testing may include:

• Routine EEG

• Sleep EEG

• Prolonged EEG

• Video EEG monitoring

• Inpatient seizure monitoring

EEG findings are considered together with the patient's clinical history and other diagnostic information.

Video EEG Monitoring

Video EEG monitoring combines continuous brain-wave recording with video observation of the patient's behavior and movements.

It may help specialists:

• Characterize seizure episodes

• Determine seizure type

• Identify the area of the brain involved

• Distinguish epileptic seizures from other events

• Evaluate patients being considered for epilepsy surgery

The type and duration of monitoring depend on the patient's individual needs.

Brain Imaging for Epilepsy

Brain imaging may be used to identify structural abnormalities that could contribute to seizures.

Diagnostic imaging may include:

• MRI

• CT scan

• Functional imaging

• Other specialized neurological imaging

Imaging results may help identify tumors, scars, malformations or other structural abnormalities.

Epilepsy Medication Management

Anti-seizure medications are commonly used to control epilepsy.

Medication management may involve:

• Selecting an appropriate medication

• Adjusting dosage

• Monitoring treatment response

• Managing side effects

• Changing medications when necessary

• Combining medications in selected cases

• Monitoring medication adherence

Medication selection depends on the seizure type, age, medical history and individual treatment response.

Drug-Resistant Epilepsy

Some patients continue to experience seizures despite appropriate treatment with anti-seizure medications.

This may be referred to as drug-resistant or medically refractory epilepsy.

Patients with difficult-to-control seizures may benefit from comprehensive evaluation to determine whether additional medical, dietary, device-based or surgical treatments may be appropriate.

Epilepsy Surgery Evaluation

Selected patients with drug-resistant epilepsy may undergo specialized evaluation for possible epilepsy surgery.

Evaluation may include:

• Video EEG monitoring

• Brain MRI

• Functional brain imaging

• Neuropsychological testing

• Neurological examination

• Seizure mapping

• Other specialized testing

The goal is to determine whether seizures originate from an area of the brain that can be safely treated surgically.

Epilepsy Surgery

For appropriately selected patients, surgery may be considered when seizures originate from a specific area of the brain.

Surgical approaches may include:

• Removal of the seizure-producing brain region

• Laser-based ablation in selected cases

• Disconnection procedures

• Other specialized epilepsy surgeries

The recommended procedure depends on the seizure origin and individual neurological anatomy.

Laser Ablation for Epilepsy

Selected patients may be evaluated for minimally invasive laser-based treatment.

This approach uses specialized imaging and laser technology to target abnormal brain tissue associated with seizures.

Suitability depends on:

• Seizure origin

• Location of abnormal tissue

• Brain anatomy

• Previous treatment

• Overall clinical condition

Neuromodulation for Epilepsy

Some patients who are not candidates for conventional epilepsy surgery may be evaluated for device-based treatments that modify abnormal electrical activity.

Treatment options may include:

• Vagus nerve stimulation

• Responsive neurostimulation

• Deep brain stimulation in selected circumstances

Device-based treatment is considered according to the patient's epilepsy characteristics and treatment history.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Vagus nerve stimulation uses an implanted device to deliver electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve.

It may be considered for selected patients with epilepsy that remains difficult to control with medication.

The treatment plan includes device programming and ongoing follow-up.

Responsive Neurostimulation

Responsive neurostimulation uses an implanted device designed to detect abnormal electrical activity and provide stimulation in response.

It may be considered for selected patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who meet specific clinical criteria.

Specialized evaluation is required to determine whether this treatment is appropriate.

Dietary Therapy for Epilepsy

Certain patients, particularly some children, may benefit from specialized dietary treatment.

Dietary approaches may include:

• Ketogenic diet

• Modified ketogenic approaches

• Other medically supervised dietary therapies

Dietary treatment should be planned and monitored by an appropriate medical team.

Epilepsy Treatment for Children

Children with epilepsy may require specialized evaluation because seizures can affect:

• Learning

• Development

• Memory

• Behavior

• School performance

• Physical activity

• Social development

Treatment is individualized according to the child's age, seizure type, development and overall health.

Epilepsy Treatment for Adults

Adult epilepsy care may involve:

• Seizure diagnosis

• Medication management

• Lifestyle counseling

• EEG monitoring

• Brain imaging

• Surgical evaluation when appropriate

• Long-term follow-up

Treatment plans are adjusted according to seizure control and individual patient needs.

Epilepsy and Pregnancy

Women with epilepsy may require specialized neurological planning before and during pregnancy.

Medical management may consider:

• Seizure control

• Medication selection

• Medication dosage

• Pregnancy-related considerations

• Maternal safety

• Fetal health

• Postpartum planning

Medication decisions should be individualized by the treating medical team.

Seizure Trigger Management

The epilepsy team may discuss factors that can contribute to seizure activity, such as:

• Sleep deprivation

• Missed medications

• Stress

• Alcohol exposure

• Illness

• Certain medications

• Other individual triggers

Identifying and managing triggers may support better seizure control.

Epilepsy Emergency Care

Certain seizure situations require urgent medical attention.

Emergency evaluation may be necessary for:

• Prolonged seizures

• Repeated seizures without recovery

• Serious injury during a seizure

• Breathing difficulties

• First-time seizures

• Seizures occurring during pregnancy

• Other concerning neurological symptoms

Emergency management depends on the circumstances and severity of the event.

Epilepsy Monitoring and Follow-Up

Long-term epilepsy care may include:

• Seizure tracking

• Medication review

• Neurological examinations

• EEG monitoring when indicated

• Review of treatment response

• Medication adjustments

• Device monitoring when applicable

• Periodic imaging or other testing when necessary

Follow-up frequency depends on seizure control and treatment requirements.

Epilepsy Second Opinion

Patients who have already received an epilepsy diagnosis or treatment recommendation may seek an epilepsy second opinion.

The specialist may review:

• EEG recordings

• MRI scans

• CT scans

• Seizure history

• Previous medical records

• Medication history

• Previous treatment response

• Surgical recommendations

A second opinion may help clarify diagnosis and treatment options.

Multidisciplinary Epilepsy Care

Complex epilepsy cases may require collaboration among:

• Epileptologists

• Neurologists

• Neurosurgeons

• Neuroradiologists

• Neuropsychologists

• EEG specialists

• Rehabilitation professionals

• Dietitians

• Other medical specialists

A multidisciplinary approach may be particularly useful for patients being evaluated for advanced treatment or surgery.

International Patients

International patients should provide relevant medical records whenever possible.

Useful documents may include:

• Neurology reports

• EEG reports

• Video EEG results

• MRI scans

• CT scans

• Laboratory results

• Medication history

• Seizure diaries

• Previous hospital records

• Previous surgical reports

Complete documentation can help the epilepsy team understand the patient's treatment history.

Benefits of Specialized Epilepsy Treatment

Specialized epilepsy care may help:

• Identify and classify seizure types

• Determine possible causes of seizures

• Improve seizure control

• Optimize anti-seizure medications

• Evaluate drug-resistant epilepsy

• Assess suitability for epilepsy surgery

• Evaluate device-based treatments

• Provide dietary treatment when appropriate

• Monitor long-term neurological health

• Develop individualized treatment plans

Why Choose Mayo Clinic for Epilepsy Treatment?

Mayo Clinic provides specialized epilepsy care through multidisciplinary teams that may include epileptologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, neuropsychologists and other specialists.

Depending on the patient's condition, evaluation and treatment may include advanced EEG monitoring, brain imaging, medication management, epilepsy surgery evaluation, neuromodulation and other specialized approaches.

Cost & Price on Request

Price: Price on Request

The total cost of epilepsy treatment depends on the type and complexity of care required.

Potential costs may include:

• Epilepsy consultation

• Neurological evaluation

• EEG testing

• Video EEG monitoring

• MRI or CT imaging

• Laboratory testing

• Medication management

• Neuropsychological testing

• Surgical evaluation

• Epilepsy surgery

• Neuromodulation procedures

• Hospitalization

• Rehabilitation

• Follow-up consultations

A personalized cost estimate should be requested according to the patient's individual treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the treatment for epilepsy?

Epilepsy treatment may include anti-seizure medications, lifestyle management, dietary therapy, device-based treatment and surgery for selected patients.

2. Can epilepsy be treated without surgery?

Yes. Many patients are treated with anti-seizure medications and other non-surgical approaches. Surgery is generally considered only for appropriately selected patients.

3. What is drug-resistant epilepsy?

Drug-resistant epilepsy refers to epilepsy in which seizures continue despite appropriate treatment with anti-seizure medications. These patients may require specialized evaluation for additional treatment options.

4. Is epilepsy surgery effective for everyone?

No. Epilepsy surgery is appropriate only for selected patients after detailed evaluation. Suitability depends on the location and characteristics of seizure activity and other clinical factors.

5. What tests are used to diagnose epilepsy?

Evaluation may include EEG, video EEG monitoring, MRI, CT, neurological examination, neuropsychological testing and other specialized studies.

Product Details

Product Name: Epilepsy Treatment

Hospital: Mayo Clinic – Rochester

Brand: Mayo Clinic

Country: United States

Specialty: Neurology & Neurosurgery

Service Type: Epilepsy Treatment

Dashboard Price: 0

Customer-Facing Price: Price on Request

International Patients: Available

Location: Rochester, Minnesota, USA