Epilepsy can be a complicated diagnosis. One seizure isn't enough to make a diagnosis, but if you have one, then another 24 hours or longer after, we'll want to further examine the situation and may determine you have epilepsy if a cause can't be determined. Fortunately, if you do receive a diagnosis, there are more treatments available than ever before. And for those who haven't found treatment in the past, there might be a solution now that Dr. Gerald Silverboard, serving Sandy Springs, GA, and the nearby region, can provide.

Surgery

While surgery has been a treatment for epilepsy for quite some time, the techniques are advancing and helping more people qualify for the procedure. Not to mention, the methods are increasing safety and efficiency.  

The latest advancements include being able to conduct minimally invasive surgery using MRI-guided, focused ultrasound technology. 

We can also use a laser for a procedure known as interstitial thermal therapy. It's less risky than performing open-brain surgery. We can also pinpoint the issue more accurately for this issue.

Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation in Sandy Springs, GA, is now an option and one we can use as an alternative to traditional surgery. For this treatment, we position a device deep within the brain. It releases timed electrical signals that interfere with brain activity and can induce a seizure.

To position the device, a practitioner uses an MRI. We should note that this requires a generator placed inside the chest.

Latest Medications

Several treatments have been known to help with seizure activity, such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid, and gabapentin. However, these treatments aren't for everyone. For instance, some people won't notice much of a difference in their condition or will have inadequate relief.

Fortunately, as of 2020, two new drugs entered the market and show promise for patients who may not have their condition adequately under control as of now. These include cenobamate and fenfluramine. Cenobamate is an antiseizure medication, while fenfluramine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that also modulates the sigma receptor. Currently, it's not quite known how it works for seizures but has been shown to have positive effects in studies.

CBD

CBD has been studied for its effects on seizures more in the last 10 years than ever before. A recent study showed that it blocks signals that affect seizure activity. Recently, many states have approved its use for medicinal purposes. 

Dr. Silverboard, serving Sandy Springs, GA, and the general vicinity, is a neurologist who helps epilepsy patients. Whether you've never received treatment or have an under-controlled case, we advise you to discuss the latest options.

Call (404) 255-2670.