Josh Provides - Epilepsy Assistance Foundation

By Dr. Brian Wolf

As an epileptologist, I am privileged to take care of patients with epilepsy. I often tell patients with seizure disorders that although lifestyle modifications are necessary, this is generally considered to be a chronic condition for which there are several emerging and exciting treatment options available. There is hope. Moreover, you are not alone. In the United States there are an estimated 3.4 million people diagnosed with Epilepsy. This represents nearly 1 % of the entire US population. Yet many people struggle to come to terms with the social ramifications of having seizures. Social isolation, depression, anxiety, and alcoholism are all very real problems for people battling epilepsy. The seizures themselves and the anticipatory anxiety of having seizures creates a vicious cycle that feeds upon itself. Yet it’s up to all of us to regain control and face the problem head on.

The first step in treating Epilepsy is often coming to terms with the diagnosis. I have had countless patients wonder if they truly even have seizures and if medications are even needed. “Why do I have seizures?” “What caused this?” “Do I really need to be on seizure medication?” These are all very natural and appropriate questions. However, with many things regarding the brain, we simply do not have the answers much of the time. Sometimes it is obvious. A patient may have a history of a traumatic brain injury. Or perhaps they have a brain tumor or a stroke. Other times it may seemingly be random. The sooner that we can come to terms with the diagnosis and accept it, the sooner that we can be on the road to recovery.

The next step is then establishing a treatment plan. My goal as a neurologist is to establish a treatment plan that controls the seizures with limited or no side effects. This is individualized and customized to each patient and the treatment goals may vary from patient to patient. And yet sometimes medications alone are not sufficient and other surgical options may be explored in select patients. I always tell patients that the medications are only tools and not a solution for epilepsy. Much of the onus falls on the patient to be compliant with their treatment and to make the necessary lifestyle adjustments.

Lifestyle modifications that can benefit patients with epilepsy include abstinence from alcohol or limiting drinking alcohol as much as possible, avoiding drugs and getting at least eight hours of sleep each night. I advise patients to avoid dangerous situations if they are left unattended, such as climbing on ladders or other high places, or swimming alone. It is also crucial to obey state driving laws regarding seizures and to be disciplined regarding taking medication on time.
Although epilepsy is certainly a life changing diagnosis, there are many steps that one can take to come out on top and live a fulfilling life. Epilepsy does not have to define you. But the decision is ultimately yours.

Dr. Brian Wolf is multi-board certified in both neurology and epilepsy. He serves as the Director of the Sarasota Memorial Hospital Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) and treats patients through First Physicians Group in Sarasota. He is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and American Epilepsy Society. Dr. Wolf volunteers at the Epilepsy Services of Southwest Florida and is a board member of JoshProvides Epilepsy Assistance Foundation.