Description

What are the causes of epilepsy, and how can it be managed? Dr. Jeffrey Cohen, MD, PHD and Chief of the Adult Epilepsy Program at Beth Israel Medical Center, answers.

Transcript

Matt: I am Matt from New York, a good friend of mine has epilepsy and I was wondering what causes epilepsy and can it be controlled through medication only. Jeffery Cohen: Matt that's a really important question and one that were asked quite frequently. There are many different causes of seizures in Epilepsy. Some of the more common ones include head trauma, infections such as meningitis, stroke, brain tumor and genetics. It's important to realize that even in 2008, with the best diagnostic techniques a full 40% of people never truly find the cause of their seizures. With regards to the other part of your question it is good news to know, that many patients with seizures are controlled with medications. There are at least 15 different marketed medications for seizures in the United States. About two thirds, of people can be controlled with one and sometimes two medications. For those who can't be controlled, there are excellent surgical options.