Knowing what to do when a person is having a seizure is an important part of treatment. But taking a longer view, the real objective of treating epilepsy is to stop seizures or control them as best as possible, and to help people with seizures to lead a full and unrestricted life according to their own wishes.

"No seizures, no side effects" is the motto for epilepsy treatment. Not every person will achieve that goal right now, but with more research more will achieve it each year. Many people may have the possibility of achieving better seizure control right now, but haven't gotten the help they need. While seizure medicines are the mainstay of epilepsy treatment, there are other approaches to think about too.

Here you'll find information about treating seizures and epilepsy. Start with the sections on Quality Measures, which gives an overview of what you can expect from your primary care physician or general neurologist when you have just been diagnosed or after you have already started treatment. Then go on to the basics at Treatment 101, followed by what to do if seizures don't stop and how to develop your health care team. Print this out to read, send it to a friend, and know that epilepsy.com is here to help.

Topic Editor: Steven C. Schachter, MD and Patricia O. Shafer, RN, MN.
Last Reviewed: 3/28/08