Epilepsy treatment

Most people with a diagnosis of epilepsy will take anti-seizure medication (ASM) to stop their seizures from happening. Although generally epilepsy cannot be ‘cured’, for most people, seizures can be 'controlled' (stopped) so that epilepsy has little or no impact on their lives. So, treatment is often about managing seizures in the long-term. 

Anti-seizure medication (ASM)

ASMs are usually started after someone has had repeated seizures and has been diagnosed by a specialist, preferably with expertise in epilepsy. This is recommended by NICE (the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence). Sometimes treatment might be started after just a single seizure. This is usually only when a doctor thinks that it’s likely you will have further seizures.

For up to 70% of people ASMs will control their seizures but for others, despite trying different types, the ASMs don't stop their seizures completely. In some cases, other treatment options may be helpful. For example, someone may be considered for epilepsy surgery, VNS (vagus nerve stimulation) therapy, or a specialist medical dietary treatment, alongside their ASM. For most people, these are considered only after several medications have not worked.

Epilepsy surgery

Brain surgery or neurosurgery is one way of treating epilepsy. This may involve removing a specific area of the brain which might have caused the epilepsy. Certain criteria have to be met and tests have to be done to assess suitability.

Vagus nerve stimulation therapy

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy is a treatment for epilepsy that involves a stimulator (or 'pulse generator') which is connected, inside the body, to the left vagus nerve in the neck. The stimulator sends regular, mild electrical stimulations through this nerve to help calm down the irregular electrical brain activity that leads to seizures.

Ketogenic diet

The ketogenic diet is one treatment option for children or adults with epilepsy whose seizures are not controlled with ASMs. The diet may help to reduce the number or severity of seizures and may have other positive effects.

Your rights and choices

Our ‘Care and treatment: your rights and choices’ information explains your rights and choices with regard to your epilepsy care and treatment.

We also have information with a clear care pathway to show you what to do from the first seizure to referrals and reviews.

Information updated: August 2024