People who suffer from epilepsy do have a variety of treatment options available to them.  This means if one treatment doesn’t work, they should continue to work with physicians to try to find the right solution for their lives. 

Surgery is only performed when all other medications and therapies have failed.  It can only be performed on those whose seizures are confined to one area of the brain. Physicians will only recommend it if personality and other functions will not be affected.

People with epilepsy usually do not have to restrict their lives as many people believe. They can work, go to school, exercise, drive, etc. There may be slight limitations depending on the level of the seizures and what triggers them. 

If Someone Near You is Having a Seizure:
People cannot be helped out of seizures; the best thing to do is to keep them safe while it passes.  The accepted procedure is to:

• Ease the person having the seizure into a reclining position on the floor or a flat surface
• Protect the head by placing something soft and flat beneath it.
• Turn the person gently onto one side to prevent choking, and keep the airway clear.  Do not attempt to put something into the mouth! Despite the myth, it is not possible for people to swallow their tongues during a seizure- but they will often clamp their teeth down hard and you don’t want your fingers anywhere near it.
• Wait until the person is fully alert to administer any medications or fluids.
• Let them convulse.  Trying to restrain limbs or movement will only strain the muscles or possible break a bone.
• Stay CALM during and after the seizure.  The person may feel disoriented, embarrassed or other emotions and you should stay with them to lend support.