By Rajesh C. Sachdeo, M.D. Princeton HealthCare System
Having a seizure can be a scary experience for a person and for their friends and loved ones. But it is not uncommon.
At least 1 of every 10 people will have a seizure at some point in their lives. While not always a sign of epilepsy, a seizure is one of the most common signs of the disease. Each year more than 200,000 Americans are newly diagnosed with epilepsy, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.
In many cases, epilepsy can be controlled with medication and some simple lifestyle adjustments.
At the Epilepsy Program at University Medical Center at Princeton, board certified specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic services and work closely with patients to develop individualized treatment plans.
What is epilepsy?
Sometimes described as an “electrical storm” in the brain, epilepsy is a chronic neurological condition that produces sudden disturbances in the normal electrical function of the brain. This causes seizures that affect an individual’s awareness, movement, sensations or behavior.
What causes epilepsy?
In about 70 percent of epilepsy cases, no cause can be found. In the remaining 30 percent, the causes vary. Head injuries, including from sports, can damage the brain and cause epilepsy. Strokes also can result in epilepsy, as can tumors and infections like meningitis and encephalitis.
Who is at risk for epilepsy?
Epilepsy affects men and women of all races and ethnicities. While the disorder can be diagnosed at any age, approximately 30 percent of new cases are diagnosed in children and adolescents. Children under age 2 and adults over age 65 are more likely to be diagnosed with the condition.
How is epilepsy diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a complete medical exam and thorough history. Doctors will want as much information as possible about the seizure: when they started, how long they lasted and what was happening immediately prior to the seizure occurring.
In addition, doctors will likely order electroencephalograph (EEG) testing to record brain waves and identify specific patterns associated with seizures. Tests such as MRIs and CT scans can help determine if seizures are being caused by a physical condition in the brain such as a tumor or scarring.
At University Medical Center at Princeton, digital and video EEGs are performed in a state-of-the-art neurophysiology laboratory by board certified electroencephalographers.
How is epilepsy treated?
In most cases, epilepsy can be treated with a single anti-seizure drug, and patients experience few, if any, adverse side effects. However, finding the right drug requires close consultation with your doctor, as not all types of medicines will work for all types of seizures. Special considerations also need to be taken into account for children, seniors and pregnant women.
Because everyone experiences epilepsy differently, you and your physician may have to try different drugs in order to find one that works best for you.
If your seizures don’t respond to drug therapy, other treatment options include surgery to remove the seizure- producing part of the brain and vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). VNS is designed to control seizures by sending small pulses of electrical energy to the brain through a small implant. The procedure is used in adults and children 12 and older.
Can I have children if I have epilepsy?
The short answer is yes. However, if you are planning to become pregnant it is critical to talk with your doctor about adjusting or changing your seizure medications. Some seizure medications can be more harmful to a fetus than others.
Pregnancy can impair the absorption of many seizure drugs, decreasing their effectiveness. A seizure, especially in the last four months of pregnancy can be harmful to the fetus, making it important that you are routinely monitored by your physician.
Can I work, play sports, drive a car if I have epilepsy?
Every patient is different and experiences epilepsy differently. While most patients with epilepsy lead active lives with families and careers, your doctor will advise you about what precautions you need take to for your individual circumstance.
What can I do to manage my epilepsy?
In addition to taking your medication as prescribed, you can make certain adjustments to your behavior and lifestyle to help reduce your risk for seizures.
• Get enough sleep. Getting enough sleep is a healthy habit for everyone, but it is especially important for patients with epilepsy. Often, a well-rested brain is able to suppress a good amount of seizure activity. Conversely, when you don’t get enough sleep the brain becomes more susceptible to seizures.
• Exercise. Moderate physical exercise has been shown to help prevent seizures in many patients. It is important, however, to talk with your doctor about an exercise plan that is right for you.
• Avoid alcohol. Not only does alcohol interact badly with most epilepsy medications, it may even trigger seizures in some patients.
• Don’t smoke. Nicotine acts on the neurotransmitters in the brain and increases firing, which can trigger seizures.
• Don’t skip meals. The brain needs proper nourishment to function well and becomes more susceptible to seizures when people with epilepsy skip meals. In some instances, doctors may recommend a special diet to help control seizures.
For more information about the Epilepsy Program at University Medical Center at Princeton, call 609-497-4290.
Rajesh C. Sachdeo, M.D. is board-certified in neurology and specializes in treating patients with epilepsy. He is a member of the medical staff at University Medical Center at Princeton.

