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Epilepsy
Epilepsy occurs when you experience recurrent seizures triggered by irregular electrical activity in the brain. These seizures can appear in many ways. They can include symptoms you may be aware of, such as motor, sensory or other sensations. Some signs might only be observed by others around you.
At Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you have access to highly skilled epilepsy treatment. We tailor therapies and support to put your goals within reach.
Epilepsy treatment at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health: Why choose us?
We provide epilepsy evaluation and treatment in locations throughout the Puget Sound. Offering multiple locations makes it easier to receive services near home. Our team includes neurologists with advanced fellowship training in epilepsy (epileptologists) who excel in caring for difficult-to-treat seizures. You may also see general neurologists who treat a high volume of epilepsy patients. Meet our team.
Epilepsy evaluation and diagnosis
We perform a neurologic exam to learn more about your health and epilepsy symptoms. This information helps us determine the next steps of your care. You will likely need an electroencephalogram (EEG) and other tests.
After evaluation, our epilepsy specialists meet with you to review the results and what they mean for your health. We explain the type of epilepsy you have and its severity.
Epilepsy treatments
Treatment recommendations depend on the type of epilepsy. Epilepsy treatment includes medication and other potential treatment strategies. We also offer vagus nerve stimulation. If we think you may need epilepsy surgery, we’ll work closely with regional epilepsy surgery centers to provide the best care possible. Your personalized epilepsy treatment plan may include:
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Medications are a standard epilepsy treatment. There are dozens of epilepsy medications, some of which are beneficial in select circumstances. Our specialists are knowledgeable in all options, including newly approved drugs.
Some people maintain excellent seizure control with epilepsy medications. With difficult-to-treat seizures, we may need to try multiple drugs or dosages to help you meet your goals.
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If epilepsy medications fail to slow seizure frequency or ease severity, a vagus nerve stimulator may be appropriate. This implantable device regulates electrical activity in the brain to reduce seizure activity. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health neurosurgeons implant the device, and our epilepsy specialists adjust the settings to your needs.
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People with epilepsy often have other medical issues, including heart problems, dementia, headache disorders and stroke. We make referrals to other Virginia Mason Franciscan Health specialists and work with them to coordinate your care.
Find a specialist
Our specialists care for patients across the Puget Sound area and beyond. Find a neurologist near you.