I was compensated by Med-IQ in collaboration with Duke Health to write about the risks of uncontrolled epilepsy and surgical treatment for epilepsy. All opinions are my own.

This post is not intended to be a replacement for medical advice. The purpose of this post is to bring awareness to epilepsy and provide resources for further discussion. If you think you might have epilepsy, see your healthcare provider.

I remember the first time my son had a seizure.

We threw him in the car and raced to the hospital.

It was the longest trip of my life.

“A febrile seizure,” they said, “brought on by a fever, not epilepsy.”

But, what if it had been?

Epilepsy is defined as having two or more unprovoked seizures.

Epilepsy affects about 1% of the US population (or roughly 3 million people.)

The risks of untreated epilepsy can range in severity from physical injuries due to falls, to mood disorders and memory impairments, to SUDEP, which stands for Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy.

The first line of treatment for epilepsy is medication use, which stops seizures in approximately 60% to 70% of patients.

Roughly 30% of epilepsy patients have ongoing seizures despite the use of medications; these are the patients who should be evaluated for surgical treatment.

Once a patient has a diagnosis of epilepsy and has attempted more than 2 medications and still experiences seizures, their health care provider should refer the patient to an epilepsy center, where advanced epilepsy doctors can thoroughly review the patient’s case and consider the role for possible surgical treatment.

No family should fear the unknown and every patient should have access to up to date research and knowledgeable physicians.

It’s so important to share current treatment and facts surrounding epilepsy- I am honored to be working with Duke Health and Med-IQ to spread awareness.

https://www.naec-epilepsy.org/about-epilepsy-centers/what- is-an-epilepsy-center/

@MedIQCME

https://www.med-iq.com/

Med-IQ is an accredited medical education company that provides an exceptional educational experience for physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.

@DukeHealth

https://www.naec-epilepsy.org/about-epilepsy-centers/what- is-an-epilepsy-center/

Duke Health is a Level 4 Epilepsy Center and recognized by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers for providing the highest level of diagnosis, treatment, and surgical treatment options for patients with epilepsy. Our goal is to maximize quality of life and seizure control for individuals living with epilepsy.

BONUS: TAKE A SHORT SURVEY TO WIN $100

Med-IQ and Duke Health are conducting an anonymous survey and would appreciate your input. It will take less than 10 minutes to complete (survey responses only shared in aggregate.)

Your responses to these survey questions will provide Med-IQ and Duke Health with important information about your experience or your loved one’s experience with epilepsy treatment, which will help us develop future educational initiatives.

Once you’ve completed the survey, you will have the option of providing your email address to be entered into a random drawing administered by SOMA Strategies to win 1 of 3 $100 VISA gift cards. If you choose to enter, your email address will be used to randomly draw the winners and notify you of your prize if you win.

https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6404586/Adrian-Wood

#EpilepsySurgery