In many cases, a seizure is an isolated event that does not recur and does not necessitate treatment. However, if a person experiences recurrent seizures or if the seizure indicates a serious condition, treatment may be necessary.

Treatments vary depending on the cause of the person’s seizures. It may involve treating the underlying cause, such as performing surgery for brain injuries or prescribing medications for metabolic disorders such as diabetes.

Seizures with an avoidable trigger (e.g., alcohol or certain illegal drugs) may be remedied by avoiding the precipitating factor.

If a person is diagnosed with epilepsy or other seizure disorders, a physician may prescribe anticonvulsant medications that prevent nerve cells in the brain from firing in an abnormal manner. This helps control the seizures if the medication is taken regularly. Over time, the person may be tapered off the drug to determine if the seizures have been permanently brought under control.

A physician may suggest a treatment method called vagus nerve stimulation. The vagus nerve is a cranial nerve that originates in the brain stem and controls numerous organs. People with epilepsy that cannot be controlled through medication can have a device (similar to a pacemaker) surgically implanted into the skin that stimulates the left vagus nerve through a series of small electric shocks. These shocks can reduce seizures in people with epilepsy by up to 40 percent, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).  

Surgery on the part of the brain where the seizures occur is also possible for patients with epilepsy. If an identifiable area (called the seizure focus) can be found in the area of the brain where the seizures arise, surgery to remove that part of the brain can provide relief from epilepsy in many instances.

Specialized epilepsy treatment centers also offer another type of brain surgery as a potential option to manage epilepsy. When appropriate, brain surgery can be done while the patient is under local anesthesia, but awake in order to monitor crucial neurologic functions while the surgery takes place.

In many cases, the cause of seizures is unknown, making them difficult to prevent. However, certain measures can be taken to avoid head injuries, which are known to cause seizures. People should always wear appropriate protection when riding bicycles or motorcycles, or when playing contact sports. Additionally, people should avoid binge drinking (consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short space of time) or using illegal drugs, which can lead to seizures.

Treating the cause of seizures may prevent seizures from occurring. Anticonvulsant medications may help prevent or reduce the likelihood of future seizures. Patients should follow their physician’s instructions regarding their medications. One of the most common causes of seizures in people who have been seizure-free for months or sometimes years, is non-compliance with their medication schedules.