Epilepsy medication

Seizure medications

Medication is typically the first step in treating seizures. There are many types of medications used to treat seizures and epilepsy. Medications are selected based on the type of seizure, age of the child, side effects, the cost of the medication, and the adherence with the use of the medication.

While your child is taking medications, different tests may be done to monitor the effectiveness of the medication. These tests may include the following:

• Blood work - frequent blood draws testing is usually required to check the level of the medication in the body. Based on this level, the physician may increase or decrease the dose of the medication to achieve the desired level. This level is called the "therapeutic level" and is where the medication works most efficiently. Blood work may also be done to monitor the affects of medications on body organs.
• Urine tests - these tests are performed to see how the child's body is responding to the medication.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) - a procedure that records the brain's continuous, electrical activity by means of electrodes attached to the scalp. This test is done to monitor how the medication is helping the electrical problems in the brain.