Seizure Treatment and Medication Options

Seizures can be alarming and affect anyone, from newborns to adults—but they don’t have to define your life. With the right diagnosis, care, and support, you or your loved ones can live fully and confidently.

Keep reading to explore the types of seizures, treatment options, and essential steps to help someone experiencing a seizure.

Types of Seizures

There are several types of seizures, including:

Generalized Seizures

These seizures involve all areas of the brain from the time they start. There are six types of generalized seizures, including:

Absence
This type of seizure is common in children and lasts five to ten seconds. Symptoms include staring into space or making slight body movements, such as eye blinking or lip smacking. They can occur hundreds of times daily and cause a brief loss of awareness.
Tonic
Tonic or drop seizures are brief episodes (often 20 seconds or less) of sudden muscle stiffness or tension that usually affect the arms, legs, trunk, or neck that typically occur during sleep. However, those that occur while standing may result in a fall.
Atonic
Atonic seizures are brief episodes (often 15 seconds or less) of sudden muscle limpness that can affect the entire body. They usually begin in childhood and may last into adulthood.
Clonic
Clonic seizures can last one to two minutes and cause repeated involuntary jerking movements. These are regular, sustained movements that affect one side, part of the body, or the face.
Myoclonic
Myoclonic seizures are like Clonic seizures in duration and symptoms. However, myoclonic seizures usually cause quick jerking movements on both sides of the body at the same time.
Tonic-Clonic
Tonic-clonic seizures or convulsions are what most people think of when they hear the term seizure. It causes muscle stiffening, loss of consciousness, quick and repeated jerking in the arms and legs, difficulty breathing, and loss of bladder or bowel control. These seizures typically last one to three minutes. A Tonic-Clonic seizure lasting longer than five minutes is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical help.

Focal (Partial) Seizures

Focal seizures or focal-aware seizures are common among those diagnosed with epilepsy. During a focal seizure, the person is awake and alert. Symptoms vary depending on what part of the brain they originated from, but common symptoms may include:

Shaking on one part of the body.
An abnormal sensation in one part of the body.
Sudden onset of nausea.
Flashing lights or other visual symptoms.

Epileptic vs. Non-Epileptic Seizures

Until recently, most doctors believed all seizures were a type of epileptic seizure. However, recent research suggests that approximately 10% of patients diagnosed with epilepsy may be experiencing psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) instead.

While epileptic seizures are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, those with PNES seizures do not experience this electrical overload. Both types of seizures can cause similar symptoms (e.g., convulsions, loss of awareness, or apparent confusion), but they have distinct underlying causes.

Epileptic seizures are neurological and often linked to genetic predisposition, head injuries, or brain abnormalities.

PNES seizures are psychological, commonly triggered by conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or high levels of unresolved stress.

A key diagnostic difference is that an EEG (electroencephalogram) will detect abnormal brain activity during an epileptic seizure but not during a PNES episode. EEGs are essential for helping doctors distinguish between the two conditions and provide appropriate treatment.

Seizure Treatment Options

Here are common treatment options for seizures.

Medications for Seizures

Common seizure medications include:

Benzodiazepines used as rescue medications (e.g., Valium, Ativan, and Versed).
Anticonvulsants (e.g., Lamictal, Keppra, Trileptal, Topamax, and Depakote).

Your doctor or neurologist will determine the right medication based on your seizure type, other health conditions, potential side effects, and drug interactions.

Alternative Seizure Treatments

Alternative therapies for seizures may include:

Herbal medicine.
Following a ketogenic diet.
Vitamins.
Biofeedback.
Deep brain stimulation.
Acupuncture, massage, yoga, meditation, and stress management.

Always consult a doctor or neurologist to determine the best course of seizure treatment.

Emergency Response for Seizures

If you are physically and mentally able to help someone experiencing a seizure, here are four key first-aid steps:

Do not move them, but protect them from injury.
Use a blanket or cushion to support and protect their head.
After the seizure, help the person to rest on their side with their head tilted back to help ensure continued breathing.
Call 9-1-1 for emergency care if necessary.

FAQs About Seizures

What is the first line of treatment for seizures?

Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) are the first line of treatment for seizures. Several ASMs are available. A licensed physician or neurologist must identify the best one based on the type of seizure, side effects, drug interactions, and other factors.

Can seizures be managed without medication?

Yes. In some cases, epilepsy can be safely managed without medication. However, it is critical to work with an experienced doctor to determine the best epileptic seizure treatment plan for your unique needs. Alternative treatments include:

Dietary therapies.
Complementary and alternative therapies (e.g., acupuncture, vitamins, supplements, biofeedback, and meditation).
Responsive neurostimulation is a surgical treatment that uses an implanted device to monitor brain activity and prevent or shorten seizures.
Brain surgery to remove the part of the brain causing the seizures.

What should I do if someone is having a seizure?

If someone you know is experiencing a seizure, protecting them from injury during the episode (e.g., removing hot drinks and sharp objects) is essential. If they have food or fluid in their mouth, roll them on their side to help them avoid choking. If they have nothing in their mouth, wait until the seizure is over before rolling them to their side. Next, take the following steps:

Stay calm and remain with the person.
Time the seizure. Most seizures last less than two minutes.
If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, is their first seizure, or they do not regain full consciousness, call emergency services—this is a medical emergency.
Loosen any tight or constricting clothing to help with breathing.
Put something soft under their head, like a jacket or pillow.

Are there long-term side effects of seizure medications?

Yes. Long-term use of some anti-seizure medications may lead to osteoporosis. To help lower the risk, providers often recommend supplementing your diet with Vitamin D and calcium.

Can lifestyle changes help reduce seizures?

In some cases, lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. They include:

Get at least 7-9 hours of restorative sleep each night.
Eat a balanced diet of whole, natural foods.
Participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity 3-5 times a week.
Avoid common triggers (e.g., flashing lights, stress, alcohol, and drugs).

Always consult a doctor or neurologist to determine the best course of seizure treatment.

Choose Prestige ER for Emergency Medical Care

Don’t wait to seek treatment for seizures—visit Prestige Emergency Room at the first sign of symptoms. Our expert team is ready to provide rapid, reliable emergency care for seizures and other medical emergencies.

We are a veteran-owned facility that provides personalized, expert care to you and your family 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. Find a location near you and visit us today.