Treatment of Epilepsy – Epilepsy Learner Video 3

This article is based on a video from Nayi Disha’s ‘‘Parent education series’  on Epilepsy and seizure management. In this video Dr.Nikit Milind Shah talks about the treatment and management of epilepsy.

Epilepsy itself cannot be cured, especially when caused by genetic factors, which are often unpredictable. In cases where epilepsy arises from other causes, effective treatment strategies can help individuals remain seizure-free and live full, active lives.

Effective management practices in epilepsy

Timely medication

• Giving medication at the recommended time and dose is crucial to reduce seizure recurrence. 
• Missed doses may trigger seizures.
• Never stop or start medication without consulting your doctor.
• If a follow-up appointment is missed, continue medication as prescribed unless advised otherwise.
• Always use the correct dosage as per the doctor’s instructions.

Accurate dosing

• Use a calibrated dropper or a 1–2 ml syringe (often provided with the medication). Avoid spoons or cups, as they may lead to inaccurate dosing.
• A common cause of ineffective treatment is not following doctor recommendations—compliance is essential.

Administering medication to infants

• Support the infant’s head while holding them on your lap. 
• Administer small amounts at a time to prevent choking.
• If needed, crush non–enteric coated tablets into a fine powder and mix with a small quantity of food.
• Provide physical comfort to help the infant feel secure.

Parent preparation

Parents of children newly diagnosed with epilepsy often have concerns about daily management. To make the most of medical visits:

• Keep a written list of questions or concerns to discuss with the neurologist.
• Share observations about your child’s seizures, medication response, and any side effects.
• Preparation helps improve your child’s quality of life and ensures you get the most from each appointment.

A comprehensive list of questions that families can use when preparing for consultations with their child’s doctor can be downloaded from the Nayi Disha website – Questions to ask your child’s Psychiatrist . Also, please go through the article on Questions to ask your child’s Pediatric Neurologist about Epilepsy for more information. This can help you prepare before your next visit to your child’s medical professional.

Seizure Diary: An effective tool for epilepsy management

Why is a seizure diary important?

• A seizure diary is a simple but powerful tool to track your child’s seizures.
• It is especially recommended for children with refractory seizures (where seizure frequency is higher compared to controlled seizures).
• Helps parents accurately recall seizure counts during doctor visits.
• Provides a clear record of patterns and triggers that may otherwise be forgotten, such as food, sleep or any illnesses.

What to record in the diary

• Number of seizures each day or week.
• Timing of seizures (time of day, duration).
• Associated factors such as:
  • Food changes or skipped meals
  • Sleep patterns
  • Illness or stress
  • Missed or delayed medication doses

Parents can download a copy of the seizure diary available on the Nayi Disha website. 

Such a detailed record maintained by the parents, will help the doctor suggest effective management strategies while ruling out any false alarms.

Watch this video to understand the following –

– Some day-to-day tips for administering anti-seizure medication(s)
– How you can prepare yourself for a visit to the child’s physician, with common queries and concerns about the disease.
– The know-how and importance of maintaining your child’s seizure history record.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this guide is for information purposes only. Please consult a qualified health practitioner for safe management.

Watch this video to understand the symptoms and signs of Epilepsy.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or what’s app us. Our counselors speak different languages including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.