Epilepsy Care
Merit Health River Oaks offers care for those with epileptic seizure disorders. Neurologists and other specialized doctors develop treatment plans for long-term management and work closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate treatment for them.
Treatment Options
Anti-seizure medications are the most common treatment approach and can help control the frequency and severity of epileptic seizures. When medical management is insufficient, doctors may suggest a surgical approach such as:
-
Regulating the electrical activity of the brain through a small pacemaker device called a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS). The battery-operated device, which is placed under the skin by the vagus nerve, sends electrical impulses to block seizure-producing electrical activity in the brain.
-
Removing the area of the brain that is the source of the seizures.
Although each person's epilepsy care plan is customized to meet their unique needs, the goal is the same for all our patients: to improve their well-being and quality of life.