First Seizure? Bring on the Medication
Published at
Purestock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Around 150,000 Americans have their first unprovoked seizure each year.
Traditionally, a first seizure would be met with a “wait and see” approach before starting a course of anti-seizure drugs.
Now, new guidelines from the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society published in the journal Neurology recommend initiating medical treatment early with anti-epileptic medication.
The groups determined, after reviewing the available evidence, that beginning a medication immediately decreases the risk of having another seizure.
Without medication, researchers say there is up to a 45 percent chance of having another seizure within two years.
Follow @ABCNewsRadio
Copyright © 2015, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.