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EPILEPSY FOUNDATION TEXAS
Navigating Care
Epilepsy Foundation Texas helps individuals and families navigate care by connecting them to information, resources, and support across Texas.
Access to specialized care can make a meaningful difference in diagnosing and managing epilepsy. Comprehensive epilepsy centers offer advanced testing, experienced specialists, and coordinated treatment options for children and adults living with seizures.
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Comprehensive epilepsy centers offer advanced expertise and a coordinated, team-based approach to care. These centers may provide:
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Advanced diagnostic testing to confirm an epilepsy diagnosis or identify other causes of symptoms
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Collaborative care for coexisting conditions such as depression, anxiety, learning differences, and other related concerns
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Treatment options beyond medication, including epilepsy surgery, dietary therapies like the ketogenic diet, and implantable neurostimulation devices
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Specialized care for rare, genetic, or complex forms of epilepsy
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Guidance on epilepsy and pregnancy, including medication safety and family planning considerations
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Access to clinical trials evaluating new therapies and devices for seizure management
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The National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) provides a searchable directory of accredited epilepsy centers across the country, including several located within our Texas service regions. These centers meet rigorous standards for epilepsy care and offer a range of services, from diagnostic evaluations to surgical treatment options.​
Finding an Epilepsy Center
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Seizure treatment is not one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on the type of seizures, the person’s age and health history, and how well seizures respond to medication. The good news is that many people with epilepsy are able to successfully manage their seizures with the right care plan.​
Understanding Treatment Options for Seizures
Medication
For most individuals, treatment begins with anti-seizure medication. In fact, about two-thirds of people with epilepsy achieve good seizure control with medication alone. If the first medication doesn’t work or causes side effects, doctors may adjust the dose or try another option.
Seizure Medication List - Epilepsy Foundation
Epilepsy & Seizure Medications - Cure Epilepsy​
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Specialized Care
If seizures continue despite trying medication, additional evaluation may be needed. A neurologist—or an epilepsy specialist called an epileptologist—can assess whether other treatment options may help.
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Surgery
For some people whose seizures start in one specific area of the brain and do not respond to medication, epilepsy surgery may be an option. In carefully selected cases, surgery can significantly reduce or even eliminate seizures.​
Neurostimulation Devices
Implantable devices such as vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), responsive neurostimulation (RNS), or deep brain stimulation (DBS) may help reduce seizure frequency for individuals who are not candidates for surgery or need additional support beyond medication.
Seizure Devices - Epilepsy Foundation
Neurostimulation Devices - Cure Epilepsy​
Dietary Therapies
Medical diets, such as the ketogenic diet, may help reduce seizures—particularly in children with certain types of epilepsy. These diets are managed under medical supervision.
Dietary Therapies - Epilepsy Foundation
Ketogenic Diet for Epilepsy & Seizures - Cure Epilepsy​
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Treating Underlying Causes
Sometimes seizures are linked to an underlying condition, such as a brain injury, genetic disorder, or other medical issue. Identifying and treating the underlying cause can improve seizure control.
When Should You Seek Specialized Care?
If seizures are not controlled after trying two appropriate medications, it may be time to seek care at a specialized epilepsy center. Comprehensive centers offer advanced testing, team-based care, and additional treatment options.
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​​A Message of Hope
While epilepsy can feel overwhelming, there are many treatment options available. With the right evaluation and care team, most individuals are able to find a treatment plan that helps them live full and meaningful lives.
Learn more about
Learn more about Epilepsy Treatments - Cure Epilepsy
Visit Epilepsy - CDC website
Advancing Care Through Research
Navigating epilepsy care doesn’t stop with today’s treatments—it also includes helping shape what comes next. Through national initiatives led by the Epilepsy Foundation, individuals living with epilepsy have opportunities to contribute to research that advances understanding, treatment, and innovation in epilepsy care.
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One such initiative is empowER&D™ (Empowering Epilepsy Research & Development), a secure, patient-centered platform where people living with epilepsy can choose to share health information, connect electronic medical records, and participate in research efforts. By contributing real-world data, participants help ensure epilepsy research reflects lived experiences and drives progress toward better care.
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We encourage individuals and families who are interested to explore this opportunity and learn more through the Epilepsy Foundation.
