Epilepsy Treatment

Understanding Epilepsy

At Cosmos Healthcare, we provide specialist neuropsychological assessment and support for people with epilepsy. Our approach recognises that epilepsy is more than seizures—it affects memory, attention, mood, and daily functioning.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterised by recurrent seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The type, frequency, and severity of seizures vary greatly between individuals, as does the impact on cognitive function and quality of life.

Seizures occur when groups of neurons fire excessively and synchronously, disrupting normal brain function. This can manifest in many ways—from brief lapses in awareness (absence seizures) to convulsive episodes affecting the whole body (tonic-clonic seizures). Understanding your specific seizure type is essential for effective management.

QEEG (quantitative electroencephalography) brain mapping plays a crucial role in epilepsy assessment, helping to identify epileptiform activity, localise seizure foci, and understand the broader patterns of brain function that may be affected. This information guides both medical management and our neuropsychological interventions.

Many people with epilepsy also experience co-occurring conditions including anxiety, depression, and cognitive difficulties. These are not simply reactions to living with epilepsy—they often share underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Addressing these aspects comprehensively is essential for optimising quality of life and overall wellbeing.

Types of Seizures

Epilepsy encompasses a wide spectrum of seizure types. Focal seizures begin in one area of the brain and may cause unusual sensations, movements, or altered awareness. Generalised seizures affect both sides of the brain from the start and include absence seizures (brief lapses in awareness), tonic-clonic seizures (convulsions), and myoclonic seizures (sudden jerks). Some individuals experience multiple seizure types.

Accurate diagnosis of seizure type is fundamental to effective treatment. Different seizure types respond to different medications and interventions. Our comprehensive QEEG assessment helps characterise seizure activity and identify the brain regions involved, providing valuable information for your neurological team and guiding our neuropsychological support strategies.

QEEG Assessment for Epilepsy

The Role of QEEG

QEEG provides detailed quantitative analysis of brain electrical activity, complementing standard EEG assessment. For epilepsy, QEEG can help identify subtle epileptiform patterns, map the distribution of abnormal activity, and reveal associated cognitive processing difficulties that may not be apparent from standard assessment.

What QEEG Reveals

Beyond identifying seizure-related activity, QEEG analysis using our NeuroMap® system examines patterns associated with attention, memory processing, and emotional regulation—cognitive domains commonly affected in epilepsy. This comprehensive picture informs both neurological management and targeted cognitive interventions.

Neuropsychological Assessment

Many people with epilepsy experience cognitive difficulties including memory problems, attention difficulties, and processing speed reductions. Our comprehensive neuropsychological assessment identifies specific cognitive strengths and weaknesses, informing rehabilitation strategies and providing important information for educational or occupational planning.

Monitoring Treatment Response

QEEG can be repeated over time to monitor changes in brain function, helping to assess the impact of medication changes, surgical interventions, or neuromodulation treatments on both seizure activity and cognitive function.

Treatment Approaches

Collaborative Medical Care

Epilepsy treatment typically involves anti-seizure medications prescribed by neurologists. We work collaboratively with your neurology team, providing complementary neuropsychological support while respecting that medical management of seizures remains with your neurological care providers.

tVNS (Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation)

tVNS is a non-invasive neuromodulation approach that delivers gentle electrical stimulation to the vagus nerve through the ear. This technique has shown promise as an adjunctive treatment for epilepsy, potentially reducing seizure frequency in some individuals. Unlike implanted VNS devices, tVNS is non-surgical and can be self-administered at home. Learn more about tVNS therapy.

Cognitive Rehabilitation

For individuals experiencing cognitive difficulties related to epilepsy, we offer targeted cognitive rehabilitation programmes. These address specific difficulties with memory, attention, and executive function through evidence-based training and compensatory strategy development.

Psychological Support

Living with epilepsy can be challenging, and rates of anxiety and depression are significantly higher in people with epilepsy than the general population. We provide psychological support addressing the emotional and practical challenges of epilepsy, helping you adapt and maintain quality of life.

Memory Support

Memory difficulties are common in epilepsy, particularly affecting memory for events and new learning. We teach practical memory strategies tailored to your specific difficulties, helping you manage day-to-day challenges and maintain independence.

Cognitive Effects of Epilepsy

Memory

Memory difficulties are among the most common cognitive complaints in epilepsy. These can include problems forming new memories (particularly with temporal lobe epilepsy), difficulty retrieving stored information, and prospective memory problems (remembering to do things in the future).

Attention & Concentration

Many people with epilepsy experience attention difficulties, including problems with sustained concentration, divided attention, and mental processing speed. These can affect work, education, and daily activities.

Executive Functions

Executive functions—planning, organising, problem-solving, and mental flexibility—may be affected, particularly in frontal lobe epilepsy. These difficulties can impact independence and occupational functioning.

Language

Some types of epilepsy, particularly those involving the left hemisphere, can affect language functions including word-finding, reading, and verbal memory.

Medication Effects

Anti-seizure medications can themselves affect cognition. Understanding the balance between seizure control and cognitive side effects is important, and neuropsychological assessment can help monitor medication effects on cognitive function.

Common Questions

Can QEEG replace standard EEG?

No—QEEG complements rather than replaces standard EEG and neurological assessment. QEEG provides additional quantitative information that can be valuable alongside clinical EEG interpretation by neurologists.

Is tVNS effective for all types of epilepsy?

tVNS may be beneficial for some people with epilepsy, but response varies. It is typically considered as an adjunctive treatment alongside medication, not as a replacement. We would discuss whether tVNS might be appropriate for your specific situation during consultation.

Will my memory improve with treatment?

This depends on many factors including the cause of memory difficulties, seizure control, and medication effects. Cognitive rehabilitation can help you develop strategies to manage memory difficulties more effectively, even when the underlying cause cannot be fully reversed.

Can you help with epilepsy-related anxiety?

Yes. Many people with epilepsy experience significant anxiety about seizures. We provide psychological support addressing epilepsy-related anxiety, helping you develop coping strategies and reduce the impact of anxiety on your daily life.

Do you work with children with epilepsy?

Yes. Dr Aydin assesses children from age 5, and we have experience supporting children and young people with epilepsy, including assessment of learning difficulties that may be related to epilepsy or its treatment.