Epilepsy: Can It Go into Remission?
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that profoundly affects many people around the world. While some individuals are born with it, a significant number of people, approximately 1 in 26, develop epilepsy later in life. Once diagnosed, the primary objective for most individuals is to attain a life free from seizures.
What is Remission?
Remission refers to a period during which the signs and symptoms of a disease, particularly chronic conditions like epilepsy, are reduced or completely disappear. Achieving remission does not necessarily mean the complete cure of the disease, but rather a state where the disease is under control, and the individual experiences a significant improvement in their health.
Can You Grow Out of Epilepsy?
People often wonder if you can grow out of epilepsy or rather if it can go into remission. The short answer is, yes. Often, remission in epilepsy is defined as a 5-year period in which a person is seizure and symptom-free. Remission varies from person to person, and it is influenced by factors such as the underlying cause of epilepsy, the type of seizures, and individual response to treatment.
Some people may enter remission after finding an effective medication regimen, while others may experience a reduction in seizures through therapeutic interventions, or other lifestyle modifications. In certain cases, children or adolescents who are diagnosed, have the potential to grow out of epilepsy.
It's important to note that remission doesn't necessarily imply a cure, as epilepsy can ‘come back’ be a lifelong condition. Even when seizures are well-controlled for an extended period, it may be necessary for individuals to continue with their treatment plans and regular medical follow-ups to maintain remission. After 5 years in remission, a seizure is considered a “relapse,” however, per the research, an individual who has been in remission for more than 10 years is unlikely to relapse.
Growing out of Epilepsy: The Path to Remission
Receiving an epilepsy diagnosis will likely have lasting effects on a person's life, whether in the short or long term. Individuals living with epilepsy often face an increased risk of experiencing fatigue, depression, anxiety, and various health challenges. The condition tends to shape a person's decision-making regarding lifestyle choices, adding an extra layer of complexity to their daily experiences. Due to the variety of epilepsies, finding an effective treatment can be tricky, and many people undergo a process of trial and error in their journey towards managing it.
There are currently two main roads to control seizures in individuals diagnosed with epilepsy. The first involves taking medication, while the second entails undergoing surgery. It is important to note that eligibility for surgery is limited to specific types of epilepsy. Additionally, some holistic doctors suggest specific diets as an alternative approach to controlling epilepsy; however, this is far less common.
Neurologists will work with patients to identify the most effective treatment plan for their type of epilepsy. Medications will be explored in hopes that the drugs will reduce or eliminate seizure activity. Unfortunately, 30-40% of individuals have medication-resistant epilepsy. As previously mentioned, it is possible for some individuals diagnosed with epilepsy to "grow out of it." Some patients diagnosed with epilepsy as children may become adults who are seizure-free without medication. Remission is also a possibility for adults diagnosed with epilepsy later in life however, the likelihood of outgrowing the condition diminishes with the severity of it.
Although some types of epilepsy are more resistant to drug therapies, it is common for most people who are diagnosed with epilepsy to get on the right anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) within the first two to four years of their diagnosis. And, some research highlights that individuals who respond early to drug treatments have a higher likelihood of going into remission in the future.
There is still a lot of trial and error in the treatment of epilepsy and the likelihood of remission. As highlighted, the variables that influence the possibility of remission include genetics, age, seizure type, and severity. Patience, perseverance, and curiosity are also helpful qualities to keep in mind when working on getting back into balance and potentially leaving epilepsy in the rearview mirror.
Epilepsy Therapy at Sana
Navigating the complex terrain of epilepsy and its potential for remission requires a holistic understanding of the condition. While medication and surgery are both paths in seizure control, the journey toward remission often involves a process of trial and error. The hope of remission brings the possibility of a life without seizures and recognizing the psychological and lifestyle effects of epilepsy highlights the importance of care and support.
If you or a loved one are experiencing seizures, or have been diagnosed with epilepsy and are looking for an epilepsy therapist in Vancouver, please get in touch today for a free consultation. At Sana, we recognize how misunderstood people with epilepsy can feel and we’d love to work with you to help you feel understood while dealing with the difficulties surrounding epilepsy. We are also happy to help advocate for you at a workplace or medical center. You are not alone.