An overview of non-drug therapies for the treatment of epilepsy

Abstract

Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders, characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures and a major health problem that affects around 1-2 % of the population worldwide. The treatment generally includes antiepileptic drug therapies. However, despite the development of various antiepileptic drugs, about a third of patients are resistant to current pharmacotherapies. Non-drug therapies are also expanding in an exciting and unprecedented way since in patients with drug resistance, non-drug therapies like surgeries; implantable devices and diet are playing a key role in improving the quality of patient's life. In this review, the current available non-drug therapies ranging from preclinical to clinical for controlling seizures in epileptic patients with drug resistance have been highlighted. Initial results from these therapies are quite promising, but considerable development is required before these treatments earn a place in the standard clinical care.