EEG investigations may reveal the abnormality and the response to drug treatment is variable in different individuals. Some individuals have cryptogenic epilepsy, which is epilepsy in which no cause can be found, but a cause is suspected. With appropriate drug treatment , seizures can be completely controlled in the majority of people. In some the tendency to have seizures diminishes with time but maximum control should still be sought as early as possible. It may be necessary to take anti-epileptic drugs for a period of years even if seizures have stopped.
Some people however continue to have seizures despite appropriate treatment.
A small proportion of such people may benefit from neurosurgery , but this is only usually recommended in people whose seizures can be shown to arise from activity in one discreet area of the brain. Even if seizures continue it should be possible to adjust the drug regime so that the condition remains stable, to allow the person to function at an optimum level. Many people are able to keep their seizures to a minimum by avoiding situations that they know may bring on a seizure. These may include lack of sleep, too much alcohol, emotional upsets or not taking tablets as directed. If seizures can be completely controlled, and if the person can achieve a high level of confidence and self-esteem, then epilepsy should present no real obstacles to a full life.