• Can video games or flashing lights cause epilepsy?
• How long should I be taking seizure medication?
• Can I drive if I have epilepsy?
• Can my child inherit epilepsy?
• Is epilepsy fatal?
• Can epilepsy be cured?
• Will a person with epilepsy become mentally retarded?

Can video games or flashing lights cause epilepsy?
This is a very uncommon trigger for seizures, but there are certain frequencies of flickering light that are known to cause attacks in some patients.

How long should I be taking seizure medication?
The decision regarding the modality of treatment is dependent on many factors. Our team of physicians will decide on the appropriate length of time and type of treatment for each individual patient.

Can I drive if I have epilepsy?
This varies from patient to patient. Patients who have experienced a seizure should not drive until they have discussed it with their physician.

Can my child inherit epilepsy?
Genetics may play a part in certain types of epilepsy. Some rare forms of epilepsy can be inherited, and some people might have a genetic make up that leads to epileptic seizures.

Is epilepsy fatal?
Fatal accidents may occur as a result of seizures (e.g., falling down the stairs, drowning, choking while experiencing a seizure) or from sudden death due to epilepsy. Patients with frequent, uncontrolled seizures are at risk for having these events.

Can epilepsy be cured?
As of now, there is no cure for epilepsy.  In most cases seizures can be controlled with treatment.

Will a person with epilepsy become mentally retarded?
No, epilepsy does not lead to mental retardation.