Host: This is the Summa Health Medical Minute. Today, we're with Dr. Marvin Rossi, the Medical Director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at Summa Health. Doctor, can you tell us a little bit about epilepsy?

Dr. Marvin Rossi: Epilepsy is not a disease, but rather a chronic neurologic condition. Its hallmark is recurrent unprovoked seizures. A person is diagnosed with epilepsy if they experience two unprovoked seizures or one unprovoked seizure with the likelihood of more.

Host: How can you help someone who's having a seizure?

Dr. Marvin Rossi: First, remain calm. Most seizures will last between 30 seconds and 3 minutes. The goal is to help prevent the person from hurting themselves. This is accomplished by making the environment safe around them and helping them keep a clear airway. This is done by simply positioning them on their side, if possible. If the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or they injure themselves, call 911.

Host: Doctor, how do you treat patients with seizures?

Dr. Marvin Rossi: Most diagnosed patients respond well to an anti seizure medication, reducing their seizures. In specialized cases, treatments beyond medications include specialized diets, neurostimulation devices such as the vagus nerve stimulator, and brain surgery.

Host: To learn more, visit summahealth.org/epilepsy.