Explanation
There are a number of different ways that medical professionals help people with epilepsy. The most common means of treatment is through the procurement of drugs. People use drugs to control the symptoms of epilepsy, and over the short term, to stop seizures while they are happening. Some individuals develop resistance to drugs, which can make them ineffective for many individuals.

In addition to drugs, surgery is a more permanent means by which people deal with epilepsy. Surgery can be risky, and problematically, it is not available to all patients. When it is available, it can be used to remove parts of the brain that are damaged or otherwise affected.
Many combine drugs and surgery with a new kind of diet. A ketogenic diet has been seen to help children avoid seizures. While it is not a solution on its own and it has limited utility for adults, it is helpful for some of the most vulnerable patients. There are other therapies, too, including gene therapy and stem cell research, that have been developed in hopes of bringing about a long-term solution for those suffering from epilepsy.

Recommendations
Physicians can improve this treatment menu in a number of ways. First, drugs can be improved to limit the side effects that can make them untenable for some with epilepsy. Likewise, drugs must be developed in such a way that people do not develop a resistance toward them.

Surgeries must be developed for more people. They are extremely effective, but given what is known today, they are not an option for many patients. Continued experimentation with surgery can go a long way to bringing long-term relief for people with epilepsy.

Lastly, continued funding for gene therapy and stem cell therapy could unlock better treatments in the future. While some of the causes of epilepsy are unclear, gene therapy has the potential to unlock long-term benefits. Rather than simply dealing with the symptoms, this can help to eliminate epilepsy at the source.