VA offers comprehensive care for epilepsy  

Epilepsy is a medical condition that produces seizures affecting a variety of mental and physical functions. When a person has two or more seizures, they are considered to have epilepsy. Epileptic seizures cause muscle spasms, mental confusion, loss of consciousness, or uncontrolled or aimless body movements lasting from seconds to minutes. Seizures can limit a person’s ability to work or drive, and it impacts their quality of life.

For VA, Epilepsy Awareness Month is a time to bring awareness to the disorder and to amplify VA’s treatment offerings for Veterans navigating epilepsy. 

Epilepsy can be caused by a range of issues, from stroke to brain tumors to traumatic brain injury (TBI). VA’s Epilepsy Centers of Excellence provide both inpatient and outpatient care for diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. Treatments may include medication or surgery. The resulting personalized treatment plans help Veterans living with epilepsy have a better quality of life.

The Epilepsy Centers of Excellence collaborate closely with Polytrauma Centers that treat Veterans with moderate and severe TBIs. Together, this partnership offers comprehensive care for TBI and epilepsy every step of the way. 

Finding support through Epilepsy Centers of Excellence 

For those who have served, like Army Veteran Holly Crabtree, recovery following combat injuries requires patience and resilience. While serving in Ramadi, Iraq, she sustained a TBI that left her navigating the difficulties of both the injury itself and the resulting epilepsy.

Crabtree struggled to accept her condition during a long course of rehabilitation. “I said this is what God has given me so I have to do my best with it,” she shared. 

Crabtree receives treatment at her local Epilepsy Center of Excellence where a dedicated team of neurologists and specialists focus on delivering her personalized care. Her treatment plan is tailored to her unique circumstances, taking into account her service history and other health conditions. With comprehensive support, she has made strides in her recovery journey. Her story is a testament to her strength and resilience. 

Educational resources and support 

Epilepsy Awareness Month is a time to highlight the resources and treatments available to Veterans at VA. Visit the Epilepsy Center of Excellence webpage to learn more and read about the VA resources designed to support your health.