The Epilepsy Association of Western New York offers a neurobehavioral treatment program to individuals with Epilepsy and/or Seizure Disorders in our community.

This advanced behavior program provides the following services as a supplement to physician care:

• Biofeedback/Behavior Modification
• Stress Management/Supportive Reality Therapy/Hypnosis
• Nutrition/Healthy Living

Progress will be monitored to determine effectiveness of the treatment program. Information about the clients progress can be provided to the physician on a regular basis at the request of the client.

The neurobehavioral treatment program can be utilized on an individual basis or through the agency's support groups. Each program will be custom designed for the individual, as such individuals will be required to chart seizure frequency and possible seizure triggers proper to and post treatment.

Biofeedback Behavioral Modification

To help the individual control specific behaviors that may provoke seizures. Utilizing biofeedback equipment or behavior modification techniques, the individual will learn to progressive relaxation and imagery skills to change his/her reactions to stressors/behaviors that trigger seizures.

Stress Management/Supportive Reality therapy/Hypnosis

To assist individuals diagnosed with electrical and non electrical (psychogenic) seizures manage seizure frequency through the use of reassurance, self-suggestion, distraction and stress management techniques. An individual will learn to implement autosuggestion, self instruction or thought-stopping techniques to assist with seizure control.

Nutrition/Healthy Living

To help individuals learn to maintain a well balanced nutritionally healthy diet and to avoid or modify daily activities that may contribute to seizure frequency (e.g., lack of sleep, non compliance with medications, alcohol or drug abuse). Individuals will be encouraged to develop a daily exercise regiment to increase muscle tone, relieve stress and provide an overall sense of well being.

For adults who may benefit from the Ketogenic diet, appropriate referrals will be made and support group will be available.

Catamenial Treatments

To assist women whose seizures increase in frequency in relation to their cycle. Treatments involve counseling and education related to catamenial seizures, menopause, pregnancy, parenting and aging. Individuals learn how to utilize the other neurobehavioral treatment programs to assist them through cycle changes.