Abnormal discharges in the brain can be seen in patients experiencing seizures, in severe cases spastic tonic seizures, and in individual patients, catatonic seizures. The diagnosis of epilepsy is confirmed by an EEG and then oral treatment with medications is given depending on the type of epilepsy. Commonly used medications include carbamazepine, phenytoin sodium, sodium valproate, lamotrigine, or topiramate, all of which can be used in the treatment of epilepsy with partial-onset seizures. For generalized tonic-clonic seizures, the patient may be given oral carbamazepine, phenytoin sodium, or oxcarbazepine. If there is uncertainty about the type of seizure, a broad-spectrum antiepileptic drug such as sodium valproate, lamotrigine, topiramate, or levetiracetam may be given to the patient. Some cases of severe epilepsy that are difficult to control with medication can be treated with surgery if necessary, for which the patient is advised to consult a neurosurgeon.