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Kepprage or behavioral problems? (kinda long)

Thu, 05/24/2007 - 18:03
Hello, Sorry this is a bit long.I'm searching for insight into distinguishing "Kepprage" from behavioral problems. My 4 year old son was diagnosed with epilepsy (idopathic and no diagnosis of type despite multiple EEGs) last August. He's been on Keppra 2ML 2x/day, which has successfully controlled the tonic-clonic seizures. He has a history of (relatively mild) oppositional defiance and aggression, mostly with myself and my husband. In the past couple months his aggression toward us has escallated dramatically. He now scratches and hits wildly, purposefully trying to hurt us, mostly when frustrated and being defiant, but occassionaly it seems out of nowhere or simply as a result of being "wound up." Just saw his neuro today and she thinks it's behavioral, not the Keppra, because of 1. his history, 2. that it only happens with us - he's never attacked anyone else the way he does with us, and 3. the behavior comes on and subsides suddenly - he demonstrated in her office today by attacking me when I tried to get him to let her examine him, so I guess it was good she got a first hand look at what he's been doing. For any of you out there who've had experience with Kepprage, can you tell me what it was/is like for your child? Does it happen across the board - with you and at school, with babysitters/grandparents, etc? Does it start and stop suddenly or gradually? Our neuro would like us to stay on Keppra and I would too, since we know it's working to stop the seizures. We have seen a social worker and had psychlogical evals but since their plans (consistent consequences, etc) aren't working, they think it's the med. The neuro thinks it's more likely a behavior problem that hasn't been appropriately diagnosed yet. I am very confused and want to get my son the right help!! Thank you for any insight anyone can offer. Cynthia

Comments

Re: Re: Kepprage or behavioral problems? (kinda long)

Submitted by EthansMom on Wed, 2007-05-30 - 17:55
Thanks for the reply. Your daughter's behaviors do sound similar to what we're experiencing. I wanted to let you know that I found B6 in capsules that are easy to open and mix in with a spoonful of yogurt, etc. Good luck! Cynthia

Re: Re: Re: Kepprage or behavioral problems? (kinda long)

Submitted by kaitlynsmom on Sun, 2007-06-03 - 23:56
Thank you!! I am anxious to give it a try but her neuro doesn't want to start it yet, until after we get the Keppra levels built up enough to know how she is handling it without adding something else in there, or something like that. Not sure. I did some googling on it, and found places that sell it liquid form too. How are Ethan's behaviors now for you? Kaitlyn has been having some horrible outbursts and the weidest thing now... everday at 11:30 she has an hour or more time that she just freaks out on any and everything. For no reason at all she will scream and cry and kick. We can't comfort her. Another thing I have noticed, she is super thirsty, and not very hungry but when she is hungry she wants sugar. Before this medicine she didn't really want sugar but she almost acts like she NEEDS it. Take care! Emily

Re: Kepprage or behavioral problems? (kinda long)

Submitted by Lydiasmama on Mon, 2007-06-04 - 08:30
This is an odd theory, since my daughter was on keppra for a few months and did have some behavior issues, but she's just now 12 months old. Is it possible that you see more of the behavior issues because he's more comfortable around you? Children know when they can be themselves and let loose and when they cannot. He knows that you love him regardless so he can let go and let the keppra take hold. My grandmother is also on keppra, and my mother will call me almost in tears because of the stuff she says. She doesn't say it to any of the other sisters, but my mother is her primary caretaker. Just a thought. Jenn Mommy to Lydia, diagnosed with Benign Myoclonic Epilepsy of Infancy

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