Seizuring while coming off Keppra

Hi Aine:I can understand the frustration given he was able to get to the final 250MG of Keppra and then the activity showed up. I am in the process of letting to of Keppra 1500MG daily and I was able to get as far as 250MG when I sensed an aura. As a result I took it back to 500MG the next day and I did get that ease. Sometimes depending on the medication, the level, the length of time you were on it, and sometimes just he fact that medication differs from patient to patient, at times it can be difficult to totally get rid of the medication on your first try. I knew that prior to trying so I wasn't overwhelmed when I got an aura as I got down to 250MG. A little frustrated but not surprised or annoyed.I now have two options. My neurologist, who specializes in Epilepsy, told me we can increase the Onfi, which is the medication I am using to replace the Keppra, from 10MG BID (20MG daily) to 15MG BID (30MG daily). I know that will probably do the job in allowing me to let go of the 500MG Keppra I am on but I suggested that we try to stretch out the time as we once again try to lower the 500MG. If on my second try, which I will probably start in about a month, I am able to get rid of it that would be good. But, once again, I am remaining practical that I might not be successful and if so then I will be happy to go ahead with the plan my neurologist suggested--a 10MG daily increase in the Onfi (5MG BID).Medication is always a game of trial and error because we all are different. Sometimes what works really well on one patient might not on another. Also, in terms of changing meds, well, some can be a bit more of a challenge given the level you were on. Ironically both of us were on 1500MG. As a result everyone who sets out to either trying a new medication or maybe just lowering another should remain practical that it's a "wait and see" something. In my case I have more patience because I underwent neurosurgery, a task that requires a lot of patience. After all, sometimes we can be successful in one area but see a set back, as I did prior to surgery. We were successful in locating the focal areas associated with the seizures but then realized that three had failed the surgery approval test because the results weren't clear given they were so close to language and speech. But our pick up from there was to repeat the language mapping test, except during surgery, where the neurosurgeon could see and touch those three areas as I was answering questions. From there we were able to approve 2.5 of those three areas that failed the initial test and we went ahead and removed the 2.5 and the other areas that had passed the initial test.The point is this. Sure it has to be annoying as you get close to actually accomplishing something you had hoped you could given how far you got. But when that happens the best move is to look into your remaining options. In my case, in terms of letting to of the 500MG of Keppra, I might have to increase the Onfi from 20MG daily to 30MG daily. But the reason I chose not to do so immediately goes back to how my neurosurgeon approached surgery, and that is, don't make decisions in a hurry. My neurosurgeon didn't when those 3 areas looked uncertain relative to surgery. We simply sifted through the remaining options and then picked up from there.Speak with the neurologist about where to go from here. My guess is he or she will suggest an increase in the  Zonisamiede to further lower the Keppra. If so, take a note of the level of  Zonisamiede your partner is currently on and when you speak with your neurologist (hopefully he or she knows a lot about meds) find out what level of that medication is considered high. Then compare that to what your partner is currently one. That was approach when my neurologist suggested raising the Onfi to try to let go of the remaining 500MG Keppra. I was told 60MG in Onfi is high. That said, some patients do go that far. In my case I am trying to make sure I am not going too high if/when we increase the Onfi. As a result going from my current 20MG to 30MG daily is something I will be open to doing if the second try to lowering the 500MG while on my current 20MG daily doesn't work out. After all, 30MG is half of what is considered high. If you aren't comfortable with your neurologist because he or she might not know much about medication, then feel free to find another who does. Choosing a neurologist for Epilepsy involves finding one who specializes in Epilepsy. And a great source for that is US News and World Report. Here is the link to hospitals with good ratings in neurology and neurosurgery. And upon sifting through the names at a particular hospital, make sure he or she specializes in Epilepsy.https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings/neurology-and-neurosurgery

In terms of Epilepsy? It has no designated age to show up in individuals. Some get it as kids and others get it in their 20s, 30s, 40s etc. Also, in terms of EEGs and MRIs? You can have Epilepsy and still walk away with results in those tests that are normal. I did prior to pursuing surgery. We had to find out the specifics via a video EEG, or VEEG. The goal of a video EEG is to capture seizures. As a result, the neurologist usually come up with a plan about how they are going to lower your medication. After all, lowering your medication makes a seizure more probable. And once they capture about 2 to 3 seizures, they usually put you back on your regular dose.A seizure during an EEG will always display results. Sometimes it's very straight forward and sometimes it might require a internal EEG follow up. In terms of seizures changing, meaning sleep versus awake or even some other specifics, that is possible. When my seizures started I would lose my vision; I just saw flashing colors. That pattern went away. I know it has to be a challenge understanding how someone who passes certain tests can still have Epilepsy. But neurological issues are often time unrelated to how healthy we are otherwise. Try to find a good neurological team if you are not comfortable with this current neurologist. Sift through the link I attached upstairs and make sure you have a lot of questions when you meet with a neurologist who specializes in Epilepsy. Epilepsy is about the more you know. Best Regards

Lamictal can cause seizures to worsen. It's used to control mood in those with bipolar disorder. I don't know about other AEDs. I personally wonder what these drugs could do to a healthy brain. Children and the over 60s are the most likely classes to get epilepsy, but it can happen at other ages.Magnesium can apparently sometimes be helpful, as well as B6. Omega 3 may also help.