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Questions posted in the
Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.
Question Title: Termination of Seizure Medication Post SurgeryForum: Neurology Forum
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I had brain surgery in October of 1993. I was 20 and in college at the time. The tumor was a slow growing, benign tumor located between the right frontal and right temporal lobes about 2 inches deep. It was discovered because I had 2 grand mal seizures in my sleep during 1993. After the surgery I began taking tegretol. I stopped taking the medication in March 1994, but had a grand mal seizure in the middle of a stressful test at school. I had a few aura's during the next year, but since then have had no seizure-like activities and I am leading a very normal healthy life. My current dosage of tegretol is 200mg twice a day. I would like to find out how smart it would be for me to be weened off the medication. I would really prefer to get off of it, but, of course, want to find out if this is practical. I appreciate any answers, resources, etc. Thank you, Julie The problem you describe is a familiar one in neurology, this is a difficult situation since no two patients are alike and one cannot predict the outcome of a particular trial. At this stage you have already failed a trial off therapy, albiet in very stressful circumstances and auras while not as bad as full blown seizures do represent seizures, mini-seizures in effect. The other side of the coin is that you are now seizure free on a relatively small dose of tegretol and the surgery is fairly remote at this stage. It would not be unreasonable to initiate a cautious reduction in medication after you have been free of seizures or auras for about two years, keeping in mind that failure is a distinct possibility, however I would be probably worth trying. You will get a wide range of opinions on this from different neurologists but I would suggest you try this under the care of some one whoo can follow you closely during the transition.
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