Discontinue dilantin after 5 years seizure free

My husband, currently age 72, had a seizure in his sleep 5 years ago.  He has been on dilantin since then and has not had another seizure.  Neurologist said seizure was idiopathic - all tests were negative and there are no alcohol or diabetes problems.   What are the statistics of another seizure occuring if he should discontinue taking dilantin?

[theasian]

Hi there

Stat wise this is what I can offer you: about 4% of people will have a seizure during their lifetime. There is a 30-40% chance of it happening again but with treatment that chance is halved. Usually though doctors will only prescribe medication if a person has had more than one seizure, I don't know if maybe they thought because of his age they would stick to the safe side and prescribe it for him.

Whatever he does, he should not go off the medication without speaking to his neuro first. If the neuro agrees then he can wean himself off the medication to see if he is seizure free without it.

Take care

[teddybears4ever2]

Has he only ever had the one seizure? I have no idea what the odds are that he will have another one.  We are not doctors here, just people who either have information or are looking for information.

[theasian]

Hi there

Stat wise this is what I can offer you: about 4% of people will have a seizure during their lifetime. There is a 30-40% chance of it happening again but with treatment that chance is halved. Usually though doctors will only prescribe medication if a person has had more than one seizure, I don't know if maybe they thought because of his age they would stick to the safe side and prescribe it for him.

Whatever he does, he should not go off the medication without speaking to his neuro first. If the neuro agrees then he can wean himself off the medication to see if he is seizure free without it.

Take care