Hi, So sorry to hear about your wife and your struggle. One thing I thought of first of, before I forget, :) is that she should have a good Neurologist she is confident in.
Also, an EEG will show if you are prone to have more seizures. A friend of mine hasn't had one in many years but because the EEG's aren't normal it isn't safe for her to go off the medication, as seizures can be dangerous. She didn't want to stay on the medications due to side effects either, but she doesn't have a choice and is confident her Neurologist is giving her the best advise.
I have been on Topamax for migraines, then went off as I thought it wasn't helping and that is when I had the first of many seizures. Now I am on Keppra for seizures. I also have a couple lessions we are not sure why, and a small stroke that show on my MRI. If you suffer some type of injury to the brain that can begin the seizures. I hope this helps.
There are many good websites, www.epilepsyfoundation.org, epiliepsy.org.uk (this one is really good) You could also call the local Epilepsy support center and they may be able to answer both you and your wife's questions. I sure can agree it is scary and I hate taking medication when it is not needed!! But it does sound like the need/risk out way the side effects of medication.
Best wishes
Tracy
Hi there, I had a seizure about 7 years ago along the same lines and what it turned out to be was a combination of stress because I was going through a divorce and they had given me some meds to help me sleep and my body didn't like it so the end result was my body had a seizure. Apparently everyone has a seizure threshold and it just is a matter of what might trigger it. I was 35 when this happens. Unfortunately when you have one seizure you tolerance level is higher to having another. I lost my licence to, by law the doctor has to report it. They have to make sure your wife isn't going to have another. I now have to take a very low dosage of Topamax to make sure I won't have another one. It is one of the best meds with very little side effects. They also prescribe it to migraine sufferers, which I also used to get, which now I don't get so much with taking this so it has really helped me. Is your wife's dosage really high, I wouldn't think it would be after only one seizure mine isn't but then I am not doctor and I was told my catscan showed a gray area but I am not epileptic and am just really sensitive to medication and that is how my body reacted. I have also heard tell of a someone falling and two weeks later having a seizure because of it. Has she had an MRI done? You had mentioned a stroke so I was just wondering? When I was hospitalized with my seizure they gave me Advan and that stuff made me stupid and I couldn't remember anything for that entire week so I totally relate to your poor wife so sounds to me like that drug is not for her. I had been seizure free for 5 years and unfortunately had one this past May because apparently your body can get used to your meds so I just needed a slight adjustment. So I only lost my licence for 3 months because it was considered a medication adjustment. It was a pain but I guess for the safety of others was needed. Your wife should be going for blood work every so often as well because of possible side effects of the drugs to is she? Hope some of this helps...