Re: auras

Posted By CCF Neuro MD # on March 19, 1998 at 19:29:05:

In Reply to: auras posted by L. B.W. on March 19, 1998 at 14:53:10:







: In April 1990, I had epilepsy surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. I experienced complex partial seizures for 10 years before undergoing a successful surgery and have not had any seizures for 8 years. However, I also experienced auras before each seizure and I am still experiencing them now but without the seizures. I only have auras about two to three times a year (usually right before my monthly menstrual cycle, though not always) and when I do have them I usually have about 10 (on average)per episode.  I am currently taking tegretol xr 400 mg two times a day. I plan on having children in about 2 or 3 years and I am going to try and reduce my daily intake of tegretol within the next couple of months, after a consultation with my neurologist and an EEG.  My question is this: Will I ever be able to completely come off of tegretol and, if so, will I continue to experience auras?  What are my chances of being completely free of tegretol, seizures, and auras? I have been told that tegretol is one of the more safe drugs to be on if one plans to become pregnant, but, like anyone else, I would like to be free of any drugs during my pregnancy. Other than auras, I have not had any problems, post-surgery.  Any help or advice you could provide for me would be greatly appreciated!  




The important thing to remember about auras is that an  " aura is a seizure"
it is a very mild seizure, doesn't progress to a partial or full blown
convulsion but it is still due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
The fact that you have auras on Tegretol suggests that you will at least have
auras off Tegretol and without the benefit of the medication might even have
full-blown seizures.
It is impossible to predict if you will never have auras or seizures off tegretol
but your current situation makes it somewhat unlikely.
A regards Tegretol in pregnancy it is certainly one of the safest drugs to
use but I understand your desire to be completely drug free, ultimately this should be
decided in consultation with your neurologist since the risks of tegretol
must be balanced against the risk of having a seizure while pregnant.