Seizure and Dilantin

[Alleykatt34]

Hi, I had 2 seizures on April 1, I coded with one.  I can't remember much of anything.  All the tests blood, catscan, MRI came back normal.  The EEG came back abnormal and I was told it was my whole brain that was affected, not either side but both.   With a recent drop of the medicine xanax, they attributed the seizures to that.  Apparently, I cut my dosage in half for about a week or so before the seizures.  I'm still a bit foggy.    I am to see the neurologist on May 30, and don't know what to expect.  I saw him in the hospital but I don't really remember being there.  Can I expect to be taken off dilantin or will I have to wean off of it?  Is there anything other then the meds that can cause the whole brain to seize like that?  

Thanks so much,

Alley

[Alleykatt34]

Hi and thank you for your response.  To answer your questions, I have been on dilantin since April 1 or 2 , 2008.  There is no family history and I'm not sure what kind of seizure I had, I was never told.  All they said was it was my full brain and not a specific point so they ruled out a stroke, or brain tumor.  

I haven't been cutting back on the dilantin I take 300 mgs. a day, which I was told is a low dosage.  I don't know because I know nothing about this kind of thing.

Thanks again for your help and I appreciate the response.

Alley

[DrKalraMD]

Hi, please don’t try to adjust doses without doctor’s approval, anti epileptic medications once started are gradually tapered off and are taken off only in cases which shows no seizure activity for at least 2 years.

Their adequate concentration in blood is very important for efficacy. If concentration or level falls in blood, seizures are precipitated hence proper dose is must. Since when you are on dilantin? Any family  history of seizures? Do you get tonic clonic or partial seizures?

[Alleykatt34]

I forgot to add, I have been getting headaches almost every night.  Advil won't take them away, I just have to deal with it.  I don't think they are migraines.

Anyway,
Thanks again,

Alley