TBI and Epilepsy

Posted by Mary on April 19, 1999 at 17:50:11

My husband is in extreme denial that he could possibly have redidual effects from his traumatic brain injury.  He is in non-compliance of his meds, we're in financial chaos and living in unfavorable conditions.  I cannot work right now because I have Graves disease and I am still being regulated.  
My husband is abusive verbally and not dealing well with our toddler.  It is my gut belief that his behaviors and mis management of his life is due to his TBI.  

Question one....Is it possible for a person to grow out of epilepsy?

2....and this is the big question...can dilantin cause agressive behavior.  A special ed POHI teacher told me he did research on dilantin and if the levels are too high, cause a toxicity in the blood stream and can cause aggressive behavior. Can it also cause depressiveness....I need to know in full detail what the complete list of side effects for dilantin is.

My husband just self medicated himself by taking two thousand mill. of dilantin for two days, one thousand each day.  I had told him the safety of the family greatly concerns me if he has a seizure when we are in the car.  He also drives a cab for a living....wow, right?

He has never had a neuropsyc evaluation and refuses to go and get one done.  His injury was thirty years ago....

I don't know what else to do...

Posted by CCF Neuro MD* on April 20, 1999 at 09:21:02
Dear Mary,
Your post addresses many issues.  First, following TBI  there is a period when a person has seizures as a result of local injury or insult.  If there is some underlying damage to the brain tissue than the person is at risk for persistent seizure activity throughout the lifetime.  The rules for driving in states vary from 6mos-2yrs from last seizure.  The fact that your husband is noncompliant puts him at risk for seizure.  The list of side effects for dilantin is too long to list.  You can get a package insert from a pharmacist which list all side effects.  Briefly, dilantin can produce mental confusion, however, depression and aggrestion are not listed specifically.  Depending on the location of the brain injury, some areas can produce personality changes. The 2 gram dose that your husband took can also produce toxic effects. I recommend that he gets a level checked asap, even in local ER. It sounds as if there are alot of social issues, you may want to talk to your doctor about getting some help from a social worker.  If you feel as if you or your child are in danger then I recommend that you get help and out of your local living situation.  Good Luck.