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Partial seizure control after tumor debulking
by ken1959, Jul 01, 2008 07:25PM
My wife had 90% of a grade 2 diffuse astrocytoma removed from deep within her left temporal lobe 6/16/04.
Chemotherapy with Temodar followed for 1 year.
Since then, MRIs show no further tumor growth.
Partial seizures are somewhat controlled by 2500mg of Keppra each day
For the last several months the seizures are more frequent, but not more severe.
They are causing loss of sleep. Other problems are short term memory loss, lack of concentration, and confusion.
Questions
Do you think Keppra is not working as well as before because she has been taking it for so long?
Do you think sleep deprivation is causing the problems described above since the MRIs show no growth?
Do you think the tumor is causing these problems although the MRIs show no growth?
If Keppra is no longer effective, which other drug(s) may help?
If no medication will help, what are other options?
We would appreciate any other guidance you could provide.
Thank you.
Chemotherapy with Temodar followed for 1 year.
Since then, MRIs show no further tumor growth.
Partial seizures are somewhat controlled by 2500mg of Keppra each day
For the last several months the seizures are more frequent, but not more severe.
They are causing loss of sleep. Other problems are short term memory loss, lack of concentration, and confusion.
Questions
Do you think Keppra is not working as well as before because she has been taking it for so long?
Do you think sleep deprivation is causing the problems described above since the MRIs show no growth?
Do you think the tumor is causing these problems although the MRIs show no growth?
If Keppra is no longer effective, which other drug(s) may help?
If no medication will help, what are other options?
We would appreciate any other guidance you could provide.
Thank you.
Post Comment
Control of seizures after tumor operations and treatment is really an ongoing continuous process. If the present drugs are inadequate, then additional anti-seizure drugs may be given or the dose of the present drugs adjusted. The lack of sleep may also contribute to this, since neurons are easily depolarized and excited by the lack of sleep. Other drugs would include carbamazepine, neurontin, or valproic acid, but I suggest you talk to her neurologist about this first.
I hope the seizures can be controlled soon. Regards and God bless.
I also have complex partial seizures which are being controlled w/anti seizure meds. Along w/1000 ml of Keppra I am taking 400 ml of Lamictal. I have a meningioma in the left petrous apex, meckle's cave and clivas... I had gamma knife radiation in 2002 and the tumor went from 2.6 x 2.2 x1.0 cm to 2.0 x 2.0 x .9 presently. The only symptoms I had at the time of diagnosis was left sided facial tingling. I now have epilepsy, trigeminal pain and severe headaches... I also am curious as to why I am now having symptoms when the tumor is actually smaller. As you can see I posted a question to the doctor and am waiting for a reply.