I just realized I forgot to add that I used to take Topamax, and I successfully, and safely went off it under my doctor's supervision. I know that it's scary to listen to all the possible side effects, but 9/10x, it's worth the minimal risk.
I would highly recommend starting to take the topamax. Yes, you might well have to take it for the rest of your life, but it's better to have to take 1 pill a day than to end up with further brain damage. If at a later date the topamax becomes unnecessary, you can taper down slowly and come off it without any adverse reactions such as anurisms.
If you are strongly against taking medication such as the topamax, you should alert your doctor to that fact, as they will believe that you are taking it as instructed and will not be able to help you as you need.