Does anyone ever go off seizure medicine? What truly warrants remaining on the meds after a craniotomy if you have been seizure free for many years?
I think the answer is yes, people are able to go off anti-S meds. When, and what its based on, no clue.
I suspect with swelling of a craniotomy, there is fear of seizures, hence they prescribe the meds.
I think there are two tests that might let you come off. First if an EEG shows no abnormal activity, grounds to stop. Second is a test where, under guidance from your Dr, you taper off your meds and see what happens.
Both my son and wife are still on anti-S meds. Right now, each has bad EEGs, but no seizures.
Best wishes,
Ron, KS
Yes after AVM surgery I got about 5 episodes of seizure, and now on Keppra, 3000mg twice a day.
As per my Dr there is no more need of EEG tesat required, still I am not sure how long I have to be on Keppra.
Seizure is a major set back that I got after AVM and went through my driving priviledge suspension, now I am back with driving but still have to be careful.
I know 1000's of Members that have had crainiotomies and take seizure medication and stop at some point post surgical. I am one of them. Please discuss it with your prescribing physician. If you haven't had a seizure in such a long time they should at least try and wean you off the medication. Please do not just stop taking it. I did that & really got fussed at by my Dr's. Let us know what they say. I do feel a lot better not taking the medications.
I don’t know. If you have any history of seizures, I know you have to be seizure free for five years before they’ll consider trying to wean you off it. I also was offered a surgery to fix it completely, I don’t think that’s for all cases though. I’d ask your doctor.
I think we are all different. Perhaps chat to your doc about cutting down on the dosage slowly? I used to be on anti seizure meds, but cut down, and have now been med free for quite some time - hurrah! Just let your doc know how you feel about it...
My son never had a known seizure prior to surgery but was put on keppra after craniotomy. He was taken off of it a month after his surgery. No seizures have occurred.
Thanks to all for your responses!
I have been plagued with several serious health conditions as a result of the side effects of the AEDs. I have spoken with my new neurologist and she has agreed that it is beyond time to take a second look at my treatment plan.
Rather than taking the usual 30-45 minute EEG, I will be taking a 48 hour test! That should show whether the activity is truly isolated to the scar and not actual seizures.
I was about to recommend that you take one of this extra long EEG tests. It sounds like your new doctor understands seizures. Just don't take yourself off the meds cold turkey. You have to be weaned off of them with a doctor's supervision. Please keep us informed!
Don't worry! I have no intention of going cold turkey off my meds, or going against my neurologist's advice... That would ridiculous. lol