Can epilepsy stop?

[heathermr]

I developed Epilepsy four years ago, starting with partial seizes and quickly progressing to full seizures in a couple of months. However the odd thing was that these seizures came about every 3 weeks when I would have a cluster, then stop for another 3 weeks. Really odd!! Eventually Keppra was the only drug to stop the seizures but no reason was found for the seizures except a head injury 25 years ago.

I was Ok on a 2x500 daily dose of Keppra for a couple of years then started with chronic nausea and kidney pain and I had to reduce the Keppra to 2x250 daily to stop these problems. Six months ago I started with a prolonged chronic asthma attack. Even steroids did nothing, the Drs were completely stumped but I was really ill. The culprit was the Keppra again, my body does not really tolerate this drug at all. After lots of heartache and discussion with my Gp, I decided to stop the Keppra against his advice. The asthma went very quickly and I started to feel better.

I have now seen my Epilepsy nurse who is not happy with my reaction to Keppra and even less with the fact I have stopped the medication. However she has agreed reluctantly that I can stay off the Keppra until I start to fit again. Its now almost 2 months down the line and (fingers crossed) no sign of any fits either full or partial.

My question is: Can Epilepsy stop as soon as it started? I know I have to be fit free for six months before I can be regarded as "Fit free".

Heather

[teech]

Briviact is the drug that is an altered version of Keppra. Something to speak to your nurse about...I pray that to you stay seizure free...good thoughts and wishes coming your way

[monaco1]

That's the annoying thing about epilepsy! It can stop! But it can start anytime again! You have to PROVE it has stopped - by not having seizures! That's why they don't put you on too much medication at first, seeing if just a small amount will make your seizures stop! It's all about trying and seeing if something works! If you have only had just one seizure, and it stops, you can't really be defined as having epilepsy. You suffer with epilepsy if you have had more than three seizures, and are on put on medication.

[Adlon57]

I have had epilepsy 49 years, JME, I know that the side effects of epilepsy medication can actually be worse than the seizures; parkinson's disease - with Epilim, 'electric shock attacks' - Lamictal, Topamax - which a friend nicknamed the "40 minute pill!" [a person would ask me a question and after 40 minutes I would give an answer], Fycompa - suicidal attempts, some wore off after a short session, some never actually helped, one actually worsened some of my other medical conditions, unfortunately my latest is Briviact, which just over a year is affecting my kidney and pancreas, no seizures BUT I HAVE TO BE REALLY CAREFUL WITH, ESPECIALLY DIET AND SLEEP but I think it is worth it! Due to the complexity and variety of the condition [and the patient] it can be hit and miss? Having been through the various epilepsy 'selections' over 49 years, and over 400 seizures, the last 12 months have been the best of my life, even my mental capacities have improved dramatically, BUT I know there is ALWAYS a chance of....? All the very best!