Epilepsy after stroke

[PennyRed]

Hello. This my first post.

My husband had a stroke in November and has subsequently been diagnosed with epilepsy. He is on leviteracetam just increased to 1500mg twice daily by the consultant neurologist. He is still getting small partial seizures but the most alarming are the acute anxiety episodes where he shouts out and punches his head. We are going back to the GP on Monday but wandered if anyone else has experience of this.

Many thanks

[Paul72]

Hi Penny,

it could be his Keppra that's causing these problems as 3000mg a day is normally the max, my wife had terrible problems with this drug and the side-effects. My wife has severe refractory epilepsy and has done since she was 7, I know it won't be easy for you both, but a change in medication might help. Good luck at the GP's.

Paul

[PennyRed in reply to Paul72]

Hi Paul.

Thanks for your comments. It's really good to hear other people's experiences.

Best wishes to you both.

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Hi PennyRed

This sound like a distressing experience for you both. I hope the GP has been able to help you understand what is causing this.

If we can be of any more help, please feel free to contact us again on this platform or email us [e-mail] or phone the Epilepsy Action Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050. Our helpline is open Monday to Thursday 8.30am until 8.00pm, Friday 8.30am until 4.30pm and Saturday 10.00am until 4.00pm.

Regards

Diane

Epilepsy Action Helpline Team

[Carlos68]

Hello,

I’m Carlos R..

I just can tell you that I’m related to that but on a different ocasión. I had an ear operation but after that I have the seizures that was 30 something years ago and I still have them but thanks to my mom and drs I can control them more.. probably your husband was scare as I was that was one of the things the dr said to my mom an me back then.. but who knows.. good luck and all the best

[PennyRed in reply to Carlos68]

Thank you Carlos68.

My husband is making slow progress. He has started taking Lamictal(lamotrigine) which has significantly reduced the small partial seizures and is now more connected and interactive and he is controlling his anxiety now. Fortunately during this coronavirus pandemic we can still go for a daily walk being careful to avoid contact and this helps.

Stay safe in these troubled times.

[Hidden]

Very common. Strokes are usually left/right "sided", Again, CT (EEGs are just a money spinner in a practive) then MR. Intensive monitoring will site the source. DON'T wait for a seizure and video it.