Medications Prescribed for Epilespy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition involving the brain. Diagnosis is based on seizures that reoccur. Epilepsy may be triggered by an event, such as an accident or medical trauma, which causes the brain to be deprived of oxygen. Family history plays a large role in the development of this condition. Often there is not an identifiable source of what has caused the onset of epilepsy. A sudden change in the normal functioning of electrical signals in the brain causes a seizure to occur. During a seizure, behavior, sensation, movement and consciousness may be temporarily altered. This condition may occur at any age, however most commonly begins in childhood or after age 65. Fortunately, many children outgrow epilepsy as they get older.
Anti-epileptic medications may help persons affected experience fewer and less intense seizures and sometimes become seizure free. For some, medications may be discontinued after several years without seizures. Phenytoin, carbamaze-pine, valproic acid, and divalproex may be prescribed to help control seizures. Other anticonvulsants used to treat epilepsy include levetiracetam (Keppra), gabapentin (Neurontin), phenobarbital, and lamotrigine (Lamictal). Always remember to check with your doctor before discontinuing any prescribed seizure treatment.