Questions about Epilepsy and immune system

[ericdy]

Hi, I'm trying to get more information regarding epilepsy as some one close to me has severe epilepsy. If you have severe epilepsy and on medication, do you go in regularly for blood testing particulary to monitor the white blood cells?

thanks

[Bernard]

Hi ericdy, welcome to the forum.

Folks on anti-epileptic drugs (anti-epileptic drugs) should get regular blood tests to ensure that the blood syrum level of the drug(s) they are taking are in the therapeutic range (ie. not too low and not too high/toxic).

anti-epileptic drugs don't work like aspirins. They are metabolized into the blood stream and need to maintain a fairly constant level (within a certain range anyway) to work properly.

[RobinN]

I do believe that given mega doses of any drug can challenge the immune system. In addition it has been shown that diet alone can challenge the immune system, and add to it many environmental toxins along with the prescribed ones and the body is lucky if it can fight off diseases.

[skillefer]

LOL...You'd have to define severe. Let's see, I have grand mal seizures (tonic clonic) and I get my blood serum levels checked every 6 months. I've never had my white blood cell count taken though. But then again, I tend to have the stomach of a goat and only get a cold twice a year. The rest of the time, I'm well. Which I attribute to being a teacher. I got sick so often the first year I taught. I swore I caught every bug that walked into my classroom.

[brain]

Eric

Welcome to CWE! Some anti-epileptic drugs you
need to have your blood (lab) work up
frequently, and some anti-epileptic drugs it is not
necessary. As for the immunity, are
you in reference to the Auto-Immunity
Disorder / Syndrome in association with
Epilepsy which requires you to have lab
work done more frequently than usual?

Forgive me for asking this question, I'm
merely trying to understand the nature
of your question more thoroughly, as
there are several different links I could
provide you but until I obtain a more
specific response - I could link you
over for more information.

Thanks!

[Eyes_herself]

I have petite mal? simple partial? seizures, but they are frequent...and I get my blood tested every month. I do have a low white blood cell count. BUT I counter that by eating healthy and trying not to do stressful exercise. SLEEP is essential!!!