A question about breakthroughs...

[chop456]

First, sorry for so many questions! Just a mom trying to educate myself! If a breakthrough seizure happens does the Dr. always assume the meds are not working or do they look at what other triggers could have caused the breakthrough? At what point does a breakthrough lead to a meds change (if at all)?

 

[momof3boys]

I would think the doctor would look at any triggers that would cause a seizure to occur. For me, if I dont get enough sleep, Im more than likely to have a seizure. Or if Im overly stressed, I can tell just by feeling different that Im experiencing symptoms of a seizure. If the seizures continue, then the talk of changing medications will more than likely be brought up. But for sure, contact the dr and let them know.

 

[Nakamova]

The docs often prefer for there to be a margin of safety in the medication dose to protect someone in the event of unforeseen triggers (like a illness or infection). So they might suggest increasing the dose to raise the seizure threshold enough to ensure that margin of safety.

 

[qtowngirl]

Every time I've had a grand mal while on meds they have called it a breakthrough and either upped the meds or changed them. The only time a 'trigger' has come up after one is if my life has changed significantly in any way, stress-wise. And even if it has they still mess with the meds.