My 24 year old son was just diagnosed with gelastic seizures

[Stevensmom]

My son's MRI was clear and the 48 hour EEG monitor showed nothing however we logged at least 5 laughing seizures a day. Today he had 5 by noon. All the doctors want to do are up his meds (kepra and clonazapan). He is trying to finish his last year of college but the meds make him moody and tired and he acts like he's drunk. We go back to the doctor tomorrow. Any suggestions as questions to ask the doctor would be great!

 

[Nakamova]

Hi Stevensmom, welcome to CWE!

I gave your post its own thread in the Foyer, so that folks could see it and welcome you.

Is your son taking a B6 supplement? that can help with the moodiness that Keppra causes. You could ask the doctor whether the supplement is appropriate. If the Keppra and Clonazepam aren't helping and have intolerable side effects, there are other meds to try such as Tegretol and Lamictal.

You might also ask about alternative approaches such as diet and neurofeedback. Most neurologists are unaware or skeptical of such approaches, but you might get lucky... These approaches have helped some folks to reduce or control their seizures. More info here: http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/index.php?p=alternative-treatments and here: http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f22/eeg-neurofeedback-501/

Best,
Nakamova

 

[Nakamova]

This CWE thread might be of interest:
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f20/hello-gelastic-seizures-coping-13245/