yearly tests + headaches

[seetseet]

Hi there!
Just a general question about the "yearly check up at your neurologist", does anyone get sent for blood tests? If yes, what do they test for?

And,I was just wondering if anyone who has temporal lobe epilepsy gets pain there on that side where they have it on occasion (like a headache or a bit lighter) (hehe, I know it sounds ridiculous )

Thanks ahead of time! Have a lovely day

 

[Nakamova]

One of my prior neurologists had my blood tested as a matter of course, mostly to check the blood serum levels of the AED, but also to make sure there were no side effects or issues that might show up in blood test measures related to liver function or to white and red blood cells. My last two neuros don't have the same policy. I think they wouldn't check blood levels unless I reported a specific problem.

In general, regular blood test monitoring of AEDs isn't required/recommended as long as someone is stable, but there are specific situations where it can be a good idea:

-- Suspected toxicity.
-- Adjusting a dose up or down.
-- Managing med interactions (monitoring possible changes in bio-availability or elimination when taking two or more interacting meds).
-- Certain conditions such as pregnancy, or pre-existing health issues (e.g., with liver or kidney)
-- Monitoring for certain med-specific side effects (such as metabolic acidosis).

 

[Fedup]

seetseet

Yes I get blood tests done when I go to my neurologists appointment, I request them if I am not getting sent for them and at the latest every 6 months with my GP. Full blood count, liver function, red and white blood count and so on. The usual tests.

 

[valeriedl]

One of my prior neurologists had my blood tested as a matter of course, mostly to check the blood serum levels of the AED, but also to make sure there were no side effects or issues that might show up in blood test measures related to liver function or to white and red blood cells. My last two neuros don't have the same policy. I think they wouldn't check blood levels unless I reported a specific problem.

My neuro does this too yearly. If I'm having problems with something, an increase in seizures or other medical issue, he'll have my blood levels tested then.

I have damage, if that's the right way to describe it, to both sides of my brain. After many of my seizures I'll have a horrible headache that spreads across the top of my forehead, right above my hair line. If I have a headache that isn't seizure related it's usually in the same place too.