Daughter with seizures?

My 11 y.o. daughter had three seizures a couple of months ago, for the first time. They were all in the morning before she got up, or a couple of hours after she went to bed at night. She's been diagnosed as having partial seizures (right frontal and temporal lobe) that sometimes generalize and spread to all parts of the brain. She's on topamax, which the doctor increased so quickly that she had disturbing side effects (she thought she was fat, even though she's very slim; no appetite; trouble concentrating; mood swings). We could've tried a different med (trileptal) but decided to try topamax again, on a lower dose and working more gradually to a higher dose. She's presently taking 75 mg in the morning and 75 mg at night. She seems to be able to concentrate, eats fairly well, etc. but she keeps getting strange spells (any time). She says that everything looks like it's moving faster than it really is. Is this the meds or a seizure?

Hi - thank you so much for all your replies. My daughter is seeing a neurologist at our local children's hospital. We don't know what is causing the seizures yet but she's having an MRI soon which may or may not show something. In any case, we will be seeing the neurologist shortly after and I will bring up my concerns to him then, unless things get worse. In that case, I can always contact his nurse (which I have in the past but not about this particular issue).

Hopefully you're seeing a qualified Pediatric Neurologist and not just "some dr". Ask about Lamictal. It has very few side effects and is highly recommended here for young females. Depakote is good; but in the long run, Depakote can have side effects in females of child bearing years. Additionally, she will need to go for blood tests (usually every 3 months) to check the level of the medicine in her blood stream to see if it is the correct dosage and needs to be backed off or upped.

My daughter started 10 days before her 13th bday and all hers were in the a.m. before 10a.m She additionally had petit mal seizures (staring/zoning). She was non-compliant (said she was taking her meds but wasn't always) so the level in her blood stream indicated she needed an increase (then she was over-dosed) Please ensure your daughter gets the correct medicine, complies by; taking it in front of you, and has her levels checked to prevent problems.

http://www.lamictal.com/

Talk to her doctor. These things take some patience and time to work out.

I would suggest possibly getting a second opinion and making sure there insn't some other condition that is possibly causing it. It doesn't hurt to get a second opinion either way. Have you mentioned the side effects to the doctor and he has done nothing about it. It is very concerning when you hear of these things. Don't worry if you call the doctor 1,000 a day that is why they are paid the big bucks. God bless & Good Luck.

Ask your Dr or rather your Neurologist preferably about different medications eg: Tegrotol, Keppra, Epilim in small to medium doses you may find that these may help your daughter with her symptoms and seizures. They help me and I have the same right frontal and temporal lobe problems.

It sounds like some of the side effects of this drug....which are many! If she is having slowing in her movements, difficulty concentrating, unusual tiredness or sleepiness you might want to get a second opinion, preferably a pediatric neurologist. Make sure she is drinking enough fluids. Be sure that if you decide to stop this drug that you do not do it abruptly as it might increase seizure activity. Sounds like she does need some type of medication though. Do you know the cause of her seizures? Trauma...high fever....etc. Are they still trying to determine the cause and just treating in the meantime? It is really scary as a parent to give your growing children medication that may really affect them in a bad way and yet not know what else to do. I really feel for you. Don't be afraid to get other opinions and keep record of the symptoms you see with each medication. I don't care how well meaning the doctors are...they will never see your child the way you do and will never have the whole picture. It helps them for you to keep records. I wish you the best.

Hi, I'm Dr.D.EvG. I'll try to help guide you through this, but please see a specialist of your own in the meantime.
The seizures you mentioned along with the medication you mention are intertwined and sometimes the effects of the medication mimic the disorder itself. This is why it's so important to inform your physician of any health problems in the past, and all relavent history of health that you can.
Topamax is a "relatively" new drug. It seems to be very benign for the majority of people. However, in some patients who experience issues with the medication early on, it can be difficult.
There are other suitable medications if the one your daughter's physician has your daughter on is causing an issue of concern. The other medications that come to mind are older medications that have been through and stood the test of time. I would not mind helping you via email. However, this is just advice and assistance. Keep in mind, I may not be available right away. In the meantime, you may want to get a second opinion. For the best care of your daughter do at least, these things. Make sure that your physician is certified and registered with all applicable medical, and neurological societies related to the fields your daughter is being treated under. Then, call your physicians office and ask how long the physician has been practicing. Many people dont think about this next step. But when you are on phone with the physician's office, ask the nurse with whom you are speaking what disorders within his field of practice does the physician specialize on, or have particular interest in. This will show you the concern over one disorder's treatment that a physician may have.
If you have any other questions or concerns feel free to contact me. This was medical advice, not to be substituted for a visit to your own personal physician.
Dr. D., EvG.
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