Monday, November 14, 2011

6 weeks into Topamax for seizures

Dante enjoys his toy train
Dante has been on Topamax for six weeks now as we attempt to control his new seizure variations.  These were the types of seizures he was having before starting Topamax:
  • Myoclonic seizures:  a very quick head nod forward, followed by a jerk back, sideways or forward, any of which may cause him to fall down
  • “Nods”:  his head nods forward but there is a slight or no jerk and no fall
  • Staring seizures:  he stares without moving, drools
Two weeks into Topamax, the number of falls, nods and the frequency of him staring off into space greatly increased.  That was very concerning.  The doctor’s response was to continue increasing the medication until we hit the target dose.  I believe his brain was taking a huge hit from the medication as it slowed down the electrical storm going on.  Weeks 1, 2 and 3 on Topamax were the worst.