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Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy and Keppra
Epilepsy & Seizures | Last Active: 17 hours ago | Replies (17)Comment receiving replies
My almost 18 year old son had his first seizure March 24th of this year. He's your quintessential football player, never had any other medical issues and is a very active, healthy kid. Out of no where...BOOM. Now he can't drive, can't be left alone, and he is ANGRY. I'm not sure if it's the Keppra, or if his world has just been turned upside down and he's not coping well. But yes, totally not the same kid as he was before.
Replies to "My almost 18 year old son had his first seizure March 24th of this year. He's..."
Hi @kymill
Welcome to our group.
I was also very angry and then depressed during the first two years of epilepsy treatment, though I was not on Keppra at that time. The diagnosis and the epilepsy treatment have also turned my world upside down: I had to leave my job and adapt to a whole new life. Like @jakedduck1, it also took me some time to accept my epilepsy and life changes. My neuropsychologist helped me tremendously in the acceptance of my condition. I was also embraced by my husband, who always stood next to me during those first years of my epilepsy journey.
I can imagine what you must be going through as a mother and how your heart feels. Some time ago, @dannoyes started a very interesting discussion in our group related to acceptance.
How to stay positive? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/how-do-you-stay-positive/
There is another discussion Dan also started that might also be interesting for you to read.
What do you wish someone had told you at the start of your journey? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-is-one-thing-you-wish-you-had-known-about-your-health-journey/
I am on Keppra since last December and thankfully, I have not had Keppra rage side-effect so far. But it is important to pay attention to this aspect and report it to your son's doctor. Perhaps the support of a neuropsychologist or psychologist could be as helpful to him as it was to me?
Accepting is not liking it nor resigning either, but rather learning how to deal with a certain situation and trying your best.
All my best to you and your son.
Chris (@santosha)
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@kymill
Developing seizures for no known reason can be a very challenging experience. When I developed epilepsy at age 14, it took me about two years to totally accept my diagnosis and my new normal life. If the anger issues began after the Keppra perhaps the Keppra may be responsible for the anger, known as Keppra tage. Vitamin B-6 may help. I'd check with a doctor or pharmacist for appropriate dose.
Take care,
Jake