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My 7 year old daughter was just diagnosed with epilepsy 2 months ago. She has had 3 grand mal seizures and many absence seizures for unknown period of time (looking back probably years). Heathy, normal pregnancy and childhood up until now. No major illness, has had all vaccines. She’s a sweet girl normally, intelligent, athletic. MRI “normal”. At first she was started on keppra (after second seizure, before EEG), cross tapered on depakote when realized it was absence by EEG. Had 3rd grand mal seizure a few days after taper off keppra. Depakote level in the 60’s at 125 BID so was increased. Now on 125 mg in am and 250 at night. She’s ravenous, irritable and physically combative. She’s 46 pounds (very petite) but has gained 5 pounds already. Is there a better Med than depakote? I know she needs to increase the depakote (I’m pretty sure she had a grand mal seizure in her sleep 2 nights ago, she’s still having absence seizures daily and Iher repeat level was 67) but her behavior is just getting worse and she’s gaining weight. Is there any better alternative????
Replies to "My 7 year old daughter was just diagnosed with epilepsy 2 months ago. She has had..."
Hi Lucy! You are not alone! There's another mother in this discussion who is also looking for answers. I'll summarize your question and ask Dr. Tatum during the Q&A. I also wanted to share these other videos with you:
• #AsktheMayoMom about Pediatric Epilepsy: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/askthemayomom-about-pediatric-epilepsy/
• #AsktheMayoMom about Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/askthemayomom-about-pediatric-epilepsy-surgery/
• Webinar: Pediatric Epilepsy Treatment Options: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/pediatric-epilepsy-treatment-options/
hi lucy,i realize every person reacts differently.I started getting grand mals around 6 years old,will not talk about school years but a far as education i did fine.this was in 1960s early 70s someds were limited.took phenobarbital,tegretal,dilantin,when one med would stopworking try another,always a little under weight and maybe it was being afraid of getting a seizure that kept me very timmed. never had many friends ,very shy.To me medicine should help a person mentally and physically ,there are a lot of options seems like doctors jump to the first med they can.
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Hi Lucy, Good question for the upcoming Q&A. In the meantime, I encourage to read some of the other discussions in the Epilepsy & Seizures group, where you'll meet other parents caring for children with epilepsy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/epilepsy-2bb359/
You may wish to post in one of these discussions:
* My son was just diagnosed https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/my-son-was-just-diagnosed/
* Ketogenic diet for children http://mayocl.in/2j4h7zQ
* Daughter with Newly Diagnosed Generalized Absence Seizures https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/daughter-with-newly-diagnosed-generalized-absence-seizures/