discontinuing keppra post craniotomy

@jeanneoc
I think it's going to be dependent on the results of your MRI but even then your brain tissue has been altered so who knows if a seizure might occur.
How much Keppra do you take?
Take care,
Jake

My wife was on Keppra and her doctors were super careful on her dosage changes. I’d absolutely recommend you consult your physician on any changes with this medication.

Strength, Courage, & Peace

@jakedduck1
500 mg at bedtime
250 mg in am

I’m on a different anti- seizure medicine because Keppra made me crazy, but I wanted to stop after 3 years and my neurologist said I would be on it for life. I am very disappointed because it affects my balance. I guess it’s the price we pay to avoid a seizure.

@joetex: If you don't mind, I'd like to ask what is your situation that requires being on anti-seizure meds for life? Do you have an inoperable brain tumor, perhaps a benign meningioma? Is it a post surgical consequence? Stroke related?

@mkoch Yes, it is a large benign meningioma near my optic nerve. I had Gamma knife radiation which effectively killed it 3 years ago. I have had no seizures since then but my neurologist said I would always be at risk for one. I don’t really understand that and have been tempted to stop but haven’t yet. The meningioma is still there but has shrunk slightly.

@joetex: Thank you for the explanation. Perhaps you have read a post of mine from months back that I had a benign meningioma removed near my optic nerve but was only on keppra for a month or 6 weeks. (Can't remember) I have two other meningiomas (not near my optic nerve) and pretty much have been told if they grow I will need gamma knife. So, just thinking ahead and wondering if one only has radiation, and not removal, if being on anti-seizure meds is the norm. Probably the location in the brain would play into that decision.

@mkoch I think you’re right that if the tumor stays in there is seizure risk. I had some swelling on mine for awhile and the doc said that added to the risk also. Steroids brought the swelling down pretty quickly.