Dr. Aida Abaz Quka
Neurology
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am a 39-year-old woman diagnosed with epilepsy. I have been having focal seizures for the past two years and early last year. Just recently, I have had atonic drop attacks. Looking at the description, it is what I believe to be happening to me. I lost consciousness for a brief moment, slumped down, unaware results of my injury. I take Tegretol Retard (Carbamazepine) and Levetiracetam. My neurologist told me it is not the case. Please give your opinion.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Both Tegretol (Carbamazepine) and Levetiracetam can help against atonic attacks too. Anyway, I would recommend checking carbamazepine plasma levels to adjust the dose of Tegretol if necessary. Otherwise, if it is fine, I would recommend increasing the dose of Levetiracetam. Besides, I would also recommend performing a new EEG (electroencephalogram), checking fasting glucose levels, blood electrolytes for possible imbalances, complete blood count for anemia, and thyroid hormone levels for possible thyroid gland dysfunction. I hope this was helpful.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you.
I take Tegretol 1200 mg per day and the Levetiracetam 1750 mg once per day. It has been increased up and down over the past year. I also had an EEG last year and was an abnormal reading of spike discharges, I think, but not sure. However, I will try to see if I could get some blood tests done. Please give your opinion.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I would recommend checking Tegretol (Carbamazepine plasma levels) because the dose of Carbamazepine you are taking is high. Therefore, you may need to reduce it based on the plasma levels. Regarding Levetiracetam, I would recommend taking it 2000 mg divided twice daily (1000 mg twice a day). You may need to increase further (250 mg daily) if seizures persist. I hope this was helpful.
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Neurology
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