Epilesy help/advice

[beautyguru]

Hi, my BIL was diagnosed last week with idiopathic primary generalised epilepsy..wonder if any of you can give me any info about this and the meds that can be taken to control it?

The consultant at the hosp recommended that he go onto medication (BIL can't remember name of it) to control it but said that once he's on it it needs to be taken forever so he needs to think about it before he makes his decision.

Hes been googling it but its not really helped him so thought someone on here could give me a more true to life/real opinion/advice. Thanks in advance.

[Bubbless]

my mums had epilepsy (with other complications) for 5 years now, its one of those things that becomes part of life (although i know that doesnt help now!!)
no advice as my mum has complex partial, vacent, petite mal and grand mal seizures, but you should get a copy of what was said in the consultants meeting through the post (or BIL will) to sumarise, which may help you?
also, i suggest that you try and make sure someone goes with him to write stuff down / ask the questions the other may not think of!
hope this goes okay :)

[SauvignonBlanche]

There are loads of different drugs available, if one doesn't suit there are lots of alternatives.
I've been taking the same one for over 20 years, there are newer ones on the market but the one I'm on works, so why change?

It's a scary time but not the end of the world, I promise!

[beautyguru]

Thanks Bubbles and Blanche, it seems like such a complicated disorder!

I know they said his fits are brought on by overtiredness and stress...not great when he's a rather nervous stressy type of person anyway! Will ask him to get report so I can have a nosey at it.

I may be back with further questions at some point! Thanks again

[careergirl]

finding a drug regime that controls seizures can be a bit random - they will need to get the dosage correct and also find out what tablets work best for him - they will get there but it does take a little time. He won't be able to drive until he has had one year clear of seizures (for an ordinary driving licence) so not never just not now. Once controlled there is no reason why he cannot live a perfectly normal lifestyle with some sensible restrictions - avoid triggers, plenty of sleep, healthy lifestyle, cut down/ no alcohol and there may be some jobs he cannot do e.g work at height/with machinery.

[beautyguru]

Thanks Careergirl, these are just the kind of responses I'm looking for..much more useful than google!!

[careergirl]

also refer you to epilepsy action they are very good and have lots of useful information

www.epilepsy.org.uk/