One hundred twenty five thousand Americans are believed to be diagnosed with Epilepsy, a group of neurologic disorders, each year. It is characterized by seizures or tics due to the abnormal electrical activities in the brain. The cause of seizures has always had something to do with injury to the brain like brain tumors, low oxygenation and etc. Drug therapy is significant in the management of epilepsy but some medications such as
Topamax is required FDA warnings and drug labels on their medication for its connection to the development of eye conditions such as Glaucoma and Acute Myopia. As mentioned, epilepsy is a group of disorders so there are different types of seizures. Whatever type of seizure disorder the individual has, the inconvenience and disruption to the patients normal functions cannot be neglected. It is essential for people having the condition as well as their families to determine what should be done especially in times of seizure attacks.
When a Seizure Attack is Happening
Safety is the top priority when someone is having seizure attacks. During a seizure attack, one must make sure that the area is secure. Remove anything that might compromise the airway like constrictive clothing. Do not try to restrain or forcibly put anything into the mouth for you may injure the person. After the attack, it is advised to put the person in a side-lying position to avoid secretions entering the airways. The person may appear confused after the attack so it is advised to not leave the patient alone for a period of time. In many cases, it is always recommended to contact an ambulance or health care personnel.
How to Manage the Disorder?
Drug Therapy
In dealing with epilepsy and seizures, medications are of great importance. The main goal of drug therapy is to decrease the occurrence of seizure episodes with less side effects for as much as possible. The generic Topiramate with brand name Topamax is used to prevent epileptic attacks. It can also be used in conjunction with other medications to get the full therapeutic benefits. However, it is classified by the U.S. FDA under Pregnancy Category D as it has been linked to the formation of birth defects. It has also been associated with some serious eye conditions like the formation of glaucoma and development of acute myopia. A person may have a specific response to therapy so results may vary. Your drug treatment is best spoken with your physician so youll both decide on what is fitting for you as you will be evaluated based on several factors.
Lifestyle Modifications
In conjunction with medication treatment, the person should also make amends with his/her lifestyle since some activities could trigger the seizure episodes such as stress, lack of sleep and use of prohibited alcohol and drugs. It is also advised to take note of the attacks; date, time, what might have triggered it and other details that you think might be helpful for you and your doctor.
Certain types of seizures may be gone even without drug therapy and others like those with childhood epilepsy can grow up to be normal adults but some sufferers unfortunately felt more pain by having complications like those of Topamax side effects. This condition may be chronic requiring the commitment and cooperation from the sufferers to their treatment plan.
