The antiepileptic medication she used was fairly effective in controlling seizures, but caused unpleasant side eftects including tremor, weight gain and hair loss. The use of one of the new antiepileptic medications allowed reduction of the dose of her first medication, and improvement in her side effects. A young man had mild mental retardation and partial epilepsy of unknown cause. He had repeated episodcs of status epilepticus, despite being on high levels of two antiepileptic medications. During his most recent, very severe episode of status epilepticus, it was recognized that his chronically high blood ammonia level represented a genetic enzyme deficiency that is often exacerbated by one of his medications.
Epilepsy is one of the most treatable chronic medical diseases.
Comprehensive epilepsy centers provide adult and pediatric neurologists, neurosurgeons, and other specialists who can provide help to people with medically-resistant epilepsy, to improve both seizure control and quality of life. Research continues into the causes and treatments of different forms of epilepsy. For those individuals who cannot be helped with current techniques, re-evaluation every few years is worthwhile as newer methods may prove more effective. Eric B. Geller, M.D. Director, Adult Comprehensive Epilepsy Program Saint Barnabas Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery Suite 415,101 Old Short Hills Rd. Reprinted from the Healthy Times newsletter, published by Mainstreaming Medical Care of The Arc of New Jersey.