Epilepsy is a disorder with many possible causes. Anything that interrupts the brain’s normal activity can lead to seizures. Anyone can experience a seizure, but some people have a lower seizure threshold than others; in other words, they’re more likely to experience seizures.
Epilepsy can be inherited, or it can result from a birth defect, birth or head injury, brain tumor, or an infection in the brain. In some cases, epilepsy may develop due to abnormal nerve connections that form as the brain heals after a head injury, stroke, or other problem. The cause of epilepsy can be determined in only 30 percent of cases. In the other 70 percent of cases, the exact cause cannot be determined. When the cause of epilepsy is unknown, it is referred to as idiopathic epilepsy.
Epilepsy can develop at any time of life, but it is more common for it to begin in young children and in people 60 and older.
In young people, new cases of epilepsy often occur because of brain injury before or after birth. Inherited seizure disorders usually happen before the age of 20. Learn about growing up with epilepsy. After age 65, seizures tend to be caused by damage to the brain, such as stroke, brain tumors, and infections. Patients with Alzheimer's disease also are at higher risk. Learn more about epilepsy in older people.
Being diagnosed with epilepsy often requires lifestyle changes . . . especially when seizures aren’t fully controlled. The types of changes necessary, and how they affect a person’s life, will depend on the type of seizures experienced, the level of seizure control they get through treatment, and the individual’s lifestyle. They may also vary based on the age of the person with epilepsy. Learn about living with epilepsy.
Regardless of the age at which epilepsy occurs, getting the right treatment depends on getting an accurate diagnosis and understanding the types of seizures experienced. Only then can your neurologist recommend the most appropriate course of treatment. Learn about epilepsy treatment.
Next: About Seizures
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Keppra XR® is a prescription medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial onset seizures in people 16 years of age and older with epilepsy.
Keppra XR® is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your doctor if Keppra XR® is right for you. Like other antiepileptic drugs, Keppra XR® may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500 people taking it. Patients should call their healthcare provider right away if they have depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior while taking Keppra XR®. Keppra XR® may cause extreme sleepiness, tiredness, and weakness, and problems with muscle coordination. Keppra XR® may also cause mood and behavior changes including psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and unusual behavior. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms. The most common side effects seen with Keppra XR® and other formulations of Keppra® include sleepiness, weakness, dizziness, and infection. Do not stop taking Keppra XR® unless instructed by your healthcare provider. Stopping a seizure medication all at once can cause seizures that will not stop, a very serious problem.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may also report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or go to www.fda.gov/medwatch or contact UCB, Inc. at 1-866-822-0068.
Please see Keppra XR® Medication Guide and Full Prescribing Information for additional important patient information.
*With this coupon, you pay the first $25 of your Keppra XR® or Keppra® co-pay and we pay your remaining out-of-pocket expense up to a maximum of $30. This coupon may not be reproduced and must accompany a valid, signed Keppra XR® prescription. No cash value. Offer not valid for prescriptions reimbursed or paid under any government health insurance program (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare) or any private payer in Massachusetts or where otherwise prohibited by law. Patients are responsible for reporting this rebate to any private insurer that covers any part of the prescription. Offer expires on 12/31/12. UCB may cancel or alter this program at any time without notice.