Diagnosis: Finding Out If You Have Epilepsy

If you think you or a loved one has epilepsy, you should begin diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. The first step is to see a neurologist—a doctor who specializes in treatment of neurological disorders, including epilepsy—who may perform a neurological exam, blood tests, an electroencephalogram (EEG), and other tests like a CAT or MRI scan. Finding the right doctor for you is the best way to get started.

Specialized Epilepsy Treatment

  • Adult or pediatric epileptologist

Adult and pediatric epileptologists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. They often have greater experience with epilepsy and a detailed knowledge of the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment.

  • Adult or pediatric neurologist

Adult and pediatric neurologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system, including epilepsy.

  • Epilepsy Centers

At a specialized Epilepsy Center, a treatment team of specialists in multiple fields offer a full range of treatment options. Their expertise may include a broad range of medications and therapies as well as surgical treatment options.

The Epilepsy Foundation offers a state-by-state directory of epileptologists and Epilepsy Centers. Visit the Epilepsy Foundation to find a specialist.

Next: Neurological Exam

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.