Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which people experience repeated seizures. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, more than 3 million people in the United States have experienced a seizure or been diagnosed with epilepsy. In fact, each year, approximately 200,000 Americans are diagnosed with epilepsy. Find out what causes epilepsy. Fortunately, in the majority of cases, the prognosis for most people is excellent. With appropriate treatment, up to 70 percent of people with epilepsy will become seizure-free.
A seizure is the result of a sudden disruption of orderly communication among nerve cells in the brain. This disruption causes different symptoms depending on the location of the seizure and how the abnormal disruption spreads. There are many types of seizures, with symptoms ranging from a tingling in a finger to the loss of consciousness, stiffened arms and legs, and bodily jerking experienced during a tonic-clonic seizure. Learn more about the different types of seizures.
Having a seizure does not necessarily mean that a person has epilepsy. For example, seizures caused by a high fever or alcohol or drug withdrawal generally stop once withdrawal passes. It’s also possible to experience seizure-like symptoms without actually experiencing a seizure; symptoms like fainting, collapsing, or being confused can result from stress or from other disorders. Only when a person has had two or more seizures that aren’t connected to other medical conditions is he or she considered to have epilepsy.
Some types of epilepsy, particularly in children, may go away on their own. However, a neurologist should always be consulted if your child experiences a seizure. Only a neurologist can diagnose whether the seizure is epilepsy and determine the most appropriate course of treatment. Learn about epilepsy diagnosis.
Next: Causes of Epilepsy
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.