It's not always a life sentence

I haven't been writing much lately... Because I'm not quite sure what I want this blog to be. I'm trying to give information for people who are new to epilepsy, but I also want to show that it's not always a life sentence. That there is life after your diagnosis, and that it shouldn't define you. Of course, there are now limitations on what you can and can't do. You probably shouldn't swim if you're actively having seizures, you shouldn't have caffeine, guanine, taurine or ginseng. You shouldn't eat soy, or take sudafed. Depending on where you are you may not be able to drive for up to a year after a seizure... But you can have a good life. I didn't start driving until I was 19. Living in a small town with hardly any public transportation made it hard to have a job, have any kind of social life, or go to school. I had to wait. And it sucks, but I did it. I'm in a committed relationship with an amazing man who understands that sometimes, I can't take care of myself. I babysit my cousin while I'm waiting to be certified as a substitute teacher. I write, I go out with my friends and I even planned my cousin's bachelorette party recently AND WENT BAR HOPPING!!! I caught the bouquet at her wedding :) My life is so happy, despite the fact that I live every day with the fear of having a seizure. It's very real to me, but I've learned that I can't let that decide my fate. I've been through some terrible things, as I'm sure we all have, but I'm ok. And that's what I think I want to convey here. When I was diagnosed, I searched desperately for people who were successful and had taken control of their lives, despite their seizures. And I took so much comfort knowing that contrary to what I believed at the time, it was NOT a death sentence, and my life was NOT over. I think it certainly stunted me a little, I am completely lost as to who I truly am... But at the same time, it's been a VERY interesting ride, and I wouldn't trade a minute of it, because it's made me very humble and more compassionate than I thought possible.
Anyway, I want to help you all, but I also want to share my life with you, messy as it is. So please love each other, stay positive, and don't forget your meds ;)

A little inspiration :)

So, I've been terribly busy lately, which is why I haven't been posting much, and posting something simple when I do... My cousin is getting married this weekend and I am her maid of honor :D So I've had an awful lot to do the past week. But here's another little inspirational story, that I was reminded of yesterday as I was reading the comments posted to a YouTube video about epilepsy. They were so mean, and ignorant and careless.... And I just want to remind everybody that no matter how other people treat you, you are a human being, and that you are priceless, no matter how cruel people are to you. Seizures do not make you worthless, even though it can feel that way sometimes. You are not a victim, you are strong. And even though epilepsy is a cruel beast, you have to keep fighting.

Copied from http://mbstories.quora.com/Who-Wants-This-Dollar-Bill

 Cassan Said Amer tells a story about a lecturer who began a seminar holding up a one dollar bill, and asking:
- Who wants this dollar bill?
Several hands went up, but the lecturer said:
- Before handing it over, there’s something I must do.
He furiously crushed it, and asked again:
- Who still wants this bill?
The hands continued raised.
- And what if I do this?
He threw it against the wall, letting it fall to the floor, kicked it, stamped in it and again held up the bill – all dirty and crumpled. He repeated the question, and the hands continued to be held high.
- You mustn’t ever forget this scene – said the lecturer. – No matter what I do with this money, it’ll still be a one dollar bill.
“Many times in our lives, we are crushed, stamped on, kicked, maltreated, offended; however, in spite of this, we are still worth the same.”

Y'all have an awesome weekend, don't forget your meds, and I'll talk to you Sunday :)

Are you a coffee bean?

Saw this story the other day- wanted to share it with you all. I copied it from http://www.learningplaceonline.com/living/inspiration/cup-coffee.htm. While you read, think of it in term of your loved one's, or your own epilepsy. How has it affected you personally? How can you make the best out of your situation, or help someone you love?

 

"A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose.

Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.

In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl.

Turning to her daughter, she asked, "Tell me what do you see?"

"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.

She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma.

The daughter then asked. "What does it mean, mother?"

Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity—boiling water—but each reacted differently.

The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak.

The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened.

The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water.

"Which are you?" she asked her daughter. "When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"

Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?

Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?

Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor.

If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level?

How do you handle Adversity? Are you a Carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean? "

I took this story very personally, because I have faced more adversity than just epilepsy. And even though I found out that I am stronger than I thought I was, I am a coffee bean.

< 3 Sarah

Seizure Protocol

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and you should always discuss any health concerns with your doctor. This blog draws on my personal experience and research and the information contained should not substitute advice or directions from your doctor.

This is for anyone who does not know proper protocol for a tonic-clonic seizure.

If You See Someone Having a Seizure

1.) Stay Calm.
2.) Remember that the person is not consciously suffering during the seizure.
3.) Never try to restrain the person
4.) NEVER put anything in the person's mouth.
5.) Turn the person on their right side (left is acceptable if this is not possible), and slightly forward. The tongue cannot be swallowed or choked on, but it can block the person's airway.
6.) If possible, put something under the person's head to prevent injury.
7.) Try to move anything that could cause injury away from the person.
8.) Always time the seizure.

Call 911 if:

1.) the seizure lasts longer than 3 minutes
2.) the person is pregnant
3.) the person has no known history of seizures (if the person is a stranger call 911 if they have no medical alert jewelry)
4.) the person is not breathing for longer than 30 seconds
5.) the person has been injured during the seizure

What to Do After The Seizure

1.) When the person regains consciousness, reassure and comfort them and explain what happened. Remember, although the seizure itself does not hurt, it can hurt after, and can be a very emotional and stressful time.
2.) The person may feel groggy and/or dazed. If the person is a stranger ask if there is anything you can do for them, or anybody you can call.
3.) Stay with the person until they are fully conscious and aware.
4.) If they have to wait for someone to get them offer to stay until somebody arrives.
5.) If you notice that the person is slow to regain full consciousness (longer than 30 mins) call 911

Lumosity

Today I want to talk about the smartphone app Lumosity, and how much I'm in love with it. Lumosity's website claims that it's games are all designed by neuroscientists. Sounds awesome. My memory has been affected a lot by Lamictal and my seizures, and I'm always looking for things to help, and this is definitely helping. I've been using the free version, which is way less in depth, but I've been improving on the games steadily. I've pretty much mastered one. If your seizures are at all triggered by intense calculation/quick thinking (mine used to be) I would not recommend this.

My favorite game is "Lost in Migration". There's a group of birds, shaped in different patterns, and you have to slide your finger in the direction of the middle bird. Usually the other birds are facing a different direction, so it can really throw you off.

The one I find the most difficult is called "Chalkboard Challenge". There are either numbers, simple math problems, or slightly more complex math problems on two different cards, and you have to decide which value is higher. That one makes me crazy, but it definitely helps with quick problem solving.

The app is free, and gives you 35 daily training sessions of seven different games. If you want a year's subscription to get all the other games it's 80$ for the year. Not bad. As soon as I have the extra I'm definitely doing it.

Thought for the Day....

I'm feeling sick today, so today's post is short. Here's a nice quote and some thoughts to go with it.

"The question isn't who is going to let me- it's who is going to stop me." - Ayn Rand

I think we as humans in general allow stigmas and ignorance to play a role in how we behave. I think this is even more true for people with epilepsy. A lot of us don't talk about it outside our support groups because we're afraid others won't understand, or that we'll be judged. But we're nurses, writers, mothers, fathers, artists and much, much more. Don't let them stop you- prove them wrong.

Famous People With Epilepsy

Scholars have long marveled at the fact that many great minds, leaders, artists and creative thinkers have also suffered from epilepsy. Could there be a connection? I like to think so. I like to think that maybe I'm one of them. Who knows? Today I have a just for fun post for you- a list of famous people (actors, leaders, musicians, politicians, writers) throughout history who either had a diagnosis of epilepsy while they were alive, or a retrospective diagnosis based on historical writings and literature from their times.

NOTE: I have read before that Lewis Carroll And Edgar Allen Poe had alcohol withdrawal/drug induced seizures. Take that however you wish :)

Leonardo Da Vinci

 Truman Capote

Charles Dickens

Michaelangelo

Alfred Nobel

Neil Young

Aristotle

Socrates

Julius Caesar

Vincent Van Gogh

Edgar Allen Poe

Lewis Carroll

Dante Alighieri (author of Inferno, The Divine Comedy)

Moliere (author)

Sir Walter Scott (author)

Jonathan Swift (author of Gulliver’s Travels)

Lord Byron

Percy Bysshe Shelley

Alfred Lord Tennyson

Dostoevsky (author of Crime and Punishment)

Leo Tolstoy (author of Anna Karenina and War and Peace)

Gustave Flaubert

Charles V (King of Austria) 

Prince John (youngest son of King George V of England) 

Pope Pius IX (in the 1800’s became the longest serving pontiff in history, he also died from a seizure
induced heart attack)

Martha Parke Custis(step-daughter of George Washington)

US President James Madison

Vladimir Lenin (founder of the Soviet Union & died from status epilepticus)

Senator Ted Kennedy

US Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts

Richard Burton (actor)

Bud Abbott (of Abbott&Costello)

Danny Glover (actor)

Hugo Weaving (actor)

Margot Hemingway(actress&granddaughter of Ernest Hemingway)

Florence Griffith Joyner (FloJo)(Athlete)

Samari Rolle ( Baltimore Ravens cornerback)

Jason Snelling (Atlanta Falcons starting lineup)

Alan Faneca, (Pro Bowl guard, Pittsburgh Steelers)

Agatha Christie

Alexander The Great

Lil' Wayne

Seizure Combating Diets (Treatment Options For Children With Epilepsy Part II)

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and you should always discuss any health concerns with your doctor. This blog draws on my personal experience and research and the information contained should not substitute advice or directions from your doctor.

 This is part 2 for my friend :)


The Ketogenic Diet
Normally, your body runs on energy created from glucose. But since we can't store much glucose at a time, we never have more than a 24 hour supply. The ketogenic diet will begin by depriving your child of food for 24 hours, so his body will begin burning stored fat instead of glucose.
The diet consists of high fat and low carbohydrate ( which the body turns into glucose) foods, and forces the body into burning fat, instead of glucose. Around 80% of the calories in your child's diet will come from fat. This mimics starvation in the body, and doctors have no idea why it works (go figure). It has been used to treat Epilepsy since at least 500 B.C., and even has biblical roots, in the form of fasting.
Usually, this diet will need to be tailored over time to fit an individual's needs before results are seen, or not seen. Usually doctors ask a period of up to three months to give the body time to adjust. Only about 1/3 of children do not thrive on the diet; either their seizure frequency does not change, or the diet is not well tolerated. 1/3 become seizure free or close to it, and the other 1/3 see improvement.
Usually children on the ketogenic diet stay on their anti-convulsants, but their dose can be lowered, or even stopped all together if their doctor feels it's an acceptable risk. This especially of benefit to younger children who seem to have stronger side effects of some medications. Parent's report their children being more alert while on the diet, even if their seizures do not improve.
Doctors will usually prescribe the diet for a certain amount of time, then slowly start introducing other foods into the child's diet to see if seizure control can still be achieved.
Like everything else in life, the diet does have some side effects. Some of those side effects include constipation, dehydration, and complications from kidney stones/gall stones. The diet also lack many vitamins that are essential- so supplementation is necessary. Since the diet is so high in fat, high levels of fat can build up in the blood.

Modified Atkins

The Atkins diet, in one study, was found to also produce ketones in the body, the same as the ketogenic diet, but it seems only in children. This may be a better option for some children because it does not restrict calories. The Atkins diet, like the ketogenic diet, is low in carbohydrates and high in fats, but is also high in protein. This also makes it a little more desirable for children.



 http://ramblingsofacarnivore.blogspot.com/2010/05/ketogenic-diets-and-treatment-of.html
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/aboutepilepsy/treatment/ketogenicdiet/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1176378/

Treatment Options for Children With Epilepsy

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and you should always discuss any health concerns with your doctor. This blog draws on my personal experience and research and the information contained should not substitute advice or directions from your doctor.

I was talking to a new friend yesterday, and she was telling me how much trouble she's having with her daughter's medications. Since writing and research is my god given skill, this is for her to take to her daughter's next neurologist appointment.

Depakote: Depakote is approved for children, but has a much higher instance of liver failure in children under the age of 3 than in adults and older children. Liver damage will usually occur withing the first six months of treatment and the first signs are vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, loss of appetite, sluggishness, and possible loss of seizure control.

In girls over ten, higher than normal testosterone levels are sometimes observed.

Common side effects include:

mild drowsiness or weakness;

diarrhea, constipation, upset stomach;

changes in your menstrual periods;

enlarged breasts, weight changes;

tremor (shaking);

hair loss;

vision changes; or

unusual or unpleasant taste in your mouth

Serious side effects include:

unexplained weakness with vomiting and confusion or fainting;

easy bruising or bleeding, blood in your urine;

fever, chills, body aches, swollen glands, flu symptoms;

urinating less than usual;

extreme drowsiness, lack of coordination, hallucinations;

double vision or back-and-forth movements of the eyes; or

To reduce side effects, usually a doctor will start your child at a low dose and slowly increase.

Felbatol: Felbatol is only approved for children 14 and older and is used to treat partial epilepsy as adjunctive and monotherapy, and is approved as adjunctive therapy for generalized epilepsy associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in patients 2 years and older (http://professionals.epilepsy.com/medications/p_felbatol_children.html)

Common side effects include:

• decreased appetite and weight loss,
• nausea,
• insomnia (sleeplessness),
• headache

Other reported side effects are: poor coordination or tremor (shaking), vision problems, dizziness, vomiting, mood changes or anxiety, sleepiness



Oxtellar: Oxtellar is approved for children ages 6 and up as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures.

Common side effects include:

• dizziness, sleepiness,
• headache,
• balance problems,
• double vision,
• tremor,
• weakness,
• fatigue, and
• vomiting.

Zonegran: Zonegran has not officially been approved for children. However, studies done in children of varying ages have yielded good results. It has effectively reduced many types of seizures, namely myoclonic, absence, infantile spasms, and generalized seizures.

Most children will not see many side effects, however, side effects are always possible.

Common side effects include:

• loss of balance or coordination.
• dizziness
• drowsiness

More serious side effects include:

• increased or worsening seizures
• pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat
• severe pain in your lower back, blood in your urine
• loss of appetite, tired feeling, problems with thinking or speech, trouble concentrating
• feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin without sweating
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling

Lamictal: Lamictal is approved for use as adjunctive therapy for partial seizures in children as young as two, and for generalized seizures in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Lamictal, when used with Valproate, increases the risk of severe, life threatening rash associated with the medications.

Common side effects include:

tremors, dizziness, tired feeling;

blurred vision, double vision;

loss of coordination;

changes in your menstrual periods;

dry mouth, mild nausea, stomach pain, upset stomach;

back pain;

sleep problems (insomnia); or

runny nose, sore throat.

More serious side effects include:

the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;

fever, swollen glands, body aches, flu symptoms, headache, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light;

easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, feeling short of breath;

confusion, nausea and vomiting, swelling, rapid weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all;

pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating; or

increased seizures or worsening of your bipolar disorder

Keppra: Keppra is approved to treat partial onset seizures in children one month of age and older. It has shown to decrease the frequency of other kinds of seizures as well.

Common side effects include:

• mild dizziness or drowsiness
• mild tired feeling
• loss of appetite
• stuffy nose

More serious side effects include:

• hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior
• bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness
• feeling very weak or tired
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat
•  problems with walking or movement
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild
• severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling

Gabitril: Gabitril has been used to treat children with partial seizures and infantile spasms, though it is NOT approved for this purpose. It is approved for children 12 and older.

Common side effects include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, tired feeling
• feeling restless, irritable, or depressed
• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea
• trouble concentrating
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• lack of coordination
• cough, sore throat
• weight changes

More Serious side effects include:

• new or worsened seizures
• confusion, hallucination
• problems with speech or vision
• severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
• tremor
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms
• chest pain, fast heart rate

Trileptal: Trileptal is approved for monotherapy in patients age 4 and over, and for adjunctive therapy in patients ages 2 and over, usually for the treatment of partial seizures. It is considered effective for the treatment of other kinds of seizures.

Common side effects include:

headache, mental slowness, trouble concentrating;

problems with speech, balance, or walking;

dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling;

mild nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea;

blurred vision, double vision;

tremors or shaking; or

skin rash.

More serious side effects include:

increased seizures;

swollen glands, fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, sores in your mouth and throat;

easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

urinating less than usual or not at all;

chest pain, dry cough, wheezing, feeling short of breath;

upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

Topamax: Topamax is approved in the treatment of seizures in children over two as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy.

Common side effects are:

mild dizziness, feeling nervous;

numbness or tingly feeling;

diarrhea, weight loss; or

cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

More serious side effects include:

sudden vision loss, pain around or behind your eyes;

dry mouth, increased thirst, drowsiness, decreased sweating, increased body temperature, and hot, dry skin,

confusion, slowed thinking, memory problems, trouble concentrating, problems with speech or balance;

vomiting, loss of appetite, tired feeling, irregular heartbeats, feeling like you might pass out; or

severe pain in your side or lower back, painful or difficult urination.

Neurontin: Neurontin is approved for use in children as young as 3 for threatment of partial seizures.

Common side effects include:

dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, tired feeling;

nausea, diarrhea, constipation;

blurred vision;

headache;

breast swelling;

dry mouth; or

loss of balance or coordination.

More serious side effects include:

increased seizures;

fever, swollen glands, body aches, flu symptoms;

skin rash, easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

chest pain, irregular heart rhythm, feeling short of breath;

confusion, nausea and vomiting, swelling, rapid weight gain, urinating less than usual or not at all;

new or worsening cough, fever, trouble breathing; or

rapid back and forth movement of your eyes.

Some side effects are more common in children:

changes in behavior;

memory problems;

trouble concentrating; or

acting restless, hostile, or aggressive.

Zarontin: Zarontin has been used for many years to treat absence seizures in children. Side effects are usually mild and usually are stomach related.

Common side effects include:

upset stomach, mild nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, weight loss;

swelling in your tongue or gums;

headache, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling tired;

lack of balance or coordination; or

unusual vaginal bleeding.

More serious side effects include:

fever, chills, flu symptoms, sore throat, swollen glands, feeling very weak;

easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

joint pain or swelling with mild fever, muscle aches, chest pain when breathing;

patchy skin color, red spots, or a butterfly shaped skin rash over your cheeks and nose (worsens in sunlight);

skin rash, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior, extreme fear;

severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling; or

worsening of seizures.

Dilantin: Dilantin is usually NOT a first choice for children, however some doctors will prescribe it when they find it necessary.
 The reason for this is a gum disorder called gingival hyperplasia and hirsutism, which occurs in nearly half of children who take Dilantin.

Common side effects include:

mild skin rash or itching;

dizziness, nervousness, sleep problems (insomnia);

nausea, vomiting, constipation; or

headache, joint pain.

Serious side effects include:

swollen glands, easy bruising or bleeding, swollen or tender gums;

fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;

confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;

slurred speech, loss of balance or coordination;

tremor (uncontrolled shaking), restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;

extreme thirst or hunger, urinating more than usual;

loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

changes in the shape of your face or lips.

Carbatrol: While useful in treating many different kinds of seizures in children, it can worsen others, so correct diagnosis is very important.

Common side effects include:

feeling dizzy, drowsy, or unsteady;

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain;

headache, ringing in your ears;

dry mouth, swollen tongue; or

joint or muscle pain, leg cramps.

More serious side effects include:

pale skin, feeling light-headed, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;

fever, chills, sore throat, mouth and throat ulcers;

easy bruising or bleeding, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;

confusion, agitation, vision problems, hallucinations;

feeling short of breath, swelling of your ankles or feet;

urinating less than usual;

jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or

severe skin reaction -- fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling.

http://www.rxlist.com/lamictal-drug/patient-images-side-effects.htm

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-18053-Keppra+Oral.aspx?drugid=18053&drugname=Keppra+Oral

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/zonegran-side-effects.html

http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/news/UCB-announces-FDA-approval-for-Keppra-in-infants-and-children-from-one-month-of-age-with-partial-onset-seizures.cfm

http://www.epilepsy.com/medications/b_depakote_children

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/keppra-side-effects.html

http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=aa610e56-1d1d-11e1-8bc2-0800200c9a66

http://www.rxlist.com/oxtellar-xr-side-effects-drug-center.htm

http://www.epilepsy.com/medications/i_gabitril_children

http://www.medicines.org.uk/emcmobile/medicine/10840/spc

http://www.drugs.com/sfx/gabitril-side-effects.html

http://whatmeds.stanford.edu/medications/oxcarbazepine.html

http://www.rxlist.com/trileptal-side-effects-drug-center.htm

http://professionals.epilepsy.com/medications/p_topamax_children.html

http://www.rxlist.com/topamax-side-effects-druhttp://whatmeds.stanford.edu/medications/gabapentin.htmlg-center.htm

http://www.rxlist.com/neurontin-side-effects-drug-center.htm

http://professionals.epilepsy.com/medications/p_zarontin_children.html

http://www.rxlist.com/zarontin-side-effects-drug-center.htm

http://professionals.epilepsy.com/medications/p_dilantin_children.html

http://www.rxlist.com/dilantin-side-effects-drug-center.htm

http://professionals.epilepsy.com/medications/p_carbatrol_children.html