Expert: Sophia, R.N., M.S. - 10/26/2009

Question
My daughter, age 30, has had seizures since age 9.  They were under control for a while, but now she seems to be having them again.  Last year she was having quiet a few and I feel it was due to her meds not being strong enough.  She takes Dilantan and Topamax.  However, she just has one a month, right before her period starts.  We have read where the hormone progesterone is the hormone that helps control seizures.  Her Dr wants her to try a birthcontrol pill.  Do you think this will help.  She tried one before for acne and we thought it gave her a seizure.  Or was this just a fluke?  She has also had a ovarian cyst...could this be part of her problem?  She is getting very discourages because she has not been able to drive now for 8 months and it looks like for at least 6 more months.  We need help here.

Answer
Hi Merlissa,
What a good Mom you are!!!!!
Yes, there is a certain percentage of seizures that can be affected by hormone activity.  I believe that it would be worth a try with oral contraceptives.
There is also a chance that her medication has to be changed or adjusted.  Dilantin is a medication that often has to be adjusted because the plasma levels do not always react to the dosing.  It may be that another drug would be a better choice than Dilantin.  Perhaps Keppra or Tegretol.  Yes - it IS discouraging, but tell her not to give up hope.
Perhaps a consultation with another epileptologist may give her good advice, or perhaps her own physician can make those medication adjustment.
Good luck to your daughter, Merlissa.
Write if you have other questions.
Regards,
Sophia