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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Levetiracetam The Right Medicine For Seizures?

Hi, I am Ranjit, 37 yrs old. I am diagnosed with Neurocysticercosis. Left frontal lesion on CT. I got partial sezures on right side 4 times in may be 2 hrs. After medication they stopped and didn t occur. I am taking levetiracetam( Keppra ) 500mg since a week, 2 times/Day. I was discharged and told only 1 lesion is there and anti parasite tratments are controversial. So only this tablet is enough? doctor told me to go for approx 2 years. I see in internet that 1. Steriods 2. albendazole and then anticonvulsants. I am in Auckland, NZ.
Mon, 22 Dec 2014
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Neurologist,  's  Response
I read your question and I understand your concern.

The management depends upon the parasite cyst status. If the parasite is dead then the treatment is directed mainly at seizure prevention. Otherwise, if the parasyte is active as you have read steroids and albendazole treatment is used.
As for Levetiracetam being the right medicine, there are many drugs for epilepsy out there, some are effective in some patients other more effective in others, it depends also on type of seizure.
Levetiracetam seems like a pretty good first choice, both for its wide range of efficacy in many type of seizures as well as for its fewer side effects compared to some other drugs.

I hope to have been of help.
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Is Levetiracetam The Right Medicine For Seizures?

I read your question and I understand your concern. The management depends upon the parasite cyst status. If the parasite is dead then the treatment is directed mainly at seizure prevention. Otherwise, if the parasyte is active as you have read steroids and albendazole treatment is used. As for Levetiracetam being the right medicine, there are many drugs for epilepsy out there, some are effective in some patients other more effective in others, it depends also on type of seizure. Levetiracetam seems like a pretty good first choice, both for its wide range of efficacy in many type of seizures as well as for its fewer side effects compared to some other drugs. I hope to have been of help.