Phenytoin -> Valproic Acid -> Anything Better?

[gl556tr]

Suffering long-term epilepsy, I have received 'steadily-improved' medicines, the current one being Valproic acid - this replacing Phenytoin. The past 5/6 years have seen my having difficulty with fine hand-work, screwing on a camera-lens, for instance. This has been accompanied by a sense of slight imbalance. I have highlighted these concerns to my neurologist, who initially shrugged his shoulders: "My epilepsy is well-controlled."

Asking whether there was *something* that could ease my problems as described above, my N. told me that there would be no improvement, as Valproic acid irreparably damages my brain cells. Pressing further, he agreed with me that there are a variety of more modern medicines. (Then, to a specialist clinic to 'fit' a suitable magic med!) But which are available - can anybody please advise. Thank you.

[Sqad]

\\\Pressing further, he agreed with me that there are a variety of more modern medicines\\

and he is correct.

There are so many now that probably would be individually matched, but there is little point in naming them.....someone will come along and give you a link to the appropriate website...........

[Sqad]

http://pmj.bmj.com/content/80/948/581.full

There we go....a bit of bedtime reading. The newer drugs will not necessarily improve your epilepsy but they have fewer side effects.

[gl556tr]

Thank you, Sqad, for the link. It is very interesting - and detailed, hence my not answering earlier! Apart from the problem of side-effects, it is particularly galling that my neurologist did not point out to me that there were more modern (and better?) drugs available. Whether that is a reflection of his professionalism...?