I take seizure medication after having brain surgery that removed a malignant tumor. I am suppose to have a?
I am suppoes to have a brain scan every year to see if any of the tumor has recurred. I have decided to not have anymore brain scans for reasons that is too much to explain on this site.
My question is this, because i don’t want anymore brain scans can that cause a doctor to no longer renew my seizure medication prescription. I still would like to get the seizure medication, i’m just wondering if the brain scans is connected to the seizure medication?
No ,the brain scans are like x rays only more vivid. If I wore you I wouldn’t stop the yearly scans because if something shows up then at least the doctors have a very good chance of treating it early. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
yes he can stop the medication refills
Your doctor can stop your medication refills, but I don’t see why he would right away. For what ever reason you decided to cut the yearly scan, you should consider scans every other year. Discuss with your doctor that you would still like to continue the medication. But if you don’t need the medicine, you shouldn’t be taking it. Seizure meds , especially Dilantin, have a boat load of yucky side effects. The brain scans are really essential in detecting if cancer is returning. If your scan appears clear, then the meds might be discontinued. the meds were given to you after surgery because surgery is tramatic and stressful to the body, and the stress from that alone can cause a seizure.
A physician can do what ever they want to do. However, this seems unethical to me. I would however also say that you should be seeing a neurologist in addition to your family physician. The reason for the seizure medication is as follows. Any time there is a chance for increased pressure or a change in the brain, abnormal electrical activity can happen, thus the abnormal electrical activity can result in a seizure. Most patients that have had significant brain injuries or diseases are usually placed on anti seizure meds to prevent seizures from occurring. I understand not wanting to have the scans done yearly, I really do. I too have been a patient for many years, and it gets very old being ill. But, I would think that the seizure meds are considered prophylactic or preventive and should be ordered. Now if you refused to have blood levels done to check for levels of the meds in your system, then I could understand them not writting for more refills as some antiseziure medication levels can become to high and cause you problems. I hope I have helped you. If your Dr. won’t help you, find other one, or get a second opinion and see what they say.
Lisa A is right on with her answer. I will also add that I can understand not having the scans. I had a brain tumor removed 4 years ago and I’ve had 6 MRI’s since then. Luckily after my last one my surgeon told me I can now wait 3 years before the next one. There is always the fear that something will show up on the scan, and there is also the cost. Even with good health insurance, I end up paying for 20% which is still very expensive. For the last 4 years I have always been paying on the previous scan.
Good luck in what ever you decide is best for you.