Mary,

Tumors are ranked on a numeric scale based on factors that determine how
aggressive they are.  Lowest grade tumor (1) most closely resemble normal
brain cells and tend to grow very slowy (some are over 20 years old before
first detection).  By comparison highest grade tumor (4) is significantly
altered from normal cells, grows aggressively, and has a high tendency to
matastisize to other areas of the brain.  Patients with this form of tumor
often die within the first year

Low grade tumors tend to work between the folds of the brain interwining
themselves with healthy tissue such that the two can not be separated.
Because of my tumor's size and location (centered in speach and
communication area) it can not be surgically removed without creating an
unacceptible deficit.

Right now I am taking Zonegran 400mg.  I feel it works well for partial
seizures, but it has serious side effects.  The two that have really
affected me are sleepiness and the worst is back pain.  About five days
ago I dropped the dosage to 200 mg. (don't recommend for anyone to do. I
had grandmal 27 years ago, and no other seizures, but occasionally the EEG
is abnormal). My tumor was a Cystic Astrocytoma II. Have you had
radiation?

Hi Phil,

My tumor is centered in my left temporal lobe mearuring around 6x4x4cm in
dimension.  First symptom was grand mal last July.  They put me on Dilantin
which addressed the big seizures but I'd still have partial seizures (ones
lasting 3-5 minutes in duration) a couple times per week that would follow
periods of prolonged exercise.  When they started me on Keppra at 1000mg/day
three months ago it was instant relief.  I didn't have any aura or seizures
for the firt two weeks.  Life was great.  Then I started to experience
anxiousness and irritability prior to my next Keppra dose.  Slowly the
anxiousness and irritablity went away over the period of a couple months.
My seizures short of the first grand mal have never led to unconciousness or
significant loss of muscle control but rather severe tingle/burning
sensation down right side accompanied by numbness in one or more areas of
the right side of body.  My understanding is not everyone responds to Keppra
in such a positive manner as I did but since we have similar underlying
catalyst you might want to discuss this drug with your Neuro.  Best of luck.

-Bill

PS:  Since I'm taking 500mg of Dilantin should you decide to try Keppra you
might want to start at 500 or 750mg/day.  As the side affects  from this
drug rise quickly with dose level doubt you'd want to experiment with
anything over 1000mg/day