Hello,

Here's a brief history.

My daughter, now 14, was diagnosed with photo convulsive seizures when
she was in 3rd grade.  Her eyes would roll upwards and flutter.  It
progressed to where her head and neck would move also.  It could
happen several times a minute with each flutter only a second.   She
was put on depakote and experienced complete control.

After 5 years, neurologist decided to wean her off medication to see
if she had outgrown seizures.  She was given a sleep deprived EEG
(without photic stimulation ?)  Nothing showed up on EEG.  She was
weaned off medication and a month later has a tonic-clonic (grand mal)
seizure.  The seizure occurred in the early morning after a sleepover
while on a computer.

She was put on klonopin.  Seizures were completely controlled.
However, she experienced severe side effects from klonopin (confusion,
depression, inability to think clearly and quickly).  Neurologist
dismissed our concern over side effects and offered to prescribe
anti-depressant.

We sought out new neurologist.  He immediately began weaning her off
klonopin.  Within two weeks her clearness and alertness were evident
to her and us.  She had another tonic-clonic seizure, again while
working on the same computer.

She had EEG 3 days later, nothing showed.  We are continuing to wean
her off klonopin.  She feels so great that she wants to try to see if
avoiding computer monitor (we now have LCD panel) will prevent
seizures.  Neurologist agreed that this was a legitimate option.  If
she begins to feel seizures coming on (she feels eyes begin to "lock"
briefly days before both seizures) or we see return of eye flutters we
will begin medication.

Neuro has suggested keppra, lamactil, topomax.  Daughter did not like
the weigh gain from depakote, but that is an option.

Does anyone have any experiences or insight they could share?

I appreciate any advice you may offer.  Thank you for taking the time
to read this long post.

Bill