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- Epilepsy and the Workplace - Amanda's Story
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- Coping with Difficult to Treat Epilepsy - Martha's Story
- An Active Senior With Epilepsy - Dessa's Story
- Living A Life With Epilepsy - Mark's Story
| Name: | Martha |
| Hometown: | Elloree, SC |
| Age: | 23 |
| Diagnosed: | Age 3 |
| Current Treatment: | Zonegran® (zonisamide) capsules; adjunctive therapy for partial seizures |
| Physician: | Dr. Kevan VanLandingham, Duke University Medical Center To read more about Martha’s physician, click here. |
COPING WITH DIFFICULT TO TREAT EPILEPSY - MARTHA'S STORY
For most of her life, Martha’s idea of a good day was one in which she had only 20 seizures. Until a couple of years ago, Martha was unable to do many things that most people take for granted, such as using a restroom or shopping, without help from her family. Epilepsy, and its treatment, were especially difficult and disruptive in her teenage years. Martha often fell at school and visited the school nurse daily. She feels she “missed out on teenage life.”
Diagnosed at age 3, Martha has lived with epilepsy, requiring constant supervision with every aspect of her life. She has seen a number of specialists and tried various medications, and even surgery. However, none of her treatments helped control her seizures, and some medications caused side effects, such as memory loss, weight gain and depression.
Martha started seeing Dr. VanLandingham at Duke University Medical Center in 2000. After assessing her condition and history, Dr. VanLandingham suggested an implantable nerve stimulator. But before moving forward with this complex procedure, Dr. VanLandingham decided to try one more medication and prescribed Zonegran®, and the results have helped Martha live life with epilepsy.
Since adding Zonegran to her treatment regimen, Martha has experienced only two seizures in a year, and her day-to-day life has improved. She has lost some of the weight she previously gained and she is doing things she has never before been able to do.
“I needed the help of my family to do almost everything,” said Martha about her life prior to taking Zonegran. “Now I enjoy cooking for my mom, and my next goal is to learn how to drive.”
Martha’s story speaks to several of the challenges many people with epilepsy must overcome, and Dr. VanLandingham shares in her success. “It is important that patients work with their doctors to find a treatment regimen that is right for them and addresses their individual needs, such as reducing seizures and side effects. The improvement in Martha has been life changing for her and her family,” he said.
Click here to view or download full ZONEGRAN prescribing and safety information