New to epilepsy!!

[what2do2010]

Hello,
Here is our story - my husband has been initially diagnosed with a complex partial seizure disorder. His most recent episode occurred about a week ago. Before that it was a about a year and before the time span was about 8 years. They have all presented the same way with the same outcome. However, this is the first time a Neurologist has said "seizure disorder." Each episode has woken my husband from his sleep and he has been laying down or in a reclined position. He is nauseated and extremely hot. Within a minute he is rigid, stiff, arching his neck, his head is back, eyes are rolled back, and they last about 30 seconds. When he comes around he is not "confused" but he is exhausted and goes to sleep very quickly. Has anyone experienced this type of seizure - wakes you from your sleep. Prior to these episodes he feels normal and has not done anything out of the ordinary during the day/days prior. We are getting a second opinion - any advice from anyone would be greatly appreciated!

[Nakamova]

Hi what2do2010, welcome to CWE!

Usually a diagnosis of seizure disorder is only made after more than one seizure has occurred, so that's why your husband has just received the diagnosis now. What you describe does sound like complex partials, both in the description of the symptoms and in the fatigue your husband experiences afterwards.

Can you identify any triggers for the seizures? It can be tough since they have only happened a few times, but it's worth noting everything you can think of. A number of things can be triggers -- everything from fatigue, to low blood sugar, to dehydration and hot weather. Some people are triggered by flashing lights, others by MSG/aspartame, others by hormones or exercise. If you can find the trigger(s) -- physical, physiological, and/or emotional -- that can be a big help towards avoiding any future seizures.

It's possible that your neurologist (either the first one or the second) will want to prescribe medication, if they haven't already. I recommend that you write down any and all questions before you see the doc for the second opinion, including questions about treatment options.

And keep us posted! The members here at CWE are a great source of feedback and support, so I hope you feel free to post questions as they arise.

Best,
Nakamova

[PhylisFeinerJohnson]

If you haven't yet found a neurologist this link may help you... A Comprehensive List of GOOD Neurologists...Epileptologists...Neurosurgeons...a nd Pediatric Doctors Comprehensive list of GOOD Neurologists…Epileptologists…Neurosurgeons…and Pediatric D

And this will explain some of your diagnostic testing options: http://epilepsytalk.com/2010/03/31/b...-for-epilepsy/

And here are some suggestions for how to make the most out of your doctor visit: http://epilepsytalk.com/2010/06/13/t...m-your-doctor/

Good luck!

[PhylisFeinerJohnson]

I didn't mean to sound so dismissive. Welcome to C-W-E! You've picked the right place. You'll find a lot of smart, warm, kind, caring people here with lots of experience and resources. So please, make yourself at home...and relax. Ask any questions...I'm sure someone (like Nakamova) will have an answer.