Types of seizures

[Littlemama]

September of last year before I started on anti-epileptic drugs, or even knew my seizures were seizures, my EEG showed 5 different types of seizures. Since then I have been put on depakote and my seizures have constantly changed through the months. Is this normal, or common? Has this happened to anyone? And how do I learn the names of each seizure? I seem to have tons of different kinds but maybe several seizures can have the same name. And even the warning signs change. Are my seizures just changing with time or do they just present different as I slowly gain control? Sorry for so many questions but I am so confused.

[Dutch mom]

Hello Littlemama,

Many E. patients experience several types of seizures, the seizure types and pattern can change.

These might help you to recognize different types of seiuzures.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frWcJJkXQFM

http://www.neurologychannel.com/epilepsy/symptoms.shtml

http://www.animatingapothecary.com/dh8.htm

http://www.ilae-epilepsy.org/Visitor...tfoverview.cfm

[Melpier]

I have had seizures since I was for and Think I have probably had every if not most types. The best way I have found to get more info on them is to pick up every pamphlet you see while you are at the doctor's office. I am always trying to find out more.

[Bernard]

... and my seizures have constantly changed through the months. Is this normal, or common? Has this happened to anyone?

Yes, it's fairly common for people to start experiencing different types of seizures when changing therapies IMO. My wife has experienced multiple changes in seizure type, frequency, severity and pattern (ie. time of occurrance - night time only, while falling asleep, while waking, within 2 hours of waking, etc.) over the years in response to changes in her treatment regimen.

... And how do I learn the names of each seizure?

http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/an...eizures/types/

http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/types_seizures

[RobinN]

Did you know that they did a study on children with celiac disease and they had abnormal brain activity. Celiac disease is gluten intolerance. I am sure there have not been any studies of those with gluten sensitivity, but I would bet that many that are sensitive have abnormal EEGs as well.
You may say, "I'm not a child", but what happens to those that go undiagnosed for long periods of time. I wonder if those are the alzheimer patients, or chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, parkinsons, seizure patients...etc

In this study 90 EEGs were performed on 58 celiac children. Researchers concluded that abnormal brain waves resulted from the ingestion of gluten by celiac children. They also concluded that a gluten challenge should not be given before a child reaches the age of 6 years old, and the challenge should not last longer than 5 months. The researchers main concern seems to be the risk of permanent brain damage that they believe could be caused in a celiac child who eats gluten for a prolonged period of time.

http://www.celiac.com/articles/143/1...any/Page1.html

[Littlemama]

Thanks for everyones reply and for the links. I am finding them to be very helpful. It all makes sense. And about the celiacs, I was tested and am not allergic but my allergist thinks I am sensitive to it. So what kind of affect can a sensitivity to gluten have on the brain as apposed to allergy?

[RobinN]

The Gluten Docs & Seizures-Good News!
Epi Improved w\gfdiet-md report
Migraines, Seizures & Gluten Sensitivity
Epilepsy: An Autoimmune Disease?
EPI Cured With GFDiet-Med Report
Gut-Brain Connections
Allergy testing
Hi Everyone. I hope I can be of some help.

Just a few to keep you busy.