Diagnosis of epilepsy

[walsh]

I want a diagnosis that I don't have epilepsy. I've only had about 5 seizures and they've been all at night. I've been of meds for a while and haven't had any problems. Do you think there will be a problem getting a neurologist to say I'm free of the disease?

[epileric]

That depends on the neurologist, the laws of the state/province you're in and how long it's been since you've had a seizure
.

[RobinN]

I think it depends on how long you have "not had any problems"

Sure wish I didn't have any problems

Why not make sure your nutritional choices are excellent and you might be raising your seizure threshold to get that label torn off your forehead.

I have wondered recently too... if you find out what is causing the seizures and clear that up, not on meds.. .does that cause the label to be put in the trash?

[LivingFruity]

I have wondered recently too... if you find out what is causing the seizures and clear that up, not on meds.. .does that cause the label to be put in the trash?

I think we should be able to kick the label to the curb if we can identify the cause and correct the problem at it's source without meds.

It doesn't matter what label the world gives you. You get to decide how to live your life. A label does not have to define you.

[Bernard]

Stopping drugs when seizures have been controlled for years

[skillefer]

I'm afraid you might have some problems Walsh. As Eric said, it depends on where you live.

[Junebug]

I would have seizures only at night too and wasn't able to get a license till I was 22. I had test after test and had this same seizure pattern for over 5 yrs. My neurologist said that as long as I am having seizures then I couldn't drive.
Each neurologist is different and most states only require you to go 6mos w/o a seizure or only at night. It is up to your neurologist, and yourself as well, to decide whether or not you are safe enough to drive.

[dfwtexas]

Techinically, epilepsy means you have had 2 or more seizures in your life. By definition alone, we all have and always will have epilepsy. I do think we try to live life without a label. Are you concerned as it relates to driving?

[walsh]

I think we should be able to kick the label to the curb if we can identify the cause and correct the problem at it's source without meds.

It doesn't matter what label the world gives you. You get to decide how to live your life. A label does not have to define you.

That's true most of the time. Unfortunately it does in my situation. The job and career I really want to do doesn't let in epileptics. I'd be interested to know when does a diagnosis of "having seizures" turn into one of "having epilepsy". People officially without epilepsy can have seizures caused by lots of things, stress, medication, alcohol.

[dfwtexas]

What type of career are you interested in? There are a lot of people on here with a lot of different kinds of jobs. My employer does not know about my seizure disorder, none of their business as far as I am concerned. Has someone told you they would not hire you because of epilespy?

[walsh]

Well, apparently the military doesn't recruit epileptics. I certainly wouldn't call myself that, or even someone who has epilepsy.

[dfwtexas]

How ironic, or just plain stupid, the goverment says no one can be discriminated against, oh, by the way, doesn't apply to us.

[skillefer]

Actually, I understand the military not taking epileptics. Would you want to be in the military and have the other person going out on patrol, carrying a firearm, stressed because of the situation, possibly have a seizure??

[walsh]

Yes, I'm sure I would, but I won't be a soldier or going near weapons. Even so, If I wanted to avoid danger, i'd have to stay inside for the rest of my life. Should I avoid writing because I might stab someone with a pen during a seizure?

[RobinN]

Does Chief Justice Roberts drive?
Guess he probably has a driver. Do they say he has epilepsy?

[RobinN]

Should I avoid writing because I might stab someone with a pen during a seizure?

No.. but you better get a doctors note to be able to hold that pen.

[Bernard]

You forgot a smilie to indicate sarcasm Robin.

[dfwtexas]

My father was civilian in military.....you would be surprised how many jobs in military do NOT involve carry a gun or being on frontline. I think the government should not do a blanket "no one with seizures", there are lots of jobs in military that should take you into consideration for it.

[RobinN]

[dfwtexas]

Another example of the oximoron "military intelligence"