Question about my diagnosis

[Stephanie86]

I have a copy of my medical records and I was looking over them today. As I've said before, my neurologist doesn't answer my questions very well and doesn't give me much of his time, so I've never found out exactly what kind of seizures I have. I can't go to another neurologist before I have state insurance and he's the best one around here. This doctor has a reputation of knowing what he's doing, but he's just not very personable.

He's always said I have "secondary generalized", however, I've never lost consciousness. I just get a weird feeling in my head and I have to sit down and it's hard for me to process what anyone is saying. Afterward, I'm very tired and have to lay down.

Anyway, on my records, it says "EEG appears to have sharp and high voltage activity, which would show that it is caused by both hemispheres. She has complex partial seizures."

What does this mean?

[dfwtexas]

Well, I can tell you have complex partials...I don't lose consicousness, but I have no idea what happens during my seizures.
I always take a list of my questions and we discuss everything on my list.

[Nakamova]

It sounds like your neurologist is confused. Secondary generalization refers to when a partial seizure spreads within the brain. Generalized seizures are divided according to their effect on the body, but ALL involve loss of consciousness. Since you aren't experiencing any loss of consciousness, it seems unlikely that you are having generalized seizures.

[Nakamova]

During a complex partial seizure the EEG pattern is typically fast, sharp waves continually alternating with slow activity, with each side of the brain cycling independently. During the post-seizure phase the EEG shows a slower pattern with the occasional spike on one side of the brain or the other. Based on the description in your records, you probably had a complex partial seizure that was recorded on the EEG.

[Stephanie86]

Thank you both. I'm going for another EEG on Tuesday so I will jot down some questions to ask.

[Stephanie86]

Nakamova, your idea that I had a complex partial during the EEG makes complete sense. Hmmm... I kind of hope I'm still having seizures during this EEG so I can get some questions answered.

[Cint]

Stephanie,

I do have complex partial seizures along with secondary generalized seizures. My generalized seizures are tonic clonic. Sometimes I only have a complex partial and sometimes they go into a generalized tonic clonic seizure, but not always. I do loose consciousness during a generalized seizure and don't remember a thing during a complex partial- just a dreamlike stare for maybe a minute.
After a generalized seizure, it may take hours to recuperate, depending on if I fall or how long it lasts.

[Stephanie86]

Cint, thanks for your description. I definitely don't lose consciousness... I'm going to try to get a "real" answer out of of my neurologist when I go on Tuesday. I'm so sorry to hear that you have tonic clonic's.