Confused about my neurologist's letter

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joeyrory

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So basically, I got a referral for a routine EEG but didn't respond within the limited time they give you (got the letter late). So I rang to see if I could arrange another one and they told me they had a cancellation and I could have it done THAT AFTERNOON. I live across from the hospital so went and had it and my MRI the next day (prebooked).

Anyway, my neuro wasnt informed straight away and copied me in to a referral letter. In it he stated 'I suspect a new diagnosis of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy but it of course could be idiopathic generalised epilepsy due to his age'. (I'm 22 next month)

Confused, he never mentioned generalised epilepsy before and he confirmed I was having complex partials from a video. These do tend to generalise recently but I didn't think SPS or CPS were part of anything but a focal epilepsy?

Not got MRI or EEG results yet
 
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I agree, his diagnosis doesn't make sense. "Idiopathic generalized epilepsy" is used to refers to epilepsy syndromes that are likely to have a genetic component, including primary generalized seizures, i.e. ones that go straight to tonic-clonics without any focal preliminaries.

If you've been having partials first, then the more appropriate diagnosis would be "focal epilepsy with secondary generalization." Sounds like your neuro may need a refresher course. Can you call him to make sure you guys are on the same page?
 
I've never had a TC (that I know of) that wasn't immediately preceded by a partial seizure.

I may wait till my next appointment and take my dad (dr) with me and if we're not happy he's on the ball we might ask to see an epileptologist instead
thanks :)
 
I may wait till my next appointment and take my dad (dr) with me and if we're not happy he's on the ball we might ask to see an epileptologist instead
thanks :)

IMO, seeing an epileptologist would be the best for you. They know much more about epilepsy than the regular neurologist.
 
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