Just wanted to introduce myself. In 2006 I had a grand mal seizure that lasted approximately 2 minutes. EEG, CT and MRI came back normal. Diagnosed as being sleep deprived/stress related. In May 2012 I had another grand mal seizure that lasted approximately two minutes. Again EEG, CT scan and MRI came back normal. I have been started on Keppra (1000mg twice a day). Since starting the medication I had another grand mal seizure (again lasted two minutes or so). I feel fine about 10 minutes or so afterwards (they freak my wife out as all three of them have been in front of her). Doctor doesn't seem concerned with these, just telling me that sometimes they happen. I am not a fan of that "diagnosis". Can these be caused by eye strain (or eye issues in general)? Just wondering if anyone else out there has non epileptic seizures.
Hello
- Thread starter ekuadam
- Start date
Welcome to the Coping With Epilepsy Forums
Welcome to the Coping With Epilepsy forums - a peer support community for folks dealing (directly or indirectly) with seizure disorders. You can visit the forum page to see the list of forum nodes (categories/rooms) for topics.
Please have a look around and if you like what you see, please consider registering an account and joining the discussions. When you register an account and log in, you may enjoy additional benefits including no ads, access to members only (ie. private) forum nodes and more. Registering an account is free - you have nothing to lose!
nicholas:)
Veteran
- Messages
- 2,514
- Reaction score
- 7
- Points
- 163
Hi! Not all seizures show up on an eeg. Keep a journal and keep making GP appointments and get your GP to referrer you to a neurologist. You may then not get a diagnosis but you may be tried on different meds.
- Messages
- 17,355
- Reaction score
- 756
- Points
- 263
Hi ekuadam, welcome to CWE!
As Nicholas mentions, it's possible to have epileptic seizures without them registering on an EEG. Either way -- epileptic or non-epileptic -- seizures can be triggered by stress and fatigue. Eyestrain could be a trigger, although it's more likely that there are other contributing factors: What you are looking at (such as a computer screen), what the context is (lighting, sounds, activities), and how general health issues (fatigue, hunger, stress, etc.).
You should let the neuro know that the Keppra isn't providing seizure control. Not all anti-seizure meds are equally successful for all folks. It could be the wrong medication/dose, or it could be making things worse.
Best,
Nakamova
As Nicholas mentions, it's possible to have epileptic seizures without them registering on an EEG. Either way -- epileptic or non-epileptic -- seizures can be triggered by stress and fatigue. Eyestrain could be a trigger, although it's more likely that there are other contributing factors: What you are looking at (such as a computer screen), what the context is (lighting, sounds, activities), and how general health issues (fatigue, hunger, stress, etc.).
You should let the neuro know that the Keppra isn't providing seizure control. Not all anti-seizure meds are equally successful for all folks. It could be the wrong medication/dose, or it could be making things worse.
Best,
Nakamova
It was my neurologist who started me on the Keppra. Forgot to mention that all of my seizures have come after being on the computer for an extended period of time (I had auras before each one as well). None of my doctors seem to be overly concerned since i have only had a couple in a 6 year span. I may try to find another neurologist in the future if i am not satisfied after my next appointment.
julie wishes
New
- Messages
- 649
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
Were you specifically told they were non epileptic? Epilepsy is defined as two or more seizures, but after reading so much and listening to other people it seems like the doctors are hesitant to use that definition. Is there any known reason they don't want to " diagnose in this manor ."
It seems to be a known fact that seizures only show up on the EEG if you are lucky to catch one. Is that correct? A more diagnostic tool seems to be the persons description of events, however that becomes heresay and it doesn't seem the docs care much. I wonder if too many doctors run into problems with disability claims or court cases or is there some other reason they seem to be so tight with this diagnosis.
I also noticed the names of types of seizures have changed from when I was in nursing school 15 years ago. It was grand mal and petit mal. Is this an area of medicine that is in constant flux or am I just reading into this whole thing wrong? I guess I'm still shocked at how patients are treated. And story after story seems to be quite similar. Maybe someone should start a new thread about good experiences with their Neurologist/ Epitologist.
Ekuadam, I don't blame you for feeling a little shorted by your Doctors response that these things just happen. Its true, however, it doesn't negate their responsibility to explain in detail what you should expect, what you actually have, and what the prognosis is likely to be. I also think they should give much more detaied information as to how these classes of drugs actually work, what the long term and short term side effects can be, and other options for treatment or other tests you might get.
On one hand, good news your tests are all negative. Other hand, your left in the dark putting the pieces together yourself (like the computer question). We shouldn't be left guessing about our health. That's not proper standard of care. I'm not angry... just noticing a trend and wondering ??? But I am frustrated to see another person here obviously looking for answers that should have been addressed at the MD office.
Are these answers actually just unavailable, and the MDs hands are tied to an antiquated system of passing out medicines because they really don't know how else to help us?
I work in the birth center which is of course the "happy place" in the hospital, but also the place where many women will experience the most pain and fear they will ever feel in their entire lives... but I, nor would any doctor, ever say to one of our patients... "just shut up and take it."
I feel that is the response we are getting from the Neuro docs and I just can't figure out why?
It seems to be a known fact that seizures only show up on the EEG if you are lucky to catch one. Is that correct? A more diagnostic tool seems to be the persons description of events, however that becomes heresay and it doesn't seem the docs care much. I wonder if too many doctors run into problems with disability claims or court cases or is there some other reason they seem to be so tight with this diagnosis.
I also noticed the names of types of seizures have changed from when I was in nursing school 15 years ago. It was grand mal and petit mal. Is this an area of medicine that is in constant flux or am I just reading into this whole thing wrong? I guess I'm still shocked at how patients are treated. And story after story seems to be quite similar. Maybe someone should start a new thread about good experiences with their Neurologist/ Epitologist.
Ekuadam, I don't blame you for feeling a little shorted by your Doctors response that these things just happen. Its true, however, it doesn't negate their responsibility to explain in detail what you should expect, what you actually have, and what the prognosis is likely to be. I also think they should give much more detaied information as to how these classes of drugs actually work, what the long term and short term side effects can be, and other options for treatment or other tests you might get.
On one hand, good news your tests are all negative. Other hand, your left in the dark putting the pieces together yourself (like the computer question). We shouldn't be left guessing about our health. That's not proper standard of care. I'm not angry... just noticing a trend and wondering ??? But I am frustrated to see another person here obviously looking for answers that should have been addressed at the MD office.
Are these answers actually just unavailable, and the MDs hands are tied to an antiquated system of passing out medicines because they really don't know how else to help us?
I work in the birth center which is of course the "happy place" in the hospital, but also the place where many women will experience the most pain and fear they will ever feel in their entire lives... but I, nor would any doctor, ever say to one of our patients... "just shut up and take it."
I feel that is the response we are getting from the Neuro docs and I just can't figure out why?
julie wishes
New
- Messages
- 649
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
:soap: sorry everyone, maybe I should keep this stuff to myself
nicholas:)
Veteran
- Messages
- 2,514
- Reaction score
- 7
- Points
- 163
Sharing is good, Julie - Thank you!