mri epilepsy protocol worth it?

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wants2know

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I'm set to have another sleep deprived eeg and epilepsy protocol MRI. I'm a little anxious about it all because the first eeg was normal. I'm on keppra 1000mg. I know it's normal to have normal eegs even when you have seizures regularly. But this is all costing a lot of money. Is it worth it? What are your experiences?
 
I know exactly how you feel. It hurts the wallet big time but in the long run, it's definitely worth it.

I've had five EEG's in the past year because of all the activity I have had. Two of them came back perfectly normal, two showed a small bit of activity, and one captured some interesting results. My current neurologist was never able to catch the proverbial white whale, but these test results have helped me make the decision to get a second opinion.

Keep us informed on how everything turns out!!!
 
wants2know said:
I'm set to have another sleep deprived eeg and epilepsy protocol MRI. I'm a little anxious about it all because the first eeg was normal. I'm on keppra 1000mg. I know it's normal to have normal eegs even when you have seizures regularly. But this is all costing a lot of money. Is it worth it? What are your experiences?
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It's worth it like skyfire said because at least your finding out one way or another how your brain activity is.

I had a sleep deprived EEG not long back and here's me thinking I was asleep..instead I was in a partial seizure but they've now stated to do no more as they know the status of my brain activity and mines always going while asleep with an EEG not while i'm awake.

MRI's are good also...they do one yearly on me to check for any fractures to the skull, the only thing that puts me off is a dreadful sickness feeling while under them besides the strapping of my face to make sure i'm secure.

Try not to worry to much and I know the cost is a lot but it will be worth it in the end. :hugs:
 
Yeah, it always boils down to the bottom line, MONEY. For me the answer would be a hell yes, since i have good insurance to cover it. But to someone that doesn't, it might be questionable. The way i look at it, the more data the better. Plus they could compare these tests to the ones you had before.

:piano: :pop:
 
My husband and I are both self employed so the insurance is fair at best (obamacare). My copay for the Neuro is $140! I haven't even asked what the out of pocket cost for the MRI will be because I frankly don't want to care if it's something I really need. I didn't even have insurance with the first seizure. Anyone care to know what a cat scan costs out of pocket? Lol. I will just pay what I can when I can...for the rest of eternity. I don't really feel it's something I can NOT do, as I really value my Neuro and feel like she hasn't been over the top about tests this far. I did put off a sleep study though that my primary wanted. There's only so much time and so much money to go around, and it's not like I'm poor either. Just not rich ENOUGH. Ha. I'm hoping they find something to give guidance in this. Strange to HOPE they see something wrong. But it's taking a toll on my whole household with the worry about me. My husband is up most nights checking to see if I'm breathing... he's terrified. What a nightmare.
 
wants2know said:
My husband and I are both self employed so the insurance is fair at best (obamacare). My copay for the Neuro is $140! I haven't even asked what the out of pocket cost for the MRI will be because I frankly don't want to care if it's something I really need. I didn't even have insurance with the first seizure. Anyone care to know what a cat scan costs out of pocket? Lol. I will just pay what I can when I can...for the rest of eternity. I don't really feel it's something I can NOT do, as I really value my Neuro and feel like she hasn't been over the top about tests this far. I did put off a sleep study though that my primary wanted. There's only so much time and so much money to go around, and it's not like I'm poor either. Just not rich ENOUGH. Ha. I'm hoping they find something to give guidance in this. Strange to HOPE they see something wrong. But it's taking a toll on my whole household with the worry about me. My husband is up most nights checking to see if I'm breathing... he's terrified. What a nightmare.
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wants2know hopefully these tests will show something because they are costly, it's like my chemo med methotrexate I have weekly it's expensive and in the states it's $2000 a shot either by infusion, jab or meds plus I've had it stated to me by the sister in the rheumo department.

I can understand your hubby worrying mine did 13yrs ago when he met me but it's all took in his stride now, as he's seen so much and knows when I need an ambulance fetching but there again i'm registered on the danger list regarding the ambulance service through my temporal lobe seizures and autism....so when they come they have a choice either attend me or leave me.
 
Well, did both tests today. Never again will I do them on the same day. I was soo tired from the sleep deprivation and I kept falling asleep in the mri which I was glad for, but the tech wasn't. Apparently I was twitching or something. But hopefully they got what was needed. The eeg tech wouldn't tell me anything. Said I had to wait for the doctor to call me in 5 to 10 days. I suppose if I don't hear anything before that it means there's nothing to report.
 
wants2know said:
Well, did both tests today. Never again will I do them on the same day. I was soo tired from the sleep deprivation and I kept falling asleep in the mri which I was glad for, but the tech wasn't. Apparently I was twitching or something. But hopefully they got what was needed. The eeg tech wouldn't tell me anything. Said I had to wait for the doctor to call me in 5 to 10 days. I suppose if I don't hear anything before that it means there's nothing to report.
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Hi wants2know,

Thanks for letting we know how things went and at least the tests are out the road for the time being...mind you I wouldn't fancy having am MRI after sleep deprivation, here in the UK they never tell you nothing of any results unless it comes from the specialist or GP...something might show from your twitching.

Come next month I've got a dermo appointment besides rheumo dropping on the same day...it does your head in :bigmouth:
 
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