New here...need some input :-)

[stilltired]

Hi all,

I was going to post this on the Epilepsy forum, but I decided against it since I do not have epilepsy. I recently underwent a week long stay for video EEG at a University Hospital.

The Epilepsy specialist saw me at the end and told me that they had found some mild non-epileptiform abnormalities over a few days of my stay and they also noticed a few cases of mild epileptiform abnormalities. He told me they occured when I sleep and then sometimes when I was awake. He sent his notes to my Neurologist stating abnormalities were found, but none with seizure activity, so Epilepsy can be ruled out. My neurologist wants to see me in 6 months, but I'd like to get to the bottom of the abnormalities found.

Do all people have some form of abnormalities show up. I had some on I think on 3 days out of the 7. I'm just curious if they are acting unconcerned because this is just a common occurance or for another reason. Any input from past experience is appreciated!

Thanks.

 

[epileric]

Welcome stilltired

I definitely like your name. It describes how I normally feel all too well.

Regarding abnormalities.... many people here have no visible neurological abnormalities, sometimes it even takes a long time to convince the medical community that they have seizures as happened with me.

As well, many people without seizures can have epileptiform or epileptic-like abnormalities but still not have seizures like you do.

Whether you have seizures or not you're still welcome here so make yourself at home & check the place out.

 

[Nakamova]

Hi stilltired,

As Eric says, EEGs aren't always definitive because of the false positives and negatives that are generated. And often the data is open to differing interpretations.

There are so many variables that need to be taken into account with EEGs -- where and when particular waveforms occur, the frequencies, the background surrounding them, whether the patient is awake or asleep. People without epilepsy or any other other neurological problems can have abnormal EEGs. People with epilepsy can have normal EEGs.

The non-epileptiform abnormalities could be nothing. They could be caused by a technical glitch, a migraine, low blood sugar, a structural lesion, etc.

The epileptiform abnormalities could likewise be nothing. They could also be caused by a glitch. And certain physiological activities can be confused with epileptiform activities, mostly related to certain stages of sleep, or transitions between stages.

If there isn't any clinical evidence -- i.e. actual seizure-like symptoms -- that's another reason to not stress out too much about the EEG results. If you do think something odd is going on neurologically, consider keeping a journal so that when you see your neurologist in 6 months you have a record of any potential episodes.

Best,
Nakamova