Terminology?

[SunshineArtist]

Hi all,
I was looking at the E Glossary and I was wondering, my doc says I'm having Complex Partials but according to the glossary and family members, I always have clonic activity. My daughter explained it to the doctor but got no response. My question is, do we determine what kind of seizures we have, or the doctor?
Also, since starting the gabapentin, my seizures seem to be less 'violent' but last much longer. Daughter said I zoned out but my eyes were looking around and my arm twitched and head jerked for over an hour. Is that "normal"?
Thanks for your help!
Sunshine

 

[epileric]

Clonic activity is often part of a complex partial seizure. I have complex partials where my head is pulled to the side & it sort of rocks back & forth (so I'm told).

 

[Nakamova]

It can be confusing since seizure disorders are classified not only by the particular symptoms, but where they originate in the brain, if they escalate, how they escalate, how long they last... And the categories can overlap. Migraine auras, absences, simple partials, and complex partials can all have things in common, and tonic clonics can start as any of the others before progressing...

Depending on how long you've been on the gabapentin, your body may still be adjusting. It can take few months to stabilize. If you've been on the gabapentin longer than that (or even if you haven't), take detailed notes about your seizures and contact your doctor with any questions.

 

[Crystal11]

When I went to the neuro, I told them about a new type seizure that started up after I was messing up on the dosages. They are Atonic seizures or drop attacks which causes me to fall down or half way down and forward as if I got tazed. It is extremely scary and it can happen out of no where with no warning. Even though I complained about this happening, and it is consistant with this type of seizure, I was never told "You are having Atonic seizures and here is what we are going to do." I assume that its documented in my file and if it they happen more, i will just mention it again. They increased my meds after being told about this new type of events.
My seizures are doing much better now that I'm on Lamictal with Keppra XR. I told them that I'm getting myself off of Tegretol XR since it doesn't seem to be helping anymore. So they wanted me to remain on it and I just didn't want to be on three meds!
So I wasn't told that I have Atonics, probably because it due to lack of meds- they started before my stubborn self would change my meds, which I got in trouble for. hehe
But they still happen from time to time even though I was on three meds. So I guess its documented but not really spoken since its not really a huge problem compared to my complex partials. If I were real worried, I would ask for an EEG with meds reduced.

Anyway- the neuros don't want to constantely give our diagnosis all the time- it brings stress to the patients. and I think they def. want to confirm things first before telling you anything.
That is what I'm guessing.

Hope all is well soon
Take care
Crystal and Umbro

 

[SunshineArtist]

Ahhh, now things are starting to make sense. I think it's time to go buy a few books and get better educated on this.
Been taking the gabapentin for only a week, maybe two...and truth be told, I'm not being consistant. Lol, when I have a good day, I think I dont need it. This is still all so surreal for me and Im having a rough time accepting it.
Note to self...book, E diary and keep taking the doggone meds lol
Thank you again, for helping me thru crisis #2
Blessings...
Sunshine

 

[Nakamova]

Very important to take the meds consistently! They are powerful, and your body needs to adjust to their presence. If you go off of the meds abruptly, that can trigger a seizure too.