why does the epilepsy medication "neurontin" work if i may not have partial epilepsy?

[tara]

why does the epilepsy medication "neurontin" work if i may not have partial epilepsy?

hi.
I was put on this medication months ago for servere headaches,they really helped the headaches and cut down on the strange black outs/sezuire I have been having
Now my doctor says I may have Dissociation sezuires.
I really don't understand how the medication has helped.???

 

[Nakamova]

Many of the brain meds do double duty -- lamictal is also prescribed for bipolar disorder, topomax for migraines, dilantin for nerve pain, etc. Some docs prescribe neurontin for anxiety in folks with bipolar disorder, so perhaps that's why your doc thinks it's helping you? Or maybe he thinks it's the placebo effect?

The best way to figure out your doctor's reasoning is to ask him directly: Does he think you are having "non-epileptic" seizures. If so, why? Does he have a lot experience in diagnosing partial seizures? Is he aware that a negative EEG doesn't rule out an epilepsy diagnosis? Can he explain why he thinks the neurontin has helped reduce your symptoms?

If your doctor isn't able to communicate properly with you, and/or if you don't feel confident in his diagnosis, it can be worth it to get a second opinion, ideally with someone who has a lot of experience with epilepsy.

 

[Cint]

As Nakamova said, Neurontin has a double duty, it is used for seizures and it is used for Bipolar disorder, too. I was on it years ago for seizures, but it didn't help me any in that regard. I also get migraines and my neuro always put me on something like Imitrex for the headaches. I've suffered from severe depression and was seeing a neuropsychiatrist who specialized in epilepsy and the effects it has on one's mind/brain at an epilepsy clinic. Therefore, like Nak, said, if you aren't getting any answers, it is time get a 2nd opinion with someone who is experienced in the field of epilepsy. Not just any dr.