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Does a seizure disorder = epilepsy?
Sat, 03/29/2008 - 00:15Greetings, all!
Six weeks ago I was diagnosed with "idiopathic seizure disorder." At my follow up appointment today I asked my neuro for my diagonsis and he said the same thing. He doesn't seem to know what kind of seizures I am having. The EEG showed seizure activity in various parts of the brain. The only thing we seem to know for sure is that I am NOT having grand mal seizures.
So, does having a seizure disorder = epilepsy? Is there a magic moment when a seizure disorder converts to epilepsy? I am not eager for a label, but I just would like to know what to call the stuff happening to me. My seizures change and seem to cover both the complex and simple partial seizure arena.
I am currently on Keppra 3000 mg and Dilantin 300 mg a day and I still have seizures. I have started the long process of starting Lamictal and in 8 weeks he will start weaning me off the Dilantin.
Anyone else have a seizure disorder? Any advice to long and slow process of starting and weaning meds. The side effects of my Keppra/Dilantin cocktail is driving me crazy. I can't tell you how excited I am to add another med to the mix. (Can you hear my cyber-voice dripping with sarcasm?)
Any advice or comments welcome. I've been reading everything I can about seizures, but I can't seem to find myself in any article or textbook. If my EEG wasn't abnormal I would think it was all in my head. (pun intended)
Thanks in advance!!
~christy
Comments
Re: Does a seizure disorder = epilepsy?
Submitted by brainpower on Tue, 2010-12-28 - 12:20
Re: Does a seizure disorder = epilepsy?
Submitted by skillefer on Mon, 2009-01-26 - 14:45
Hi mom2su! Yes, ideopathic seizure disorder = epilepsy. :) You're actually one of the fortunate ones, as you actually had some seizure activity during an EEG. :) Not everyone does. Me being a prime example. :) Sounds as though you may have several types of seizures, since you are showing simple and complex. That's probably why you're on more than one med. Now, please realize that it may take a while for you to find a med or combo of meds that work for you. Also, meds only work for about 60-70% of people with epilepsy. In the meantime, you might want to make certain that you are doing the following:
1. Get 7 hours of sleep each night.
2. Eat healthy. (Don't skip meals, eat at least 3 times a day, and try to replace the starchy or sugary foods with healthy whole grain alternatives.)
3. If you drink alot of caffeine, stop. (Seizure meds are designed to slow the brain's activity,and things like coffee or energy drinks are designed to speed them up. The same goes for OTC antihistamines.)
4. Make sure you find healthy ways to deal with stress. (yoga, meditation, exercise, prayer, etc... )
The reason I suggest those 4 lifestyle changes is because they directly relate to the 4 most common triggers for seizures. So good luck, and make sure that you are honest with your doc.
PS=OH! I forgot....If you are of childbearing age, or just entering menopause, you might want to keep track of your time of the month. Some women find that their seizures are triggered by hormone fluctuations.
And, if you haven't had kids yet, make sure you tell your doc whether you ever hope to. That may effect the kind of meds they pick for you.
Hi mom2su! Yes, ideopathic seizure disorder = epilepsy. :) You're actually one of the fortunate ones, as you actually had some seizure activity during an EEG. :) Not everyone does. Me being a prime example. :) Sounds as though you may have several types of seizures, since you are showing simple and complex. That's probably why you're on more than one med. Now, please realize that it may take a while for you to find a med or combo of meds that work for you. Also, meds only work for about 60-70% of people with epilepsy. In the meantime, you might want to make certain that you are doing the following:
1. Get 7 hours of sleep each night.
2. Eat healthy. (Don't skip meals, eat at least 3 times a day, and try to replace the starchy or sugary foods with healthy whole grain alternatives.)
3. If you drink alot of caffeine, stop. (Seizure meds are designed to slow the brain's activity,and things like coffee or energy drinks are designed to speed them up. The same goes for OTC antihistamines.)
4. Make sure you find healthy ways to deal with stress. (yoga, meditation, exercise, prayer, etc... )
The reason I suggest those 4 lifestyle changes is because they directly relate to the 4 most common triggers for seizures. So good luck, and make sure that you are honest with your doc.
PS=OH! I forgot....If you are of childbearing age, or just entering menopause, you might want to keep track of your time of the month. Some women find that their seizures are triggered by hormone fluctuations.
And, if you haven't had kids yet, make sure you tell your doc whether you ever hope to. That may effect the kind of meds they pick for you.
Re: Does a seizure disorder = epilepsy?
Submitted by milica on Thu, 2008-12-11 - 20:19
Yes it does but it not as bad as you would think. And as for your doctor changing your meds and taking you off of Dilatin and putting you on Lamictal I think will be much better for you. I was on Dilatin and it did not help me out at all but now I am on Tegretol, Phenobarbital, and Lamictal and I am doing better now than I ever have. I have been on so many different medications that finally there are 3 that work well for me. I also had 2 brain operations, and I have what they call a Vagus Nerve Implant which has helped me out with the meds I am on more than anything. I hope I have helped somewhat and wish you luck on your seizures.
Yes it does but it not as bad as you would think. And as for your doctor changing your meds and taking you off of Dilatin and putting you on Lamictal I think will be much better for you. I was on Dilatin and it did not help me out at all but now I am on Tegretol, Phenobarbital, and Lamictal and I am doing better now than I ever have. I have been on so many different medications that finally there are 3 that work well for me. I also had 2 brain operations, and I have what they call a Vagus Nerve Implant which has helped me out with the meds I am on more than anything. I hope I have helped somewhat and wish you luck on your seizures.