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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
Re: Does a seizure disorder = epilepsy?
Submitted by Tgarr on Wed, 2010-09-08 - 17:15
Maybe. There is so little they really know about the brain and how these drugs work, or what causes them in the first place. I also felt like a Lab Rat, but after 1 year on Lamictal I feel better, however there are a few break throughs which were minor compared to a few grand mals and simple complex variety.
I never lost my licence, but it came close. I live in NJ and the laws are TOUGH. My Doctor filled out the form to DMV before he took my co-pay. I feel I am stable so I sort of leave out every minute detail when I speak to my doctor. Not cool I know, but I am the bread winner and I must drive so I watch my triggers, sleep well, stay hydrated, excercise and all of it.
Like everything, this is a process. I had a PET which confirmed what everyone up to that point felt was so so. I also had one abnormal spike in my EEG, so that was enough for me. Ending up in the hospital was a real terror, so I would have to say anything more then two or so seizures indicated epilepsey. If you have two the chances are overwhelming you will have more. Trust me.
Whatever it's called just make sure you try to control it and be careful.
Maybe. There is so little they really know about the brain and how these drugs work, or what causes them in the first place. I also felt like a Lab Rat, but after 1 year on Lamictal I feel better, however there are a few break throughs which were minor compared to a few grand mals and simple complex variety.
I never lost my licence, but it came close. I live in NJ and the laws are TOUGH. My Doctor filled out the form to DMV before he took my co-pay. I feel I am stable so I sort of leave out every minute detail when I speak to my doctor. Not cool I know, but I am the bread winner and I must drive so I watch my triggers, sleep well, stay hydrated, excercise and all of it.
Like everything, this is a process. I had a PET which confirmed what everyone up to that point felt was so so. I also had one abnormal spike in my EEG, so that was enough for me. Ending up in the hospital was a real terror, so I would have to say anything more then two or so seizures indicated epilepsey. If you have two the chances are overwhelming you will have more. Trust me.
Whatever it's called just make sure you try to control it and be careful.