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Anyone heard of epileptiform discharge without physical seizures?

Tue, 01/22/2013 - 21:13
My son 14 had an eeg done and it was abnormal showing epileptiform discharge.His doctor diagnosed him with epileptsy but he has never had a seizure.He does have learning problems and personality disorders they want him to see a pediatric neurologist has anyone heard of this???any info is appreciated.

Comments

Re: Anyone heard of epileptiform discharge without physical szs?

Submitted by lgro002 on Wed, 2013-01-23 - 13:09
I have never seen a case of this, but I could understand from the way epilepsy forms how it could be possible. My understanding is that one of the main factors of epilepsy diagnosis is the presence of epileptiform discharges in the EEG (however another main factor is the occurrence of at least 2 seizures...). It's possible that he has had a seizure that no one knows about (perhaps in his sleep), or that he could have one in the future. However a huge problem in epilepsy right now is that the epileptiform discharges are not well understood, it has been thought they could be there to prevent seizures. Some research has shown that these discharges can effect brain function. So if these discharges are occurring in the same region as perhaps memory, they could be the cause of his learning problems. Effective epilepsy medications tend to decrease these discharges. I obviously don't know if the doctor's plan is to put your son on meds, but seeing a pediatric neurologist certainly can't hurt. Best of luck!

Re: Anyone heard of epileptiform discharge without physical szs?

Submitted by mamapinson on Wed, 2013-01-23 - 15:42
I cant find anything on the discharges.This is so sad.He is in the 9th grade and tested on a 5th grade level.Is surgery an option for discharges?I cant believe this might be the answer to all of his problems.Will he ever be able to drive?We have never seen any kind of seizure activity they say the discharges are at night and his brain isnt resting and he sleeps all the time.If they put him on meds will it make him sleepier?They also happen when hes drowsy.I am having school problems because hes in 9th grade and on a 5th grade level.tHANKS

Re: Anyone heard of epileptiform discharge without physical szs?

Submitted by jfox86 on Wed, 2013-01-23 - 16:02
hello, i wonder what kind of epilepsy was your son diagnosed with? i was diagnosed with JME at age 14 after having a grand mal seizure, but they tell me i was always epileptic. i had never had any seizure issues until then though. as far as the eeg goes, anyone who is epileptic will have an abnormal reading even if they aren't having seizures, the brain waves are still abnormal. most meds do make you sleepier, but he will adjust and hopefully be able to get a full nights sleep, b/c sleep deprivation is definitely a sezure trigger! Best Wishes and God Bless!

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