Community Forum Archive
The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
Anyone heard of epileptiform discharge without physical seizures?
Tue, 01/22/2013 - 21:13Topic: Living With Epilepsy - Youth
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 Thu, 2013-01-24 - 08:04
Try looking up interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) or interictal spikes. They not necessarily the cause for his learning disability, I've just seen some research about a correlation. If he is not having seizures he will be legally allowed to drive, and will also most likely not be surgical candidate. My understanding is that at this point in time surgery is kind of the end of the road option for people who don't respond well (or at all) to meds and have frequent enough seizure to disrupt their life. It is likely that meds will make him sleepier, but could also be useful. Definitely ask the pediatric neurologist all of those questions when your son sees him/her.
Re: Anyone heard of epileptiform discharge without physical szs?
Submitted by mmepps on Thu, 2013-01-24 - 09:16
For 5 years I had what I thought were panic attacks, but it turned out to be epilepsy. I showed no outward signs of epilepsy though. I was finally diagnosed after having a grand mal, but the diagnosis only came after that qualified me for a portable 72-hour EEG. When I had a 'panic' episode I would push the button. My neurologist didn't even believe it was seizures from the reading - made the lab send it down so he could read it again himself.
I am medicated but still have the panic feelings occasionally - most often when there is a change in the weather and a low pressure front moves into the area. When I do have those I get tired and sometimes, but no one else would know if I don't tell them. I'll have problems recalling words and have to kind of talk around it to get to my point.
One other thing - if no one has told you stay away from the main ingredient in Benadryl. That is a major seizure trigger for me even though I had taken it my entire life. Diphyenahrdramine. Read all of the labels before you give your son any cold medicine.
Re: Anyone heard of epileptiform discharge without physical szs?
Submitted by lgro002 on Thu, 2013-01-24 - 08:03
Try looking up interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) or interictal spikes. They not necessarily the cause for his learning disability, I've just seen some research about a correlation. If he is not having seizures he will be legally allowed to drive, and will also most likely not be surgical candidate. My understanding is that at this point in time surgery is kind of the end of the road option for people who don't respond well (or at all) to meds and have frequent enough seizure to disrupt their life. It is likely that meds will make him sleepier, but could also be useful. Definitely ask the pediatric neurologist all of those questions when your son sees him/her.