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.

Abnormalities on EEG but no epilepsy "markers"?

Wed, 09/07/2016 - 09:57
Hi, I'm a 32 year old male and formerly in good health (was excellent until this all started a few years ago). It began with extreme exhaustion that was constant and unrelenting. Then it seemed like my mind progressively became worse. My word-retrieval, ability to retain information, comprehension, articulation, speech, planning, MEMORY, etc has become worse and worse. I tried to "push through it" for a couple years but I started falling asleep while I was driving and I was under-performing in every area of my life. My sleep hygiene was excellent, I ate very healthy, and I exercised daily. After blood work, sleep test, and many other tests I was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome (I can't remember what it's called now). I eventually saw a neurologist (I can barely remember from the CFS diagnosis to the neurologist right now if that's any indication of my memory...does anyone else get this???). At the appointment the Dr. asked if I had any staring spells or seemed "out of it" and I said no, but my wife said yes! Apparently I do this often but I don't realize it. They don't last long, though. And then there's a more general kind of thing my wife described where she's talking to me and she can tell that I'm not understanding anything she's telling me, despite the simplicity of the subject. I have to say, though, the memory is what I really worry about. I've had to suspend my business I own mostly due to my memory becoming worse (and also general diminished cognitive functioning- no focus, concentration). So I had an EEG and the results were "abnormal". Below: "Intermittent frontotemporal theta slowing with sharply contoured theta waves more prominent on the left is noted throughout the recording. These changes are subtle without generalization or build-up. IMPRESSION: Abnormal EEG secondary to bilateral frontotemporal slowing and sharp waves. CLINICAL INTERPRETATION: This EEG is suggestive of bilateral frontotemporal dysfunction and subtle potential seizure focus, more prominent on the left. Clinical correlation with symptoms is recommended." When I saw the neurologist for the follow-up, he said I was "seizure prone"? This was just an hour long test that none of us expected to see anything on. I was referred to a different neurologist (epileptologist?). The new Dr. doesn't believe it's epilepsy, but that was only based on our 30 minute meeting and him looking over the earlier EEG. On a side note, how often do you all run into these neurologists that think they're a god? This guy's general attitude...Anyway, I am currently in the hospital (while I'm writing this) on my 2nd day of my video EEG. The Dr. stopped by this morning and said they are seeing abnormalities- the slowing of 2 of my brain waves, he didn't specify which. BUT, they're "non-specific". When I pressed him for an answer, he became offended, and repeated himself...no epileptic markers and non-specific. I found this website by googling my symptoms. And what do you know...I mirror a lot of the symptoms I've read here. I'll be the first to admit, I may not be epileptic. It's just gotten to the point that I would actually be HAPPY to get that diagnosis. I never thought I'd say that. I am not a Dr. after all, so he could be correct. I just don't think it's a coincidence that I read the forums on here and see myself EXACTLY, not just a little, sort of, kinda related. I mean exact. The memory, fatigue, deja vu, etc. The first neurologist mentioned temporal lobe epilepsy as a possibility. I've since read that people have had multiple EEGs with no result, only to have it later on. All I know is that this is NOT normal and I am not imagining this. While I'm here, what questions should I ask the Dr? I don't have much experience with this, obviously. I ask because I'm just sitting here. My first EEG had the strobe test and some other things. I'm literally just sitting here becoming a piece of hospital furniture...why isn't he trying to induce a seizure or something? I'm confused. Thanks in advance for any responses. Jesse

Comments

Welcome JesseThe markers I do

Submitted by just_joe on Wed, 2016-09-07 - 18:03
Welcome JesseThe markers I do not know about. But I do know that abnormalities are spikes or waves aka seizure activity. So the first neurologist was right when he said seizure prone. Epilepsy is a seizure disorder in the central nervous system (brain).You will fine that many people with epilepsy have had their EEG's all come back normal. I had 20-25 different EEG's all come back normal. I then had one in which I fell asleep in that came back with seisure activity (spikes or waves) where they came from is what the neurologists want to see. Which lobe of the brain they came from which side and other things. As for this neurologist doesn't believe it is epilepsy.. Was that said before this video EEG? He looked at the first EEG and saw this VVVV"Intermittent frontotemporal theta slowing with sharply contoured theta waves more prominent on the left is noted throughout the recording. These changes are subtle without generalization or build-up. IMPRESSION: Abnormal EEG secondary to bilateral frontotemporal slowing and sharp waves. CLINICAL INTERPRETATION: This EEG is suggestive of bilateral frontotemporal dysfunction and subtle potential seizure focus, more prominent on the left. Clinical correlation with symptoms is recommended."  shows where in the brain the abnormalities came from. The IMPRESSION shows where and the abnormalities. slowing and sharp waves.. As for him not answering your question earlier. My neurologist saw me and we talked but he said little about what was happening when I was in a 3 day EEG. Within an hour after the EEG was over we talked. We were looking at different prodecures that could be done to stop all my seizures.Laways ask questions. What type of epilepsy do I have? What type of seizures have I been having? What is the best medication to control my seizures? Am I taking my medications at teh right times? Are there any other things that can help reduce the number of seizures?

As Amy Jo posted. Medications

Submitted by just_joe on Thu, 2016-09-08 - 12:36
As Amy Jo posted. Medications are started lower then they believe it needs to be. It takes time for your  body to get used to it and the therapeutic levels to build up in your body. IF it has helped some then let the new neurologist know and let him know how long ago it was started. Dosage adjustments can be made but they need to be done gradually. Too much medications is just as bad as too little

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.