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EEG while on Keppra/Dilantin...shows normal...duh?
Fri, 02/15/2008 - 16:51I had my 2nd seizure in January and they immediately started me on Dilantin. I visit my neuro and not surprisingly he orders an EEG and MRI and starts me on Keppra (working up to 2000MG). Both tests show normal.
Here's my question: what is the point of the EEG while I'm on the meds? With a newly diagnosed seizure disorder, wouldn't it make more sense to have me off medication (admittedly at risk of a seizure) so they can take an unmedicated EEG?
I haven't spoken to my neuro again after he bumped by Keppra to 3000mg, but this question keeps nagging me. Is it a dumb one or is there a standard answer that makes sense but has evaded me thus far.
Thanks,
Lance
Comments
Re: EEG while on Keppra/Dilantin...shows normal...duh?
Submitted by doclotus on Sat, 2008-02-16 - 23:16
After reading my post I realized that my question probably wasn't stated the best. What I'm asking is, would being off the keppra prior to the EEG be a more useful diagnostic than being fully loaded (3000mg/day)?
I know that's a better question for my neuro, but I thought I would ask the folks here if they had spoken to their doctors about that.
Frankly, I'd be willing to risk a seizure if I thought being off the Keppra would improve their ability to find out why I'm having them.
After reading my post I realized that my question probably wasn't stated the best. What I'm asking is, would being off the keppra prior to the EEG be a more useful diagnostic than being fully loaded (3000mg/day)?
I know that's a better question for my neuro, but I thought I would ask the folks here if they had spoken to their doctors about that.
Frankly, I'd be willing to risk a seizure if I thought being off the Keppra would improve their ability to find out why I'm having them.
Re: EEG while on Keppra/Dilantin...shows normal...duh?
Submitted by joenew on Mon, 2008-02-18 - 05:54
I have absence and atypical absence seizures - currently down to 10 to 15 day with the meds, still experimenting...I've had numerous eegs and mris, all bar two eegs were normal! I've seized in front of my neuro...my family doc...the psych doc (cos yeah it could be all in the mind...????)...in fact in front of just about anyone who'll let me!!
Thing is, as my neuro said, unless you actually seize during the eeg it is quite likely for it to be normal...his decision to put me on meds was based entirely on the face to face meeting, not the test results - based both on the fact I seized in front of him and on his taking a detailed and thorough oral history - a doctor who talks AND listens!
But coming off the meds is going to take time...it won't just be I'll not have it today and have a test then go straight back on it. For me, I'd stick with the meds, but then, I can't face going back to how life was without them...even if for only a day.
Good luck to you...
I have absence and atypical absence seizures - currently down to 10 to 15 day with the meds, still experimenting...I've had numerous eegs and mris, all bar two eegs were normal! I've seized in front of my neuro...my family doc...the psych doc (cos yeah it could be all in the mind...????)...in fact in front of just about anyone who'll let me!!
Thing is, as my neuro said, unless you actually seize during the eeg it is quite likely for it to be normal...his decision to put me on meds was based entirely on the face to face meeting, not the test results - based both on the fact I seized in front of him and on his taking a detailed and thorough oral history - a doctor who talks AND listens!
But coming off the meds is going to take time...it won't just be I'll not have it today and have a test then go straight back on it. For me, I'd stick with the meds, but then, I can't face going back to how life was without them...even if for only a day.
Good luck to you...
Re: EEG while on Keppra/Dilantin...shows normal...duh?
Submitted by Maggie on Fri, 2008-02-15 - 23:39
Hi Lance,...This is what I have been told by my neuro.All my tests EEG,CT scan, MRI and VEEG are all normal.He did not put me on meds saying that if the tests were normal then it is not epilepsy.He said NES (non epileptic seizures) and to go see a psych and psychologist.I did that and the psychologist said not a psychological problem..psych said not psyciatric problem but will treat me for seizures but can only go so far with the meds,cannot prescribe certain ones.I asked neuro if it is called a seizure disorder...omg did he jump me...he said do not tell another doctor that it is a seizure disorder cause that means it is epilepsy.So I take Lamictal,klonopin and effexor.Neuro said that the epileptic meds would make me have more seizures...he was so wrong...they are helping to a degree.So I have idiopathic (unknown cause) seizures.I was on meds for EEG and off meds for VEEG.No question is dumb...talk to your neuro.Make a list of questions you need to know answers to.Good luck and I hope this helped you some.Good luck and God bless you.
*Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.I do not give to you as the world gives.Do not let your hearts be troubled,and do not let them be afraid.* ~John 14:27
Hi Lance,...This is what I have been told by my neuro.All my tests EEG,CT scan, MRI and VEEG are all normal.He did not put me on meds saying that if the tests were normal then it is not epilepsy.He said NES (non epileptic seizures) and to go see a psych and psychologist.I did that and the psychologist said not a psychological problem..psych said not psyciatric problem but will treat me for seizures but can only go so far with the meds,cannot prescribe certain ones.I asked neuro if it is called a seizure disorder...omg did he jump me...he said do not tell another doctor that it is a seizure disorder cause that means it is epilepsy.So I take Lamictal,klonopin and effexor.Neuro said that the epileptic meds would make me have more seizures...he was so wrong...they are helping to a degree.So I have idiopathic (unknown cause) seizures.I was on meds for EEG and off meds for VEEG.No question is dumb...talk to your neuro.Make a list of questions you need to know answers to.Good luck and I hope this helped you some.Good luck and God bless you.
*Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.I do not give to you as the world gives.Do not let your hearts be troubled,and do not let them be afraid.* ~John 14:27