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How do you know what your Diagnoses is?
Sun, 03/19/2006 - 21:48Hi. I am trying to figure out what the difference between Epilepsy and a Seizure Disorder is. My first Neurologist has referred me on to another doctor that specializes in Seizures because she can not figure out my case. I called today and the Nurse told me my case was Difficult. I am still having seizure while I am on the seizure medication. I take 1200mg of Tegretol a day and 400mg of Topamax a day. I still get seizures. I think she thinks I am making them up. When I did the EEG it came back normal. I didn't fall asleep for the test, I need sleeping medication to help me sleep and they did not give me any to help me sleep.
They have told me I have a Seizure Disorder but does that qualify as Epilepsy?
I have to wait to see what this new Seizure Doctor says. I hate being pushed around from Dr. to Dr. I have been seeing the first dr. for a good couple of years, and now she is finally referring me on. I had to have a Grand Mal before she believe I was having seizures. (I have complex Partials)
Leah
Re: How do you know what your Diagnoses is?
Submitted by Jenii xD on Mon, 2006-03-20 - 00:38
Hi Zoe. I have simple and complex partial seizures. My doctors use the terms epilepsy and seizure disorder interchangably because epilepsy is a seizure disorder. I'm on 1500mg Keppra and 125mg Lamictal. I still have seizures even though I'm taking two different AEDs, and a lot of people experience this too. I had several EEGs before they saw epileptiform waves because the first couple of times I accidentally fell asleep the night before the test was done. When I had the third test, I started to fall asleep during the sleep portion and started twitching/jerking. The Dr had me take a fourth EEG just to make sure I still showed signs of seizure activity, which I did, and then the neuro made the diagnosis. Sometimes these exams come out inconclusive and you have to take several before the Drs feel they have come to a correct diagnosis - at least that is what my GP told me. Don't worry too much about it. I was told several times that my "case" was "complex." It's their way of saying they're unable to make a proper assessment, and is also why they will refer you to another colleague. Best of luck with your new seizure doctor!