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Non-Epileptic Simple Partial Seizures?
Thu, 09/28/2006 - 18:42Does anyone know if Simple Partial Seizures can be Non-Epileptic? I only seem to hear or see the term NES used for people that are experiencing a lot of body jerking. I spent 8 days at Mayo being tested but they couldn't find the reason for the seizures I have. The report that came back to me said they were probably Simple Partial Seizures but because they could not be picked up by the machine that they couldn't be sure. The report suggested another, although less likely, cause of the seizures could be related to depression. I don't believe my seizures are related to depression because I don't understand how depression could lead to deja vu, rotten egg smells, hearing footsteps that are not there, or other symptoms associated with SPS. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Comments
Hi.. :) First off let me get
Submitted by solis on Thu, 2006-09-28 - 22:59
Hi.. :)
First off let me get you some info on Psychogenic Seizures:
Psychogenic seizures have a psychological cause; whereas epilepsy has a psychological impact but a physical cause.
http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/seizure_psychogenic.html
(As you will read:" The seizures [ie psychogenic] most often imitate complex partial or tonic-clonic seizures.")
http://www.epilepsyontario.org/client/EO/EOWeb.nsf/web/psychogenic+seizures
(It says:"It is difficult to differentiate between psychogenic and epileptic seizures. However, one highly reliable indicator of a psychogenic seizure is eye closure during the seizure; when people with epilepsy have seizures the eyes tend to remain open")
http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050901/849.html
(In this piece written by 2 physicians, you will read "The seizures can mimic any kind of epileptic seizure and thus can be mistaken for generalized tonic-clonic seizure, absence seizure, and simple or complex partial seizures.")
Sadly many people have epilepsy that isn't easily recognized, and (sadly) neither is the fact that most need to fight the psychological impact of E via seeing a psychiatrist/psychologist.
I'd advise you to see a psychiatrist and they are also able to precribe meds that will work both for epileptic seizures and psychological impacts.
Tegretol is one such med. I've been taking Tegretol for both simple and complex partials for over 20 years.
Know I wish you the best of luck & hope these links help
~sol
Re: Hi.. :) First off let me get
Submitted by RamblinJScott on Sun, 2006-10-08 - 18:29
Great information everyone. Thank you!!!
Re: Non-Epileptic Simple Partial Seizures?
Submitted by slhmurphy on Thu, 2006-09-28 - 22:09
Dear Ramblin', It is my understanding that Non-epileptic seizures arise from psychic conflict (ie. anxiety or depression). While not due to organic brain abnormalities they are nonetheless real. Simple partial seizures are referred to as focal seizures because there is a part of the brain that is causing over-activity. The simple refers to a lack of loss of consciousness, and the partial refers to the limited area of the brain effected. No matter what they are, they need to be dealt with. If the doctor wants to prescribe an anti-anxiety or antidepressant, give it a shot. Remember that many drugs can have more than one effect, and even if your seizures are due to a brain abnormality an antidepressant can help. If that doesn't work, try an anti-seizure med. Good luck on your journey! Sam