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Treatment for & understanding of Non-epileptic seizures

Fri, 06/30/2006 - 15:50
Greetings. I went to visit my Neurologist today. I had no results (aside from horrible side-effects) from over 2 months of Lamictal. Still having 3-4 Partial seizures every week (perhaps more if I count the auras without subsequent seizure). My Neurologist was trying to explain to me the difference between epileptic and non-epileptic seizures and how epileptic seizures respond to AED's and the other type does not. She said the only recommended treatment for non-epileptic seizures is biofeedback. It's unclear which type I may have. And I still have to try all of the other AED's ( which I'm really not looking forward to). I had an abnormal EEG, but without any definite seizure activity. My MRI was clear. Anyway, does anyone out there know of any other treatment that has been tried to control non-epileptic seizures? I don't know yet if that's what I'm experiencing, but I just want to know if anyone has heard of other alternatives. I just feel better when I can think ahead and see more than one option in case that one doesn't help. I just have a lot of anxiety when I think of the idea that I will never find something to make the seizures go away. I'm sure you all understand about that. Warm regards, Reb

Comments

Re: Treatment for & understanding of Non-epileptic seizures

Submitted by angel_lts on Fri, 2006-06-30 - 21:38
Hi Reb Non-Epileptic seizures or Pseudoseizures are caused by some emotional or physical stress. Some people do well with medication and other do not. But that also happens with people who do have epilepsy seizures too. Non-Epileptic Seizures http://www.epilepsynse.org.uk/pages/info/leaflets/factsnea.cfm Nonepileptic Seizures http://hsc.usf.edu/COM/epilepsy/PNESbrochure.pdf Pseudoseizures http://www.aurorahealthcare.org/services/epilepsy/non-epileptic-events.asp Biofeedback or neurofeedback would be very helpful for non-epileptic seizures and epilepsy seizures too. I have tried it and it can work for seizures. It is really controlling of the brain. How and What is Neurofeedback http://www.whatiseeg.com/ INSR Organization-Neurofeedback Providers-INSR Organization http://www.isnr.org/ When we have a seizure, or we feel a seizure coming on, I have stopped some of my seizures, by just doing breathing to control and think of doing something else. Breathing Technique to help Seizures http://www.epilepsyhealth.com/deep-breathing.html Diaphragmatic Breathing http://www.swamij.com/diaphragmatic-breathing.htm take care Lisa http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/epilepsyapproach/

Re: Re: Treatment for & understanding of Non-epileptic seizures

Submitted by rebpow on Mon, 2006-07-03 - 11:32
Lisa, Thank you so much for your detailed reply. I will look into all of these things. Whatever kind of seizures I have, I want to do whatever I can to control them. I would especially love to find a way where I don't have to take much or any medication. So far, I've only tried Lamictal, but the side-effects were so bad (severe depression and exhaustion, blurred vision, dizziness...) and all it did was change the nature of my Partial Seizures. And the seizures were still as bad and happen almost as often as before I started taking Lamictal. Anyway, I'll post my experiences with these things when I try them out. Thanks again. -Reb

Re: Re: Re: Treatment for & understanding of Non-epileptic seizu

Submitted by beaniebabs on Wed, 2006-07-05 - 04:46
Hi there i have been diagnosed with non epileptic sz, though i think i have both e and non e. The treatment plan for me is to have psychotherapy once a week and try to get on with my life, like the drs no how hard that is!!! i think though that this has helped some what with my sz, they are happening less frequently, however the sz that i do hvae i think may be e cos they are different, i go pale i go unconcious and i have what looks like a gran mal, i get v old as if my body has shut down and i am v confused afterwards and for a substantial period of time. Howver the dr is haveing non of my i dont think it just non e...he say the eeg was normal and i have had some stress in my life and that i am bottling it up...not true i have ALWAYS talked about my problems to people...i dont know how to go about a second opinion as e suposed to be the best in the country...and my gp not taking notice of me. I have only tried one drug and it helped a bit but the dr doesnt think it helped at all therefore i cant possibly have e, so frustrating...in my view i want to try another med but my gp wont let me... Also i have been told u cant stop breathing in a non e sz, guess what ?? i have...sorry should write all this here, but what u think??? Emily :o)

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