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11 year old daughter's Seizure

Mon, 12/18/2006 - 10:45
Could someone please help me figure out what kind of seizure my daughter had? Back in May 2006, she had her first one. She was at school and the teacher told me that she seemed to only jerk her arms a little, her eyes rolled up in her head, and she could not respond to questions properly. She knew things that were in her long-term memory, but her short-term memory was not there at all. After evaluation from the school nurse, I took her to her doctor who sent her to children's hospital via ambulance. Upon my arrival at the hospital, the ambulance EMT's said she had another seizure in the ambulance and she quit breathing. After a dose of valium in the ambulance she seemed to be fine within 4 hours of the initial episode. While at the hospital, tests were run that included: EEG's, EKG's, Cat Scans, MRI's, blood tests, etc. She got the complete work-up. After reviewing all of the tests, the neurologist said he could not figure out what caused the seizures and that she may never have another one again. After 2 days in the hospital, she was sent home with no answers or explanations. Last month (October 2006) the neurologist released her from his care because she had not had any more episodes. Well, this past Sunday, she had the same kind of episode as she had before. Once again, I took her to the children's emergency room. They contacted the neurologist who decided to put her on Lamictal 25mg 2 x a day, and increase the dosage by 25 mg/per dose/per day/per week until she is on 100mg 2 x a day. He sent her home and wanted to see her in 4 weeks in his office. I am just curious as to what kind of seizures she is having and what could be causing them. This is all new to me and very scary! Thanks for your help. Kathy Dickson - Taylor's mom LaFayette, GA

Comments

Re: 11 year old daughter's Seizure

Submitted by mama bear on Mon, 2006-12-18 - 16:45
Hi There, First let me say "welcome", and I am sorry you are going through this. It is VERY scary to watch your little one have seizures and quite a worry. I am not sure what kinds of seizures your daughter had, but the one where she stopped breathing sounds like it COULD be tonic-clonic. I have read and been told by doctors that sometimes people do stop breathing during or after their seizures for a short amount of time. If you read my blog you will see that my son stops breathing sometimes. I have a 30 second rule, and wait 30 seconds before starting CPR. The doctors and EMS assure me that usually a persons brain will get them breathing again, their bodies are just taking a moment to "reboot". It sounds very encouraging to me that a long amount of time is going between the seizures. One thing I would try to get people to note for you is how long the seizures go on for, as this is very important. We have been asked to note what parts of their bodies move specifically and what direction their eyes roll. These things can indicate what area of the brain the seizure is taking place in. I hope that you can get some answers soon. My son has also started on Lamictal and we are starting to see a decrease in seizures, so far the meds have not effected him in any negative way, other than him being a little hyper. My guy is having and MRI and a Lumbar Puncture soon just to make sure that nothing is causing the seizures other than epilepsy. If you continue to have seizures with your little one I wold try to get more tests done. Best wishes, and keep me posted how it goes. I agree it is very scary, I hope this gives you some comfort. We are going through the same thing. Have you got a baby monitor in your daughters room? It helps when you can hear them breathing at night so you know they are alright, and things don't escalate without you being aware. Take care, Tresa

Re: 11 year old daughter's Seizure

Submitted by kdickson71 on Tue, 2007-01-23 - 08:05
Does anyone have any information concerning these weird "seizures"? All information will be appreciated! Kathy - Taylor's mom

Re: Re: 11 year old daughter's Seizure

Submitted by spiz on Tue, 2007-01-23 - 10:35
Kathy, I hope you find what's wrong for sure with Taylor. It can sometimes take several times of retesting for something to show, which can be a real pain. If you read the page on Simple Partial , especially that under Motor and Psychic seizures - you may find a similarity. Hang in there and please keep us up-to-date on what they find and her progress. Take care! -Spiz

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