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Are there tests that will show for sure if I have been having seizures?
Sun, 03/19/2006 - 14:25Topic: New to Epilepsy.com
I am going to a neurologist for the first time this Wed. and I am wondering if he will run any tests, catscan, MRI, or something and will it positively show if I am or have had seizures? Also I have been having headaches and pressure in my head and I get real sleepy after or before I have my episodes. I guess I am worried because I havent had any knock out bad seizure or anything like the grand mal types and I'm afraid people will ridicule me or something for going to the dr. because of twitches and spasms and jerks in my limbs. But I feel like there really is something wrong and it could be epilepsy. Even my husband doesnt think its important. I really think he dont believe me and that I am making it up. Can anyone relate? Its very frustrating!
Comments
Re: Re: Are there tests that will show for sure if I have been h
Submitted by Jana33 on Sun, 2006-03-19 - 20:14
Well i had a EEG and it was normal and my neruologist still diagnosis with a seizure disorder he said that people that have seizure disorder still have normal EEG. I seen him for the first time what my wife told him and what i told him what happen when i'm having seizures he said I have a problem and started me on some meds. So I guess it is different for people and how the doctor wants to diagnosis
Re: Re: Re: Are there tests that will show for sure if I have be
Submitted by txrhb1 on Mon, 2006-03-20 - 19:22
Hi Jana33,
It is not unusual for someone with epilepsy to have a normal EEG. My daughter has had epilepsy since she was 9, is now 22, and her EEG's are always normal. On the other hand, I always have abnormal EEG's, and have had epilepsy since I was 19. Have you taken a look at the main site, and the different types of seizures? Try this link:
http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/types_seizures.html
Best of luck,
Barbie
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"We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can fly only by embracing each other." -lucian de crescenzo
Re: Are there tests that will show for sure if I have been havin
Submitted by T mama on Sun, 2006-03-19 - 15:47
Hey K, The most common test used for diagnosis of epileptic seizures is the EEG. The other tests (CT and MRI along with blood tests) will rule out other possibilities but the EEG is the one that will label the seizures as epileptic or not. It measures brain waves and can even detect where in the brain seizures are originating. You do not have to have a seizure during the test for it to show epileptiform waves. During the test they will try to induce these waves by having you hyperventilate and by flashing a strobe over closed eyes. They hope that you will fall asleep during the test because some people have these waves more during sleep, it also shows a baseline resting wave pattern when you are able to sleep. Follow the links on this site to find out more about this test. Also, just because you don't have grand mals or lose consciousness does not mean you don't have epilepsy. Generally that has more to do with where in the brain the seizure is occuring. Hope this helps. Steph