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Does surgery make you technically not epileptic
Tue, 02/15/2011 - 17:47I was diagnosed with epilepsy in 2001 and had a corrective surgery in 2007. I've been seizure free since, and I was wondering, does this mean I don't have epilepsy anymore?
I've come across this question frquently lately in things like applying for a driver's liscence and scholarship opportunities (I'm 17 and in grade 12). Since the tumor was removed successfully and I haven't had any episodes since then, I feel like it's not correct to say that I am clinically epileptic. At the same time, I am on anti-seizure medication (Lamictal, reducing dosage slowly because of the lack of seizures). I also have a 504 plan at my high school saying that I have short-term memory loss, since the surgery required the removal of a small part of my temporal lobe.
I understand why I may not have epilepsy anymore, but it would be strange to admit it. It's become so much of my life for the past ten years, it's weird to think that it hasn't been active for the past four. Even if I don't have clinical epilepsy, I still may have...cultural epilepsy...? lol
Comments
Re: Does surgery make you technically not epileptic
Submitted by LizSR on Tue, 2011-02-15 - 21:23
Given the length of time since your last seizure, and the type of surgery you underwent, I believe it would be safe not to mention epilepsy.
Hopefully, you will never need to do so again. Good luck and congratulations!
Given the length of time since your last seizure, and the type of surgery you underwent, I believe it would be safe not to mention epilepsy.
Hopefully, you will never need to do so again. Good luck and congratulations!
Re: Does surgery make you technically not epileptic
Submitted by sjsh93 on Wed, 2011-02-16 - 21:57
Thank you!!
I was pretty sure that that was the case. But it's weird! Half my childhood was related to this, I feel so much a part of it, and it a part of me...and there are still parts ebbing away! What happens when my 504 is done, and I'm not on any meds - all I'll have is the hospital bracelets to remember it by! [what a world!]
Thank you!!
I was pretty sure that that was the case. But it's weird! Half my childhood was related to this, I feel so much a part of it, and it a part of me...and there are still parts ebbing away! What happens when my 504 is done, and I'm not on any meds - all I'll have is the hospital bracelets to remember it by! [what a world!]
Re: Does surgery make you technically not epileptic
Submitted by tonialpha on Tue, 2011-02-15 - 19:21
A Neurologist told a patient an interesting concept which I think I will share with you.
First , it is great to read about your surgery. It was successful!
You are weening of medication.
It is a simple story. All of us that have a brain have the ability to have a seizure!
You can see it animals, and in humans.
(a farmer came in to the ER and we found out he had not slept for 2 days do to his crop and harvesting!) He had not slept thereby he had a seizure (1985)
A Neurologist told a patient an interesting concept which I think I will share with you.
First , it is great to read about your surgery. It was successful!
You are weening of medication.
It is a simple story. All of us that have a brain have the ability to have a seizure!
You can see it animals, and in humans.
(a farmer came in to the ER and we found out he had not slept for 2 days do to his crop and harvesting!) He had not slept thereby he had a seizure (1985)