Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Dealing with the Unknown

Fri, 03/18/2005 - 09:50

Okay, I was diagnosed with Epilepsy in 2003. I thought it was under control through the tegretol I've been taking ever since. Unfortunately, there have been some incidences lately that have astounded both myself and the doctors around me. Allow me to introduce the 'Cole's Notes' version of what's been happening.

Feb. 25th-In geography class, started shaking uncontrollably, which led to whole body-wracking twitches/shakes. Was rushed to hospital, where was shot up with Ativan and Dylantin. Was calm (and knocked out) for a good while. Started seizing in the hospital, was shot up with more Dylantin and Ativan AGAIN, and sent off via ambluance to another hospital where I was stared at all weekend by a Neurologist who gave me the vague diagnosis of 'Pseudo-Siezures' before sending me home and telling me to go to school Monday.

Since then, I have not gone more than two days without similar siezures. They vary in length from ten minutes to six hours, and from the controllable to the uncontrollable. I'm concious through them all, and completely coherant (except once they pop me the ativan...then I just start to babble before falling asleep)...and have no idea what the hell is wrong with me. I hate the idea of pseudo-seizures...that makes it sound like it's all in my head, which these are definitely NOT. I've been told by another neurologist that these could be non-eplieptic occurances, another has said I'm sleep deprived (which I'm not) and another doctor has told me that I'm hypoglycemic. Whatever's wrong with me, I'm getting really irritated at not knowing anything about what's going on with my own body...and have grown to loathe ativan. (STUPID DRUG-don't take it)

Anyone got anything they can share with me that might help me ease my frustration, or figure out what to ask my neurolgist (well, one of them) next time I see him?

Comments

RE: Dealing with the Unknown

Submitted by angel_lts on Wed, 2005-03-16 - 10:09
Here is some info for Pseudo-seizures.http://www.med.umich.edu/opm/newspage/2003/pseudoseizures.htmIt could be caused by stress in you life.Hypoglycemic is low blood sugar. If your blood sugar level is too it can cause a seizure. Just like when the sodium level gets too low that will happen too.Was your levels checked?I know my friend would get blacks out from the low blood sugar level.Have your magnesium, calcium, iron, vit d, sodium and blood sugar level checked to see what that says. Sometimes the magnesium will not show that it is low. I think you have to take a saliva test instead. But do the blood level first and see what happens.also check out my support grouphttp://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/EpilepsyApproach/Lisa

RE: RE: Dealing with the Unknown

Submitted by twitchy on Wed, 2005-03-16 - 12:16

Thanks for the tip. I'll definitly enquire about that stuff next time I'm at the neurologists. Much appreciated!

-Twitchy

Thanks for the tip. I'll definitly enquire about that stuff next time I'm at the neurologists. Much appreciated!

-Twitchy

RE: Dealing with the Unknown

Submitted by fehrri on Fri, 2005-03-18 - 09:50
Atavin does stink.  Follow up on the hypoglycemia lead - if nothing else you can eliminate it. Any changes to your diet or life style? routine?  new stresses other than this one?

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.