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absence seizures

Tue, 05/10/2005 - 21:46
my 3-year-old son has autism and recently had an EEG that came back abnormal showing spiking in the right temporal region. He has had episodes of "staring spells" which are consistent with absence or petit mal seizures. One neurologist suggested doing nothing. I am concerned about his progress. Has anyone else had any kind experience like this? Any information or advice is greatly appreciated

Comments

RE: absence seizures

Submitted by JCPellizzi on Tue, 2005-05-10 - 21:46

My 3 year just started Trileptal 300mg this evening for absence seizures.  We did nothing for a few weeks because it was only happening once a week.  This week it happened twice.  The seizure only happens for a few seconds and he loses muscle control with his left arm and hand.  This is his affected side from his stroke. 

Get a second opinion.  Do research.  Decide what is best for your son.

 

My 3 year just started Trileptal 300mg this evening for absence seizures.  We did nothing for a few weeks because it was only happening once a week.  This week it happened twice.  The seizure only happens for a few seconds and he loses muscle control with his left arm and hand.  This is his affected side from his stroke. 

Get a second opinion.  Do research.  Decide what is best for your son.

 

RE: RE: absence seizures

Submitted by curtisp40z on Tue, 2005-07-26 - 21:22
My 3 year old has been taking Trileptal for 6 months and we had good luck with it up until this week.  He had a major seizure just out of the blue, and some of his lasting effects sure mimic a stroke.  Could you tell me more about your child and his stroke symptoms?

RE: absence seizures

Submitted by LoriG on Wed, 2005-05-11 - 03:53

As the others have suggested, get a second opinion.  My son was diagnosed with atypical absence seizures just before he turned 3yo.  It took eight months and many trials to find that Depakote and Zarontin controlled his seizures.  This qualified him for a 1:1 aide in general ed classroom as OHI.  He has been performing at grade level (we had him repeat 1st) with the help of different dosages of Ritalin and Concerta over the years.

He is 11yo, 4th grade now and has had a great quality of life until this school year, his executive functions were deteriorating and it was difficult to get his gen ed teacher and the principal to see this.  The aide was poorly trained and didn't have a clue that she was to assist and shadow him. 

His psychiatrist suggested to switch the Ritalin and Concerta to Risperdal.  The addition of the Risperdal to the Depakote caused ammonia levels to elevate to 113.  He was delirious and out of control at school, again, the aide was not prepared to handle this.  I have seen some questionable behavior over the years but the levels were never tested and it was managable with behavior modification and a lot of rest.

Due to the med changes, he was hospitalized and after assessments, he was diagnosed with Autism. The diagnosis fits because of the regression and sp/lg delays over the years.  He received clinical OT/Sp early on, so the services have given him the ability to have been this successful.  He is back in school after three hellish months, he regressed over this short period of time by 5-6 years.  He is bouncing back but, it is going to take a lot over the next year to make up.  This is the way it was the first two years after his intial diagnosis.

Parent support like this is one is one of the best places to find some great advice or confirmation on your mother's instinct. I wish you the best. 

As the others have suggested, get a second opinion.  My son was diagnosed with atypical absence seizures just before he turned 3yo.  It took eight months and many trials to find that Depakote and Zarontin controlled his seizures.  This qualified him for a 1:1 aide in general ed classroom as OHI.  He has been performing at grade level (we had him repeat 1st) with the help of different dosages of Ritalin and Concerta over the years.

He is 11yo, 4th grade now and has had a great quality of life until this school year, his executive functions were deteriorating and it was difficult to get his gen ed teacher and the principal to see this.  The aide was poorly trained and didn't have a clue that she was to assist and shadow him. 

His psychiatrist suggested to switch the Ritalin and Concerta to Risperdal.  The addition of the Risperdal to the Depakote caused ammonia levels to elevate to 113.  He was delirious and out of control at school, again, the aide was not prepared to handle this.  I have seen some questionable behavior over the years but the levels were never tested and it was managable with behavior modification and a lot of rest.

Due to the med changes, he was hospitalized and after assessments, he was diagnosed with Autism. The diagnosis fits because of the regression and sp/lg delays over the years.  He received clinical OT/Sp early on, so the services have given him the ability to have been this successful.  He is back in school after three hellish months, he regressed over this short period of time by 5-6 years.  He is bouncing back but, it is going to take a lot over the next year to make up.  This is the way it was the first two years after his intial diagnosis.

Parent support like this is one is one of the best places to find some great advice or confirmation on your mother's instinct. I wish you the best. 

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