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EEG Results
Tue, 09/03/2019 - 20:31I have been diagnosed with Temporal lobe epilepsy since 2008. I have partial seizures that are well controlled by meds, however I have approximately 6 episodes a year. I have been struggling with some short term memory problems recently and some days I feel like I have brain fog where my processing speed is so slow and word recall is really bad. My doc had me do an MRI which was fine and an EEG. The EEG came back as abnormal and the report said:
Abnormal EEG showing intermittent focal slowing over the left temporal lobe. This EEG suggest underlying focal cerebral disturbance over the left temporal lobe.
My Doctor never called me with this result, I actually came across the report on my MYCHART. I called his office but he's on vacation this week so I have to wait to talk to him.
Can anyone give me any insight into what this result might mean? Sometimes I wonder if my Epilepsy is damaging my brain and I get scared about the future as I am sure many of you do as well.
I appreciate any help you all can offer.
Kelly
Comments
Hi kellys3711, Thanks so much
Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2019-09-04 - 09:47
Hi kellys3711, Thanks so much for posting and we understand this must have been very scary to experience. We cannot interpret your EGG results, so it's important that you continue to follow-up with your healthcare team for further explanation. It’s also important that you express your concerns and increase in memory issues, any changes in seizure types, frequency, behaviors, side effects and symptoms, to determine what individual treatment is best for you. https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/pg2L_HealthCareVisits_09-2018.pdf For information regarding second opinions. or assistance finding a specialist please visit : https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/you-and-your-healthcare-team/second-opinions https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/find-epilepsy-specialist You may also contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline:1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org , epilepsy.com/helpline , where a trained information specialist can connect you to resources, provide referrals and additional support. For more information about EEG readings, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/eeg/video-eeg https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/eeg/how-read-eeg It is common for those living with epilepsy to report having difficulties with thinking & memory Learn more about challenges with Epilepsy here:https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/thinking-and-memory We understand your concerns and know this can feel overwhelming. However, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce these feelings and manage your epilepsy: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/managing-your-epilepsyCreate a seizure response or action plan, which is a helpful tool for those close to you understand what do if you have a seizure: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/seizure-forms Tracking your seizures, record your medical history,medications, side effects, moods, or other personal experiences. using a diary:https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diary Learn how to live with seizures, potential risks and safety tips: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/staying-safe Have a Seizure alert device: https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/DAS100_Seizure_Alert_Devices_09-2018_FINAL2.pdf One of the most important things to help you live with epilepsy is to find a support network. Sometimes it's helpful to connect with other people who live with epilepsy, to ask questions, share experiences, find& give support to each other. Learn more about your community support resources, here: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/social-concerns
I’m going to stray away from
Submitted by Patriotrehab on Tue, 2019-09-03 - 23:19
I’m going to stray away from interpreting your EEG results along with telling you whether or not your seizures could be damaging your brain because there is conflicting information out there and your doctor is the best one to interpret the results for you as there is more technical language in an EEG report than what you provided here. However, I will tell you what my neurologist told me about my epilepsy and memory and what he did for me so if you want to discuss it with your doctor then you can. I have had lots of abnormal EEGs and have been diagnosed with epilepsy as a consequence of my stroke 19 years ago. When I complained about my problems with memory and attention, my neurologist told me that it is not uncommon for that to happen when someone has intractable epilepsy and upon confirmation with neuropsychological testing that I had a mild to moderate cognitive dysfunction, he gave me a trial of Aricept at the age of 25. After several months of being on it, I was retested and I had dramatically improved in some areas, including delayed memory. I still struggle, but it does help. I’ve been taking it for 13 years and will be retested again in a few weeks.