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Misdiagnosis Possible?

Wed, 12/27/2017 - 21:40
As I’m reading more about epilepsy, I read research and case studies that say narcolepsy with cataplexy is often misdiagnosed as epilepsy. Does anyone have experience with this theory or input? I’m curious, as fatigue is my trigger, but I also get super fatigued before it happens and am always fatigued since their onset a couple months ago.

Comments

in your other thread you

Submitted by Amy Jo on Thu, 2017-12-28 - 22:34
in your other thread you eventually described what sounded like simple partials. one problem with diagnosing epilepsy is that it presents in such a wide variety of ways. if you are new to reading about epilepsy then you can’t have seen just how varied things can be. there are misdiagnoses, e.g. it’s not uncommon to hear someone describe being diagnosed with panic attacks when it was really seizures. the best type of doc to see when there is a diagnosis delay or possible confusion with specialists is an epileptologist as they are the most familiar with different seizure presentations, differentiating between epilepsy and mimics, and one usually gets the best control on the fewest meds if it is epilepsy.

Thank you Amy Jo! I will have

Submitted by Erinking1129 on Fri, 2017-12-29 - 14:28
Thank you Amy Jo! I will have to look in my area. I’ve looked into seeing a sleep specialist too, even. Since upping my lamotrigine, I’m so drowsy that I can’t function and feel it’s not helping my episodes. I find myself falling asleep all the time and fighting to stay awake even in public places. I’ll search for an epileptologist in my area. Thanks! 

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