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EEG Results
Wed, 01/25/2006 - 20:27Topic: Parents & Caregivers
Hi:
My bright and beautiful (he'd hate me to use that word...he'd prefer cool), 8 year old son was diagnosed w/E on 12/19/05 (so this is sonew to us!). Up to that point he had 2 simple partial seizures. We started him on Lamictal right away and he seems to be doing well so far. Unfortunately, we just received word from his ped neuro that his seizures are not just simple partial, but he also showed seizures of a generalized nature. The doctor feels that the Lamictal is still the best way to go.
My question is (and I apologize before hand if this seems trivial to someone dealing with a more serious case), but I really wanted to know if this new diagnosis implies that there is no chance that he will "outgrow" his E? Our ped neuro is still "optimistic" that he will, but I'm so afraid! Honestly, how much more serious is this diagnosis (2 seizure types) vs. the SPS diagnosis we had at the beginning?
I'd apprecaite any feedback. Blessings to all...Maureen
Comments
Re: EEG Results
Submitted by Eliz on Thu, 2006-04-20 - 08:18
Maureen,
I also have an 8 yr. old boy, & while he hasn't had seizures in a long time (that anyone can see) his EEGs have suddenly changed. His diagnosis was originally complex partial seizures, & the Dr. put him on Lamictal. He has done well on it. The only way we ever even knew he had any problem was that he had a gran mal when this all started at age 5. Any seizures he has just don't "show". (Before meds. he had a 48 hr. EEG & it showed 2 complex partial seizures for 5 seconds we never saw-1 day, 1 night) Anyway, after 2 normal EEGs lately, now his last 2 EEGs have shown generalized "activity" & even changed areas in the brain. So his diagnosis does not even have a name anymore. Yet, still, the Dr. is leaving him on Lamictal, & is still hopeful, as yours is, that he will outgrow this!
Eli
Re: EEG Results
Submitted by ekoorb on Thu, 2006-04-20 - 08:59
Did your doctor give you the name of a specific syndrome? For example, my daughter (5 years old- also newly diagnosed) recently had a 24 hour EEG so the doctor could gather more information and classify which type of epilepsy she has. It was between benign occipital (panayiotopoulos syndrome) and benign occipital syndrome. Based on studies etc. both forms has a good prognosis in that the kids outgrow this.
I am equally new to all this and possibly mistaken but it seems your doctor should be able to give you more information.
As to apologizing because your case may sound less serious, I think no matter the degree of the syndrome it is so traumatic to us as parents and you have every right and reason to be here as everybody else. I really hope you can get the information you need.
Re: EEG Results
Submitted by kayakmom on Wed, 2006-01-25 - 21:35
Hi mom2chris and welcome! I am so sorry your son started having seizures, though. Most neuros do stay on that hopeful side. Over 70 % of kids who start having seizures will outgrow it! It depends on seizure type and if MRI is normal in some, but it sure can happen. The best chance of this happening is when seizures are controlled with the first or second medication tried. You really will not know for sure until puberty when things can either settle down or kick up more trouble. I hope your son is one of the lucky ones! Read all you can, get educated, it will help you. this site has a great section, Epilepsy 101 on the home page that really helps Best wishes, G