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New with question

Tue, 10/15/2019 - 23:05
Hi everyone. I am brand new here not sure if I belong here or not just yet. So today by my (14 years with autism, ADHD, and Tourette’s) saw a neurologist at the request of his developmental pediatrician due to staring spells, periods of being disoriented and occasional other episodes. The neurologist said she wasn’t particularly concerned but ordered an EEG which he had done today. During the open eye strobe light portion with the fastest 2 or 3 blinking speeds I noticed that his legs and lower body got stiff and rigid. The tech made a comment to my son about him (my son) not liking the light. Anyway, as we were leaving after the EEG they said we would hear something in about a week. Well, 45 minutes after we left I missed a call from them. My voicemail was full. When I could call back it was after 5, so they would have been gone. Anyway, my biggest question is, does the tensing/rigidity sound normal or concerning? Needless to say I’m really concerned and anxious to talk to someone there in the morning to find out what’s going on. Also, my son has very severe obstructive sleep apnea, is there a chance something from that could affect the EEG as he did sleep briefly during the test. Thanks for any help or advice.

Comments

This article has some

Submitted by Patriotrehab on Wed, 2019-10-16 - 00:32
This article has some information on the reactivity that some people experience if they have seizures that are sensitive to the light portion of the EEG. Keep in mind this doesn’t mean anything until you have confirmation from the doctor. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/triggers-seizures/photosensitivity-and-seizuresSleep patterns of all sorts affect people with epilepsy and the doctors often like to get a sample of sleep because it does help them to diagnose epilepsy better during an EEG to have a comparison of sleep and awake. Here is some information on the relationship between autism and epilepsy. https://www.epilepsy.com/article/2017/3/epilepsy-and-autism-there-relationshipSomeone from the epilepsy foundation may be responding to you in the next few days as well. I am a licensed clinical social worker and certified rehabilitation counselor as well as a person with epilepsy. I’ve been living with epilepsy as well as some comorbid conditions for 19 years as a result of medical neglect due to complications from a pregnancy. My son is now a healthy adult. I’m happy to answer any questions that I can for you.

Hi Lori10505, Thanks so much

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2019-10-16 - 08:26
Hi Lori10505, Thanks so much for posting and we understanding your concerns. We cannot determine if your son experienced a seizure or not. It’s important that you all continue to follow-up with his neurologist team to get the results of his EEG and if he experiences any changes in symptoms, behaviors, side effects & moods to determine what individual treatment plan is best for him. Our new to Epilepsy & Seizure tool kit is a great resource and starting point for learning about what epilepsy is, what resources are available, how to make the most of doctors' visits, and how to take control of seizures, seizure first aid & safety. Learn more here: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/new-seizures-and-epilepsy  As Gianna mentioned her comment, for some individuals photosensitivity and changes in sleep patterns, or lack of sleep can be a trigger. Seizures can take on many different forms and affect different people in different ways. Learn more about seizures and triggers, here: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/about-epilepsy-basics/what-happens-during-seizure https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizures https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/triggers-seizuresFor more information about EEG readings, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/eeg/video-eeg   Additionally, you may contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000 contactus@efa.org, where a trained information specialist can connect you to resources, provide referrals and additional support.epilepsy.com/helpline  

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