ARE ALL SEIZURES EPILEPSY??

No, not all seizures mean that a person has epilepsy.An Epileptic seizure produces a random firing of neurons that cause electrical activity that interrpts that normal functioning of the neurons. This interuption is what causes the seizure to happen. Epilepsy is a term used to describe a neurological disorder that has repeated seizures as its symptom. One single seizure doesn't make someone have epilepsy, and most times for that drugs aren't given.People who have epilepsy have abnoprmal brain activity on the monitor. Even people with epilepsy can also have a normal reading, which is why they do at least 3 of them. I had to have 3 EEGs done and 2 came back as abnormal activity in the temporal lobe. I had slow diffuse waves.They have to have a positive reading on an EEG to determine that.He could be having seizures due to his poor liver function. It may not work the way it should, to filter out all the poisons and toxins, and that can cause him to have seizures.But your family history says it all. It could be that as well.I wouldn't wish epilepsy on anyone, as I have it myself, and it is VERY difficult to live with, keep controlled, which it is not, and take meds on a certain time pattern every day. I have to take two different meds for my epilepsy, and it still ain't controlled to where it should be.Another suggestion that you could ask the doctor to do is a VIDEO/EEG or EMU. I had to go through that, and even though I hated every single minute of it, it picked up some seizure activity that we didn't know exsited with me.I was in it for 8 days, and had 3 seizures all different.I was diagnosed with TLE in association with other seizure types.I have what is referred to as a Mixed Seizure Pattern.I have 4 types of seizures to deal with. I have Grand Mal, Myoclonic, Simple and Complex Partial Seizures.We only thought I had the partial seizures, but never knew I had the other one Myoclonic. I had had 5 grand mals in that same year's worth of time, so we knew those exsisted.Let me know waht they determine him as.I will be thinking about you and him, as I know that this time is a real heartache and trying.Don't worry, just put your faith where it goes, and it will all work out the way it is meant to. EVEN if he winds up having seizures.Nancy

I can just imagine the grief and torment you must be experiencing. I have a seventeen year old daughter who graduated from high school just last month, and I thank God that she is healthy. I must yield myself from giving you advice despite my compullsion to do so; it's simply not my place to do so. Instead, I will provide you with a link to a site called the "neurology channel," a site that allows you to direct any questions you have to a physician. Also the site purports to have an extensive data base of questions previously asked that you can browse through. I have never used this site myself and I do suggest caution in directing any questions to the site's physician. Questions cost $25.00 each (refundable if the doctor is unable to answer it) and, the physician will not provide, or attempt to provide, a diagnosis "over the Internet". No cost is associated with the data base of qustions. Should you wish to browse through this site you can find it located at:http://www.neurologychannel.com/I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was your son's age, nearly thirty years ago. Seizures are no stranger to me. Should either you or your son wish I would only be too happy to respond to any questions you might have, personally. You can find my e-mail address at the close of this reply. Until then, I sincerely extend my best wishes to both of you.Michael Haileymhailey@telus.net

The advice you are getting is wise and you are better just to wait and see.Sometimes that's all you can do until the tests are in and the results gathered together and a diagnosis made finally.Because no,not all seizures are epilepsy,though in this case it would seem applicable.As you know from reading the posts/the links given,other conditions can be attributed to epilepsy when they are in reality not.http://www.pediatricstrokenetwork.com/seizuretypes.htmlhttp://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4749http://epilepsy.healthnewsflash.com/fb_7.phpI'm sure that we all wish you and your son well,as we do all your family members,at what must be a difficult and trying time for you and them.Until then,the advice given to read and read all you can is applicable here to further yours,and your families knowledge of this.Have you tried posting in the EFA forum as well?People there-are like here very supportive and I have enclosed the link.http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/epilepsyusa/