Community Forum Archive
The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
not sure what to do
Wed, 07/22/2009 - 06:01ok this is my ? iam in the millitary and ive been in for five years. I never had a e before that . ive only had 3 in the last 4 years. right now iam on dilatin. does anyone know if maybe somthing triggerd me to have them . I just dont know why iam having them, now iam 25? i know this is a dumb ? but maybe someone can help me out .... thanks will
Re: not sure what to do
Submitted by iraq on Fri, 2009-09-11 - 20:43
My husband was in the Army 22 years, 3 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan,
suffers from PTSD and has been found disabled by the VA. 3 years after
retiring is when the seizures started (1 year ago)After a year of taking
Depakote ER anti seizure medication with terrible side effects, we found
out this week after EEG Video monitoring that his seizures are Psychogenic
Non-Epileptic seizures that are caused by stress, anger or depression
brings them on, unlike Epileptic seizures where there is a electro
abnormality in the brain and you have a seizure with no warning and no
apparent reason. We have just found out that these type of seizures exist
and he has been taken off medicine and it is a psychological problem, not
neurological. We went to the top Epileptic team here in SW Florida and
finally got an answer. READ THIS ARTICLE
http://professionals.epilepsy.com/page/ar_1116430870.html
The Truth About Psychogenic NonEpileptic Seizures
Misdiagnosis
Benbadis also contends that the misdiagnosis of epilepsy in patients with
PNES is common. In fact, approximately 25% of patients who have a previous
diagnosis of epilepsy and are not responding to drug therapy are found to
be misdiagnosed. “Unfortunately, once the diagnosis of epilepsy is made,
it is easily perpetuated without being questioned, which explains the usual
diagnostic delay and cost associated with PNES.” It is important to note
that the diagnosis of PNES may be difficult initially for several reasons.
First, physicians are taught almost exclusively to consider (and exclude)
physical disorders as the cause of physical symptoms. Furthermore,
physicians are more likely to treat for the more serious condition if they
are in doubt of the diagnosis, which explains why many patients
misdiagnosed with epilepsy are prescribed antiepileptic drugs. Second, the
diagnosis of seizures depends largely on the observations of others who may
not be trained to notice the subtle differences between an epileptic and
nonepileptic seizure. Lastly, many physicians do not have access to
EEG-video monitoring, which has to be performed by an epileptologist (a
neurologist that specializes in epilepsy).
My husband was in the Army 22 years, 3 tours in Iraq and Afghanistan,
suffers from PTSD and has been found disabled by the VA. 3 years after
retiring is when the seizures started (1 year ago)After a year of taking
Depakote ER anti seizure medication with terrible side effects, we found
out this week after EEG Video monitoring that his seizures are Psychogenic
Non-Epileptic seizures that are caused by stress, anger or depression
brings them on, unlike Epileptic seizures where there is a electro
abnormality in the brain and you have a seizure with no warning and no
apparent reason. We have just found out that these type of seizures exist
and he has been taken off medicine and it is a psychological problem, not
neurological. We went to the top Epileptic team here in SW Florida and
finally got an answer. READ THIS ARTICLE
http://professionals.epilepsy.com/page/ar_1116430870.html
The Truth About Psychogenic NonEpileptic Seizures
Misdiagnosis
Benbadis also contends that the misdiagnosis of epilepsy in patients with
PNES is common. In fact, approximately 25% of patients who have a previous
diagnosis of epilepsy and are not responding to drug therapy are found to
be misdiagnosed. “Unfortunately, once the diagnosis of epilepsy is made,
it is easily perpetuated without being questioned, which explains the usual
diagnostic delay and cost associated with PNES.” It is important to note
that the diagnosis of PNES may be difficult initially for several reasons.
First, physicians are taught almost exclusively to consider (and exclude)
physical disorders as the cause of physical symptoms. Furthermore,
physicians are more likely to treat for the more serious condition if they
are in doubt of the diagnosis, which explains why many patients
misdiagnosed with epilepsy are prescribed antiepileptic drugs. Second, the
diagnosis of seizures depends largely on the observations of others who may
not be trained to notice the subtle differences between an epileptic and
nonepileptic seizure. Lastly, many physicians do not have access to
EEG-video monitoring, which has to be performed by an epileptologist (a
neurologist that specializes in epilepsy).