'Strokelike' Seizures

Hi,
My mother is 61 years old.  Over the past 1 1/2 months she has experienced four episodes.  During these episodes her speech becomes slurred, she has vertigo and extreme weakness.  The most recent episode was the worst.  She had no ability to walk and communication was basically impossible. She was slipping in and out of consciousness. She was held overnight in the hospital and when she awoke she had no recollection of what had occurred the previous day.  

She has had two contrast CAT scans, an MRI, EEG, 24 Hour cardio halter, EKG, Echo and a Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap) and tons of blood work.  All of the tests came back negative except her neurologist said the EEG looked "abnormal" in the speech center of the brain.  She had been on Topamax (25mg) 2 daily since her 3rd seizure, but they switched her to Depacote(??) after her most recent one.  Though she has never had involuntary muscle movement, the diagnosis is seizures with no explanation as to what caused them.

She has had breast cancer twice (last time in 1997) but up until recently has been extremely healthy and very physically active.  

Is there any possible explanation for what has brought on the seizures?  She also suffers from extreme insomnia (which has gotten even worse lately).  Is it possible she is experiencing Psychogenic Seizures of some sort, or would the abnormal EEG rule this out as a possibility.

Thanks for any help,
-Neil

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

This is really a question for a neurologist except for the issue of psychogenic seizures. I believe that is extremely unlikely from what you have described.

It is almost certainly an organic problem and even though an extensive workup has not given you evidence for a diagnosis, the most likely explanation is brain vascular incidents.  Have the doctors suggested anticoagulation?

[tardene]

Thanks for the rapid response.  She has been told to take baby aspirin (81mg), 1 a day.  They also checked her carotid artery and found no blockages.  Her cholesterol is also low.  

Incedentally, I think your doing a great public service with this site.  Since you feel it is unlikely that the seizures are psychogenic, is there another forum you could reccomend that is more suited to this type of question?

Thanks Again
-Neil

[lord_mike]

Neil,

Go to the neurology and neurosurgery forum.

Thanks,

Mike