Right temporal lobe epilepsy treatment?

[kas187]

When I was 19(now 23) I had what was later ruled a siezure, My cousin was cutting my hair when I started feeling neasous and the next thing I remember is my aunt and cousin calling my name(sounded far away). I had lost conciouness and fell back in the chair with my eyes rolled back for several minutes(2-3). I was very tired afterward. I had an EEG done that came up abnormal in my right temporal lobe. This has only happened to me a couple more times since. Once while a nurse was taking my vitals, he said he didnt know what had happened but my oxygen level dropped and my pulse went up.

Most often I have times where either I have trouble comprehending what others are saying to me or I have visual distortions(such as a door seeming odd(closer or larger) and the floor or walls seem to pulse or look like they are moving kind of like water). After these spells I have a persistent headache(more of a constant pain) on my right side.

I've seen several neurologists had another eeg that came out normal as well as an MRI that was normal. I've had the drs talk to me as if I was faking what was happening. My mother has temporal lobe epilepsy(many siezures a day) on the left side i believe which came on when she was the same age as i was(19). I've been diagnosed with many mental health disorders over the years(depression, bipolar, borderline, anxiety) all of which started around the same time as the "spells", the phyciatrist have also diagnosed me with Conversion disorder stating that that is the cause of my spells, ive talked to other phyciastrist who thinks this is highly unlikely.

My question is weather leaving my symptoms as is, as long as they do not greatly affect my day to day life can damage my body even more? Is it best to live with the discomfort or to try and pursue this further hoping to find a doctor that will listen to me and not right me off as a lunney that is being overconcern about nothing.

[Emma999]

I look at it this way, if your car did a similar thing and just shut completely off in the middle of the freeway, wouldn't you take it somewhere to find out what is wrong and fix it?  You can't really live with your car doing that to you all the time because it could shut off in front of a semi, just like you could have a spell while you are walking down a cement stairway.  To me I am more afraid of where I might have a seizure than if I do and being on meds helps me to control where and when.  Also, not that I am a doctor, but things could progress and grand mal seizures are not fun or good for you.  I swear I have amnesia and can't remember certain people, events etc. after each seizure.  I also bit through my tongue after almost choking on my own vomit as I was breathing it in and out.  If I could avoid that I would as much as possible.  See a new doc, make them listen.  Try a professor at a University or a University with a hospital in general.  They seem to want to find out more about what is wrong and they have tons of med students that may offer a new perspective.

[wonka_01]

My advice to you is this: If your doctors aren't listening to you, it's time to find some other doctors.  Don't just get a second opinion; get Multiple Opinions!  Don't just assume the doctors are right because they're doctors. YOU know how YOU feel better than anyone else.  Doctors can only run tests and give advice based on past cases.  Each person is different.  I know it gets tough at times, but you have to be your own best advocate. Doctors have tons of patients to deal with in a given day, plus no human being is omniscient.  I was going to arguably the best hospital in NC, but my particular case was not being taken as seriously as I felt it should.  My parents and I had to go all the way to New York City to get the care I needed.  Don't give up.  Use sites like this one to get as much info as you can.  Using a search engine, try typing in everything you know about your case and see what you can find.  Look for hospitals which specialize in the areas that concern you personally.  When you visit your doctors, make sure you are able to clearly describe your problems.  In so doing, they are much more likely to take you seriously.  Also, check up on your doctors using the NET.  Make certain that you're getting the best care possible.  You can't put a price on your health and wellness.  I wish you the best.  I don't know your particular belief system, but I will be praying for you.  Peace.

- WCW