Epilepic seizure and memory loss

[JO__0__0]

  On October 9 my dad had an epilepic seizure that resulted in him being rushed by ambulance to the hospital. They kept him over night and released him the next evening.  He doesn't remember the hospital stay.  In fact, he doesn't remember anything short term.  He repeats the same questions and reads the same section ofthe newspaper all day.  He was on dilantin for over thirty years with just some peti mal seizures.  Five days before this seizure they started him on a clinical study with lamictal.  He is now on 100mg of lamicatal and 100mg of dilantin each day (in addition to an aspirin and centrum).  He has had at least two MRI's and EEG's, both show some damage, but I'm not sure to what extent.  I am 300 miles from home and getting my information from my mother.  My dad is not allowed to be left alone and is scheduled for another MRI next month.  He is also to begin rehab this week.  My question is, is this memory loss common - and is it permanant?  It is very frustrating for him, and for the family.  Also, I don't know if this is related or not, but the doctor's treated him for lyme disease earlier this fall.  In fact, he ended the antibiotic the week before he started lamictal.  I've heard that lyme disease affects memory. Is there a coorelation?  Did the switch to lamictal trigger this seizure?  Any advice on his prognosis would be greatly appreciated. He is 63 years old, retired teacher and marathon runner - in great shape mentally and physically.  Since the seizure he does little physical activity and of course doesn't remember things in the present, or recent past.  I'd appreciate any help you could give.  Thanks.
Dear JO:
I am sory to hear about your father.  Do you know what the dilantin levels were at the time of the seizure?  Do you know what level his Dilantin level was during the time he was in good control?  Lamictal is a very good anti-epileptic medication.  It has few side effects when started properly.  However, it does decrease the diltantin level.  So, if you know the levels before and after, it just might be that the dilantin level was too low.  The loss of memory is not unusual after a seizure that affects the dominant hemiphere (temporal lobe).  It the seizure affected this lobe, then he would have loss of memory.  However, continued loss of memory is of concern.  I would suggest that you get him seen by his neurologist and tell him/her of his recurrent memory loss and new behavioral change.  He may need another EEG.  You didn't mention whether the abnormal MRI was prior to the seizure event (the recent hospital stay).  If your neurologist doesn't think that he needs to be seen, then I would get a second opinion, preferably sooner than later.  Let us know what happens.
Sincerely,

CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS