Epilepsy for 10 years. Recent EEG showed slowing of brain.

[cbillenste]

I have been diaganosed with Epilepsy for 10 yrs. After seizure episode that left me in hospital for 3 days, EEG shwoed slowing of the brain.  When I question my neurologist he said that this was typical for my seizure condition. Since this is 1st I have heard of this I am somewhat concerned.
I am a 47 yr old female. On 800mg Neurontin 3x day, 100mg Topamax 2x day. Also have VNS implant in 2002. Have both grand mal and absence seizures 3-4 times a month. Also have constant headaches that are sometimes debiliatating. I have vision problems, syncope and low blood sugar (36). They also put a pacemaker in 2000 because during my seizures my heart rate would drop below 40 also causing me to pass out.
No one can say why i deveoped the seizures late in life. I think it was due to a surgery when my blood pressure and heart rate dropped so low ( this was during a mascetomy for breast cancer). The seizures developed after the surgery.
My question is, should I be concerned about the slowing in the brain or is this a typical part of seizure disorders? I am very fustrated with my doctor that this is the first I am hearing about it.
thank you.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-PW]

Slowing on the EEG is quite common after a seizure and is called "post-ictal slowing". This occurs because after a seizure the brain is somewhat 'exhausted', and the brainwaves in teh are of the seizure will appear to be slower for a transient time. Usually this lasts for up to a few hours, but depending on the severity of the seizure up to a day or more. It does not mean that the brain is slow in between seizures. To obtain a proper look at the brianwaves in between seizures it should be done not around the time of a seizure.

In patients who have had a stroke or brain tumor etc there may be persistent slowing even in between seizures, usually only in one part of the brain.

Good luck

[cbillenste]

I also failed to mention that in addition to the seizures & headaches I have been experiencing chronic leg pain. It seems to move but there is a some tingling and numbness also. Aslo have some foot dragging and stumbling.
I had a concussion when I was in my early 20's. I am experiencing memory loss and general personality change.
Any help would be appreciated.

[cbillenste]

no, my seizures are caused by epilepsy. I have had them while sleeping or sitting. You are right about the tilt results. The pacemaker has helped greatly with that.

[jan]

If you failed the TTT did they look further into that to make sure your seizures weren't from that?  Did you have a concomitant EEG?  I am just asking.  You can have both conditions and yet the one can mock the other.

[Citizen T]

Which waves were slowed?   Delta, Theta, etc...

[jan]

I had slowing on several EEG's and was told this was due to a structural lesion (it doesn't show up on my MRI's altho other lesions do).  I have read that it can be part of epilepsy.

Have you ever had a TTT (tilt table test)?  To see if you had convulsive syncope?  Or a Reveal ILR?

I had been thoroughly tested for this as I do have neurocardiogenic syncope (heart rate and bp drops) and I seem to have developed seizures too.  So, they wanted to be sure it wasn't all from the syncope (convulsive syncope).

Here is a link about the Reveal and sorting the diagnosis:

http://www.medtronic.com/reveal/seizures/index.html

[cbillenste]

I'm not sure which waves were affected. My appt. isn't until 7/26.
Yes, I have taken & failed several tilt table tests. Also a MRI has shown 1 lesion.