Myoclonic epilepsy and white spots on brain

[joeylou]

For the past 10 years I have suffered from Myclonic Epilepsy for which I am  taking lamictal. As I have 3 small children I am frequently tired and therefore frequently jerky, often dropping breakfast or spilling milk! I don't think lamictal is particulrly effective although I haven't had a seizure for a number of years.
Just over a year ago I had a brain scan which showed that I had a number of white spots, a reason was not given why I have these and I was told not to worry about it.
I have always had migraines including visual disturbance, headache etc but I haven't had one for some time now. Could migraines and myclonic epilepsy be the cause of the white spots? I have the x-ray pictures so if anyone could offer a second opinion I would be very grateful.
Thanks

[joeylou]

Thank your help, very useful.
I had a tonic clonic seizure 10 years ago totally out of the blue. I then started having jerks especially in the morning and if tired. The doctor diagnosed epilepsy and I was put on epilim. I then moved house and started to see a neurologist from the local hospital. This doctor looked at my case history and diagnosed myclonic epilepsey and also changed my medication to lamictal, this drug is definately less effective than epilim but apparently safer during pregnancy.
A year or so ago I started feeling unwell, slight pins and needles in hand and a tingling in my face. I had an MRI and that's when they discovered the white spots.
The neurologist told me not to worry and that at this stage they couldn't give me anymore information, of couse it is only natural to worry about your health especially when one has 3 children. I now feel too embarressed to ask again.
I have the x-ray pictures and would love another neurologist to look at them for me. There are very few neurologists here in Ireland and quite a long waiting list as well.
Would it be impossible for me to send them over? I can understand if it is. I just want to live a long and healthy life with my family. I often wonder if myclonic epilepsey could get worse. Maybe I am being rather dramatic about it. What do you think?
I really appreciate your input, what a great site.
Thank you again.

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

There are multiple reasons to have white spots on an MRI. To name a few, these include demyelinating disease such as multiple sclerosis, vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels), headaches/migraines, and combination of factors as we age including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes. It is important to interpret the white matter changes with the clinical history and examination. Why did you have the MRI performed? Was it a routine examination?

I suggest that you follow up with the ordering physician of the MRI.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.