Since November 2007, I have had a handful of random episodes of near syncope (fainting). I have always been a migraine sufferer, but from August 2007 through June 2008, I was taking Topamax as a preventative migraine medication (50mg once a day). Topamax, in higher doses (about 200mg), is mainly a seizure medication. I had not experienced such episodes until I began Topamax, but it did its job in preventing my daily headaches. After having four episodes (including distorted vision, hot/sweaty feeling,dizziness, inability to communicate in sentences, muffled hearing, a feeling of disconnection overall to that around me, a feeling of being in a dreamlike state, feeling intimidated while outside or driving on the freeway, and then leading to panic/concern), I consulted a neurologist and I personally initiated a detox from all medications. At first, I felt better. but now I think it was a placebo effect.
I now notice that stressors such as simple doctor check-ups/procedures (such as an eye exam or pelvic exam) lead me spinning into severe discomfort of near-fainting.
I'm in the process of being tested for vasovagal near syncope (as I haven't lost consciousness). I have had a sleep-deprived EEG and an MRI, both coming back normal. I had an EKG, which was normal. Next week I'm on to an ultra-sound of the heart and then a tilt-table test. My neurologist thought these were psychic seizures but the testing didn't confirm her suspicions. If all cardiological testing comes back normal, my neurologist explained that she would feel comfortable diagnosing me with "abnormal reporting of seizure."
But I'm scared. I'm feeling discouraged and nervous, as I'm very independent and have felt extremely uneasy and embarrassed when I'm out in public and feel my symptoms. I worry about driving (I have had one episode while driving, but was able to pull over).
Has anyone else experienced psychic seizures who could share their diagnoses process and treatment with me?
Or has anyone been initially diagnosed with seizure but then ended up being a vasovagal syncope?
Lastly, has anyone experienced such episodes and have connected them to the use of Topamax?
Thank you for your time! I am in need of more information to ease my mind!