Question about Seizures

[qbert]

I noticed there are a lot of questions about seizures on this board, but I just have some quick general questions:

1) Can stress cause seizures?
2) Can you out grow seizures (tonic clonic, petit mal, etc...)

For example, if you 15 or 16, will the aforementioned seizure types go away?

3) What are pseudo-seizures? (are they like a tonic clonic seizure?)

Not relating to seizures:

1) Why do you say "GOod Luck"? Why do you capitzlize you "O"'s on so many posts? Is there an actual reason, or is it just a typo?

Thank you for your help!

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

1.If you have a known seizure disorder or genetic predisposition to seizures, things like emotional and physical stress (intense exertion,alchohol, dehydration, hunger, fever) can certainly lower your threshold for seizures. But just because someone has stress doesn't mean they'll have a seizure.
2.For some types, yes. Others like juvenile myoclonic epilepsy need lifelong treatment, or those caused by a known lesion like a stroke or scar in the brain.
3.Pseudoseizures or psychogenic seizures are NON-epileptic seizures which mean they do NOT arise from the brain. Rather, they are a subconscious (sometimes conscious in malingering patients) event which stems from psychosocial causes and can manifest themselves in ANY possible way. Sometimes, patients will have odd movements like pelvic thrusting as their pseudoseizure. An EEG done during a pseudoseizure will be absolutely normal. Like real seizures, they do require treatment but not with epilepsy medications. Counseling and psychiatric meds are methods of treatment.
4.Just a typo. Shift key down a moment too long. Interesting observation.

[jan]

The dr. said, "2.For some types, yes. Others like juvenile myoclonic epilepsy need lifelong treatment, or those caused by a known lesion like a stroke or scar in the brain."

I do have a lesion in my left temporal lobe and it is thought to be stroke or MS.
My very reputable epileptologist said I had a stroke and that my brain is irritable because of it and that is why I am having seizures.  He went on to say I should be able to get off of meds in 2 yrs or so.  Have any of you with seizures from a brain lesion been told this?  Or have you been told you will be taking meds lifelong?

Thanks for any input.

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

Nothing in medicine or life for that matter is 100%. THe clinical history, exam and imaging findings as well as the indiviualized patient's lifestyle, compliance, and preferences are all important in making a decision regarding treatment options. 2 years is the time period that's been reported in the literature for patients with a one time seizure and normal MRI findings. Not all patients who have a brain lesion have to be on medication for seizures forever. It's very dependent on what kind of lesion it is, where it's at and its size as well as the other factors I stated. A history of seizures and lesions such as cortical dysplasia, large cortical strokes, and certainly syndromes like JME definitely warrant consideration of lifelong treatment. Not meant to be a rebuke, just a clarification so that the message is clearly conveyed to anyone who may read the post.

[jan]

I meant no disrespect.  I am new to this and wanted more information as I seem to be getting mixed messages.  Thank you for your response.