RE: abnormal EEG

    
      Re: RE: abnormal EEG
    


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Posted by ccf neuro M.D.* on November 15, 1997 at 01:38:30:

In Reply to: RE: abnormal EEG posted by Terri Evans on October 30, 1997 at 23:45:43:
  About 2 1/2 years ago I began having these episodes of confusion.  I had a weird feeling in my had.  A feeling like being spun around.  I had several EEG's performed and they showed slowing and sharp waves in the piroximal area.  I was put on seizure medication, several kinds and nothing worked.  I had 24 hours studies performed, sleep deprived, and was monitored at UC Davis.  They showed no epileptic activity, but still showed the slowing and sharp waves.  The syptoms (symptoms) have decreased, but nonetheless I still have them.  I also have memory loss (short term) which had gradually increased.  I am 40 yr white female and do not use illegal drugs.  I was sent home by my neurologist, saying they do not what it is, but see a psychologist to learn to deal with it.  I also had a neuropysch exam to evaluate this and I was proven to be sane and that is it real.  Do you have any suggestions as to what this might be.  Thank you.
  Terri EVans
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Terri,

Sharp waves and slow waves persistently observed in a region of the brain mean that that portion of the brain is not functioning normally, and/or that some sort of damage has occurred to the affected area. Presumably as part of your seixure workup you had an MRI scan or other brain imaging study to exclude the possibility of stroke, tumor etc. Sharp waves are often but not always indicative of an underlying epilepsy, which is defined as  a tendency to have repeated seizures. There are some rare variant forms of migraine headaches that can produce odd symptoms, and abnormal  EEG changes have been reported to occur in conjunction with most migraine disorders with a frequency greater than that expected in the general population. This is especially true for children. If you are dissatisfied with the explanation you have received, a second opinion can never hurt and occasionally significantly helps. Since you live near UC Davis, I would specifically suggest a second opinion at UCLA medical center, which has one of the best known epilepsy departments in the country. Be sure to bring ALL of your EEGs, hospital, and outpatient records if you expect the doctor there to give you any meaningful advice. Your case is certainly an interesting one from your description. Let us know if anything else is ultimately determined or diagnosed. Good Luck!! Remember, information provided in the forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only. The actual diagnosis and treatment of your specific medical condition should be strictly in conjunction with your treating physician(s). we hope you find the information and suggestions provided useful.