Re: Complex partials?

Posted By CCF Neuro MD MJD on November 25, 1998 at 17:55:11:

In Reply to: Complex partials? posted by Amy on November 25, 1998 at 17:01:41:






I'm 19 years old and in September I started having these periods when I
was just sitting with my eyes rolled back and eyelids fluttering. I went
to a neuro in october and was diagnosed with complex partial seizures
with possible seconday generalizations. I was started on medication on
the day of my first appointment with my neuro. and scheduled for an MRI,
EEG, and EKG. All of those tests came out normal. I was
wondering how I can be diagnosed with this without any positive tests?
Thank-you for your time. Amy



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Complex Partial Seizures are a clinical description of seizures when an alteration of consciousness is involved.  Because seizures are intermittent in nature, they may not be observed on routine EEG.  So the EEG in these situations in looking for some underlying signs of hyperactivity.  These may not be present sometimes or may not be picked up by that test.  In fact only about 25% of first EEG's in people with a normal exam who had a seizure have significant EEG abnormalities.  A repeat EEG may help pick up an abnormality, but these may never be seen.  Regarding MRI, the etiology of the seizure may be such a small area that it may not be seen on conventional MRI.  Although these tests are quite helpful,ultimately it is the clinical description that is important in diagnosis.  But ask your neurologist whether another EEG or high resolution imaging (that has special views of the temporal lobes, the most common site of focal seizures) woul be hepful in your diagnosis.