Re: Uncontrolled seizures

Posted By CCF Neuro MD on June 21, 1997 at 11:46:44:

In Reply to: Uncontrolled seizures posted by THERESE on June 21, 1997 at 06:10:59:







: I am trying to understand test results from a eeg.  I was placed om Zarontin due to Starring Seizures.  According to my nureologist I had 10 seizure files but my brain wave was not affected.  To me that is not Seizure activity am I wrong.  I keep asking questions of my nuerologists and always get the run around.  I am hoping maybe you could help explain this nightmare to me.  Thank you in advance for your help.



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Therese:
I understand that you have had an exacerbation of your epilepsy recently postpartum, after a 2 year period of remission, and that your seizures are essentially staring spells.You have had a 24 hr EEG with numerous events recorded, but reportedly without EEG change. You are on Zarontin without benefit, after having tried Dilantin.
To try to answer your questions:
1. Yes, pregnancy and the postpartum period are associated with major hormonal changes which can cause cause an exacerbation of epilepsy.
2. Very large amounts of caffeine and other related drugs can induce seizures in susceptibe individuals and in the laboratory setting. There is, however no contraindication to modest caffeine consumption in epilepsy.
3. Vegetarianism is not abnormal, and I do not know anything about Zarontin inducing it.
4. Staring spells are seen in two kinds of seizures: absence seizures, and complex partial (temporal lobe) seizures. The former is treated with Zarontin and always has EEGchanges. The latter does not respond to Zarontin, and usually does have EEG changes. The absence of EEG abnormality raises the possibility of some other types of paroxysmal disorder.
5. Video EEG monitoring for epilepsy is an extremely useful test for resolving the questions raised in 4.
The Neurology Department at the Cleveland Clinic is acclaimed for its expertise in epilepsy, including video EEG monitoring, and you are welcome here for an opinion if you wish.
This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition.