What is this?

[headproblemz]

A couple of months ago I had a seizure, and ever since then, my head hasn't been the same. I have these strange occurences approximately 1-3 times a week. This week, I didn't have it at all. It's a type of feeling when you cover your ears, which makes the room sound hollow, and all the voices in the room sound loud and jumbled. During this, I have difficulty hearing, and walking. The room becomes quite fuzzy. During the occurences, I used to be able to talk a bit, but now I am hardly able to. After the attacks, the words that come out of my mouth do not make sense. They are slured. I don't understand what I am having. Could I be having a Trensient Ischemic Attack? Could it be a sign of a stroke? I realize that I am very young, and I don't know if TIA or a stroke would apply to me. Could they be just Aura's? Or could they be psycological problems that resulted from the shock of having a seizure? Ever since the seizure occurence, I have been quite nervous, and very figity. I hope you can help me in solving my problem. Thank you in advance:)

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

Your symptoms are worrisome for a certain type of seizure called a complex partial seizure. Although you don't lose consciousness, it becomes impaired and you are unable to communicate effectively throughout the episode. A TIA is also a possibility as is complicated migraine, but these are less likely given the fact you just had a seizure couple months ago. Talk to your neurologist ASAP for appropriate management. An EEG is necessary and you may need an MRI (if one hasn't already done) and adjustment of your seizure medications. Good luck.

[jan]

Here are a couple of Yahoo support clubs for epilepsy, if you are interested:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/epilepsychat/message/3561

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/epilepsysupportgroup/message/5974

[headproblemz]

Thanks for the help, but I don't have epilepsy. I do not take any seizure medication. In my opinion, it is all psycological.

[headproblemz]

Thanks for the help, but I don't have epilepsy. I do not take any seizure medication. In my opinion, it is all psycological.

[searching]

Hi Headproblemz,

I just want to point out that IF (and that's a big if since you'll need to undergo more testing to sort this out -- as the neuro here suggested,) Um...  where was I?  Oh yes, anyway...

If it turns out that you ARE experiencing repeated complex partial seizures, then, by defintion, that would mean that you have epilepsy.  As someone who has epilepsy (mine are simple partial and complex partial seizures) I agree with the doctor that this may very well be what you, too, are experiencing -- especially in light of your previous seizure and the fact that your symtpom profile "fits like a glove" with how a partial seizure would present itself.  

About your nervousness, being fidgity, etc. since having your first seizure:  it's worth mentioning that depending on what part of the brain that one's seizures originate, feelings of anxiety, depression, agitation, (or what have you,) are often associated with epilepsy due to the abnormal electrical activity going on (sometimes fairly chronically and subclinically) in the area of the brain where the problem is.

In addition to the on-line forums that Jan has mentioned, I wanted to mention www.braintalk.org.  If interested, you can go to the Epilepsy section and pick our brains.  (Er... so to speak.)  Or, if you don't want to go so far as to visit an epilepsy forum, know that Braintalk has TONS of forums for just about any neurological condition there is.  So, browse around.  You may get some of your questions answered.  There are even support sections there for emotional problems, etc.  

But, for what it's worth, if I were to put down some cash and place a bet, I'd put all my money that you have a seizure disorder (a.k.a. epilepsy.)  Take care.  I hope you find relief and answers soon.

[jan]

Hi Search,
I have been to brainchat and just recently, too.  It's funny, but I went there and to the 2 forums I mentioned, they were telling me it sounded like seizures. Actually they were saying, it was seizures, I just KNEW I wasn't having seizures, I just wanted to compare notes since dr's were considering that diagnoses. LOL  I have simple and complex partials, too.  After the first complex partial my head was messed up for MONTHS!!!!  It was incompacitating (sp)! Even after the last pronounced simple, (one similar to aura to the complex)my head was messed up for weeks.  How I hate that.
Maybe I will see you in brainchat, Search.

Anyway, good luck headproblemz.

[searching]

Well, hello there, Jan!  Small world, huh?  ;o)  Do you go by the name "Jan" at Braintalk?  I ask because I have a different name I use at Braintalk, but I'm curious if we've posted to each other there before.  Like, maybe I'm the one who insisted that you were having seizures!  LOL

When I was first told that I was having seizures, I, too was a bit skeptical.  I had no idea that seizures could have such different presentations than the more "obvious" generalized seizures.  It wasn't until I found Brainchat 2 years ago that I fully started to understand my diagnosis and how it did truly explain what I had been going through for so many years prior to my diagnosis.

I'm glad you got your diagnosis sorted out, too!  :o)  It helps to know what it is, huh?  

I, too, feel "off" in my head for quite some time after my seizures (and for a day or two before I have one...,) espeicially if I'm going through a stint of having clusters of daily seizures.  The spacy, "off" feeling drastically affects my ability to think clearly and function normally.  So, needless to say, I'm always relieved when the fog clears for a while.  ;o)  And, so, I understand when you say that you hate that feeling!  Me, too!  

Well, take care, Jan.  See you at Brainchat....  um...  but, how will we "recognize" each other?

[jan]

Yes, I go as "jan".  Those chats are painstakingly slow!  I guess that is good for when our heads are a mess. LOL  I tried opening a Yahoo chat in the User rooms, but have no patience and so don't keep the room open long in hopes of others joining. LOL
I will try and visit brainchat a bit more.

[headproblemz]

I do not believe I have a seizure disorder. I don't know what these instances that I am having are. Can one of you please explain in GREAT detail what it feels like when you have these complex partial seizures.

[headproblemz]

BTW. I had an EEG, CT Scan, Blood Test, Complete Cardio tests All normal.

[jan]

A simple partial and complex partial seizure is different for everybody because it depends on what part of the brain it effects.  I had 2 completely normal EEG's and one that just showed focal slowing, then my 4th was a 48hr. video/eeg and it showed sharp wave and spike wave activity.  
Check out those groups I listed and see if you can find out more that may help you.
I have had so many different feelings with simple partials, buzzing in head,buzzing with blackness and feeling like I was going to fall or blackout, dizziness and nausea, things seemingly moving closer over and over, a room full of people talking going to a cartoon like chatter and making me dizzy, goosebumps in one limb, etc, etc.
The complex, from what I remember...I had a buzzing feel'g and sound in the rt. side of my head, hallucinated a bee, felt like a darkness was overcoming me and felt fearful. This part I don't remember, but friend witnessed, I was staring ahead and waving my arms over my head as if fighting something off. I felt embarrassed as I came to. That is all I remember now.  It was quite fascinating to be honest.
Hope that helps.

[jan]

P.S. An MRI is more helpful in looking for abnormalities.

[headproblemz]

Thanks for the explanation. However, my symptoms are nothing like at all.Cartoonchatter a bit, but not really. I really belive that I am having anxiety attacks. It seems to me that I can control when or when not I will have these so called "attacks". When I don't think about them, I don't have them for the majority of the time.

[searching]

Hi Jan and Headproblemz...

Well, first of all (LOL), Jan, I only use the forums (discussion boards, NOT the chat rooms) at Braintalk, so that would explain why we haven't met yet.  ;)  (And, by the way, yes...  the chats there ARE slow, which is one reason why I don't use them.  LOL)

Headproblemz, sounds like you're having a real tough time with all that is happening to you.  I'm sorry.  I want to be careful to not be somehow insisting that what you're having are seizures, because this is just an on-line discussion of ideas - with people who do not know you and doctors who have not examined you.  So, what I write is not intended to sway you one way or the other in your beliefs, but to help inform you of the possibilities.  

I just wanted to add to Jan's comments that (she's so right) partials can be very different from one person to another.  It all depends on the part of the brain in which they're originating from, how far they spread, etc.  For example, my seizure presentation is very different from Jan's.  I experience only a few of the symptoms that she describes.  

Headproblemz, I don't want to sway you one way or the other (I'm not a Brainchat recruiter!  LOL) but, this CCF board tends to be more of a question/answer type of forum with the doctors, so I try to keep my "chattiness" brief here.  (This is the most I've ever written here.)  Yet, the Brainchat forum is a patient group in which you can freely go on and on and on and on about things....   ;o).  

So, I really do suggest that you bring your questions and observations to the Epilepsy discussion board at Brainchat.  The reason being is that there are hundreds of epilepsy patients there --  so, you if you ask (or do search) about partial seizure symptoms, diagnosis, etc., you're going to get a very wide range of responses from people with all sorts of different experiences (besides just Jan and I! LOL.)  I think this will help you understand seizures better and you will be better able to sort out your options and alternative routes to take in seeking a diagnosis and treatment (whatever your diagnosis may be.)  

I understand that you feel your issue may be a psychological problem.  Something to keep in mind is that some people with epileptic seizures also have what are known as "pseudo-seizures."  (Controversial subject for many!)  But, from what I understand, the incidence of pseudo-seizures is higher in people with epilepsy than in non-epileptics.  In other words, it's possible that you have BOTH a seizure disorder AND stress-induced episodes.    

[kd re: longstanding MR]

I hope you are still around.

Your description of what you were experiencing sounded very much like transient ischemic attack or stroke related to me.  I would take the CCF docs word and see someone about it.  
THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN I WAS HAVING A TIA (tiny stroke) or STROKE  WHEN I HAD THE SYMPTOMS YOU HAVE.

I know you don't like the idea of seizures but here are my experiences and you can decide.  
***YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE EPILEPSY TO HAVE SEIZURE ACTIVITY, in a techical sense.****

I have Temporo-Parietal Focal SEIZURES RESULTING FROM A STROKE.
They are sensory, only.  They affect my HEARING and TASTE to the greatest degree.

When they show up - usually the first thing I notice is that it seems like I am talking in an empty room.  There is a hollow sound to it.  My voice sometimes seems quiet but will often seem overly loud.  I can't think of a really good description.  The room quality is like listening into a seashell or walking into a room with no furniture or wall hangings and talking?
They will sometimes make me see things too brightly or as if the objects are far away.
Things taste BAAAAAD.  Very bitter.  Things also smell very bad or sharp.  I will throw out all kinds of food and my husband will think I'm crazy because they don't have a rancid smell to him.

When my medication (Dilantin) is too high or too low, the symptoms come back.  I take this for seizures.  Again, my seizures are not considered epilepsy by the doctors.

If it is seizure activity, you still need to have it attended to.  It is my understanding that if you don't get it treated when the seizure activity area is small, it can spread and you don't want the big ones.

I also don't think that YOU think that it's all in your head.  
Ohhhh, are you thinking that you know the problem is in your head, physically, and not, let's say in your limbs (as you would expect to see from a seizure?  If that is the case, as you can see from my story, the seizure activity results CAN only be in your head.  I have no jerking or spasms.  I do not pass out.

PLEASE GO TO THE DOC and have it checked out.  

They will sometimes run tests that don't show the cause right away and will tell you it is psychological...but it's not...You persevere and get your answers.
I had 3 strokes that they said were not and were.  One of them gave me the seizure activity.

[headproblemz]

Perhaps I didn't mention that I am 18.

[kd re: longstanding MR]

Ok, that does make it more complicated.  I didn't realize you were so young.  Does it make it harder for you to go to the doctor's or to the hospital?  Are you out of school or do you have to depend on someone to get you there?  I guess those are the logistics of it.

Now, I'll address something that many doctors don't seem to know about and I only found out about it because I had 3 strokes (I was older than you, but...) and they kept telling me it was psychological.  I finally found the cause (and it was NOT psychological).  
There are a couple of blood tests you can take that might track this down.  The one that helped me was called the ACA - the Anticardiolipin test.  If you have high numbers of the IgG or IgM isotopes, you may have something called Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS).  Fancy word - it just means that your blood is making clots for reasons it shouldn't.  If you have APS, it can cause stroke type symptoms for even a person as young as yourself.

I don't want to scare you. But if you are having those symptoms, you MUST see a doctor.  Either you should ask him/her or your parent or somebody should ask them to check on APS.  Not all doctors know about it and shrug young people such as yourself off as "not possibly having a ____"  I know, I got that reaction even at the age of 44 when I had my first stroke.  Many young people in their 20s come over to a site I go to (MGH was mentioned by someone above - only I go to the Stroke Board) and say, "What do I do?  I have these symptoms but the doctors say I'm not old enough."  Well, we need to educate the doctor, sometimes.

If you have APS, there is treatment for it.  Not a cure, but a treatment where you might not have any further problems.  But you do have to check it out.  I have paid a heavy price for ignorance (and my doctor's).  The Neurologist was directing you to seek help because it is important.  They don't usually do that.

Keep in touch.  I'm so sorry about how you are feeling.  It IS scary but you had the courage to come here and find this so I know you can go the next step.
kd

[headproblemz]

In my opinion, it is nothing. If I have the power to control when I will get these attacks, then it is not such a big deal. I was only unable to control myself once, and even then I was stressed out and thinking about having an aura.

[kd re: longstanding MR]

okey dokey ...just realize that you are playing with fire if you are having seizures and don't medicate them; if you are saying words that don't make sense or not understanding words and don't investigate it further; or if you have multiple seizure episodes in a row.
I wouldn't make an issue of it but I've, as they say, been there, done that and the outcome has not been good.
Hope you don't have any more events.
Have a healthier day!  :)
Over and out.
kd

[searching]

Headproblemz... um..  

You're the one who posted the question, so I would assume that (at some level) you feel it is worth discussing.  All I have to say is that whatever it is that you're experiencing, KD is right:  you're playing with fire if you let seizures go unmedicated.  

I was misdiagnosed for years as my symptoms being "psychologically based."  Like you, I was only 18 at the time and ended up in a psyche ward, being given strong meds which only made me worse since the real problems (seizures) was not being addressed.  (There are many antipsychotic, antidepressants, etc. which can actually lower the seizure threshold, so in an attempt to treat me for my supposed "mental health issue" they were making me sicker and sicker, thus resulting in me getting MORE meds for "mental illness," making me even sicker!  A viscious cycle.)

Anyway, whatever you condition may be, it will not get better on it's own, and most likley will get worse.  So, take it from someone who lost most of her late teen years and most of her twenties due to a misdiagnosis:  Don't let it happen to you!  When you hit 30 - and beyond - you'll be mourning the loss of those years.  

Good luck......

[searching]

P.S.  Hi KD!  I recognize you from MGH.  ;o)  (I'd rather not say what my nickname is there, but "hi" to you, just the same.)

[headproblemz]

I only had one Grand Mal Seizure. Everyone is different. If you have a seizure, there is a 70% chance you'll never get one again in your life. These little episodes I'm having can very well be psycological because of the shock I had in getting a seizure for the first time. This is very likely the case. Unlike most of you, I can control these attacks. I was only unable to control it once. On 3 of these "attack" occasions, my voice was slured and I was unable to speak properly for around 10-15 seconds. I really do not believe that that is a sign of me having a seizure.

[headproblemz]

I only had one Grand Mal Seizure. Everyone is different. If you have a seizure, there is a 70% chance you'll never get one again in your life. These little episodes I'm having can very well be psycological because of the shock I had in getting a seizure for the first time. This is very likely the case. Unlike most of you, I can control these attacks. I was only unable to control it once. On 3 of these "attack" occasions, my voice was slured and I was unable to speak properly for around 10-15 seconds. I really do not believe that that is a sign of me having a seizure.

[kd re: longstanding MR]

I give up, I'm back but will be gone after this.
Headproblemz,
Yow wrote with a problem and the doctor answered it.  In that section, you said you had a seizure but were concerned about these speech things that came with it.  
Doc says get it checked out.  
Some of us who have experienced similar things tried to give you some support and additional information.  
The thing is, in my opinion, you do not want it.  You want to convince yourself that you can control these things.  Well, you CANNOT control a TIA or a stroke.  A TIA may only be seconds long.  IF your speech difficulty was a TIA, you may have seemed like you could control it because it was short.  That doesn't mean it was something within your control.  It was just short. You were lucky.
If you have had a grand mal seizure, it doesn't mean you can't have other kinds of seizures.  My 3rd stroke was diagnosed after the seizure activity that resulted from it.  Sometimes vascular incidents and neural impulse incidents coincide.
I repeat, I think you are playing with fire.  But, maybe not.  You are the one who has to live her life.  
I hope you have a good one.

[headproblemz]

I believe you misuderstood me. I CAN control when the aura will occur. Once it occurs, I can't control it. However, if I feel it coming, I CAN stop it. If I don't want the aura to occur, it WON'T occur. That is what I meant. That is what makes my symptoms different from yours. I CAN control what will happen to me.`

[searching]

Okay, I'm with KD here (I'm back, but soon to leave! LOL.)  I just wanted to ask you, Headproblemz:  

What is your question?  It appears that we're somehow misunderstanding your point, so what is it that you are needing to understand better about your episodes?  Are you asking us where you can go for help?  Or, if you truly CAN control your auras, etc., then are you asking us why you may be doing this?  Or, perhaps, what sort of professional to see?  

This feels like a set up to me.  Everyone is sincerely trying to help you get help -- whatever help you may be in need of.  In other words, I don't have some sort of warped desire to convince you that you're having seizures or strokes!  We were all just trying to answer the questions that you presented us with.

I give up!  Good luck!  

[bystander]

I came onto this site for something completely different but I read your question and all the following comments. It is very concerning to read your replies. I understand you are 18 and what you are going through must be very difficult. I too at a very young age went through a lot of medical issues ( started at 12 years old to be exact). It is not uncommon at a very young age, or any age for that matter to be in some degree of denial. I am not saying that you are, but it is not uncommon. The others had some very good adivice, I thought. It would not hurt to get the neuro eval and if you think that it is a psychological issue than maybe you would benefit from a psychological eval. It might help.
Sorry I couldn't not comment on this one. You are so young to have to deal with this. Good Luck!

[TKH]

Been reading your comments given to headproblemz.  I can relate to everything being said and understand where he's coming from.  I had a grand mal (convulsion) in 1985.  No diagnosis was ever made.  I continued to have spells but did not know what they were.  I to felt like I had control over them and they seemed harmless.  When I started having problems with my memory I consulted at least 2 general practioners.  One said it was panic attacks, the other really made no diagnosis but said it was not seizures since it had been so long since my grand mal.  In 1990 I had one at work.  I worked in public service and was waiting on someone when it happened.  I think the control that I usually had was threatened because I was placed in a situation where I was having to communicate with someone.  The spell was no worse than previous ones, its just there were witnesses.  I couldn't easily remove myself from the office and seek a quiet retreat until the spell passed.  The symptoms I have iinvolve the senses.  I can still see but things don't look right, I can still hear but things don't sound right, etc.  I'm still conscious and can continue simple things even while the spell is happening.  I've even had them when driving.  I really don't think the lady I was waiting on knew what was happening until I opened my mouth to speak.  Yes, I knew she was addressing me I just could not comprehend what she was saying.  When I spoke a co-worker happened to walk by and I said, "I'm sick can you wait on her".  At that point other co-workers were called and they walked me to our breakroom.  They made a big deal over something that happened to me all the time.  The following day I saw a doctor and spilled my guts.  I was more open and honest than ever before, not really caring if he thought I was crazy.  Want to know what he told me?  He said he didn't think there was any relation to these spells and the gran mal 5 years earlier.  No tests were done and he told me to come back if it happened again.  I had already told him this wasn't an isolated incident so what else could I do or say?  I left his office.  My mother and aunt were with me and when I cried on our way home my aunt urged me to see her doctor.  Her doctor was already treating her for seizures but they were different than mine.  I went to her doctor, a doctor of internal medicine, the next day.  She listened to my story and ordered tests.  When the EEG was administered I had no episode and assumed I'd past.  A few days later the doctor diagnosed me with seizures.  My seizures are successfully controlled by medication and I continue to lead a normal life.  I still work, am married now with 2 healthy kids, I still drive and do all the activities that I did prior to the diagnosis.  The point I'm trying to make is you already know there is a problem.  Whether it's seizures or not only a doctor can tell you for sure.  It would probably be in your best interest to see a doctor and if he/she gives you a clean bill of health, see another and another until you find your answer.  I was 18 when mine started and assumed when the doctors couldn't find anything, I was okay.  It wasn't until I found a doctor that sincerely took an interest in my wellbeing that a diagnosis was made and I began to educate myself about seizures.  I've learned that I never really controlled the seizures.  I could lessen the effects of them by relaxing my mind and body, by not resisting when I felt one coming on, and by not trying to control or understand the strange thoughts and feelings that consumed my body during a seizure.  This though is not really control, it just took me a long time to figure it out.  If your situation is similar to mine, know that being diagnosed with epilepsy does not necessarily mean giving up your independence or altering your lifestyle.  With me all it really meant was taking medicine regularly to control the seizures, no restrictions were ever placed on my driving, working, or extracurricular activities.  God Bless and Good Luck.

[denisew]

Has anyone seen this? Generally I am asymptomatic. 1st presentation age 14-15 while laying down experienced
inability to move arms and legs last 15-30 minutes.
Vision ok. Per ER MD stress reaction of some sort. Over teen years bouts of fatique some so severe lead to depression.
No meds given. In and out of MD's office kidney problems with  
recurrent infections upper respiratory infections. Severe ulcerative colitis. Bouts of weakness and numbness extremities
following all colds and infections. 5 years ago age 35 sob/
chest pain unknown etiology. EKG/ labs OK except elevated ANA
2 weeks later unable to move arms and legs/ unable to speak
10-30 minutes. To Er urinary retention. This episode left me
with lt sided paralyisis for 3months. I am left handed.
Following this episode few bad migraines/ increased weakness
with exercise. EKG/Chest xray/EMG/ ct head normal. Full recovery. Suspects lupus or MS. Both r/o by nueologists and rheumatology/ Lyme titer negative. Now age 42 here we go again but this time 3 episodes over 3 weeks of this paralysis stuff arms and legs,facial numbness, severe mid back and low back pain, unable to talk during episode or open eyes but I hear everything that is going on around me. 1 week sob prior to problem, viral infection 6 weeks ago. 1 day migraine following the episode. Labs Ok other than anemia. Plan at this time R/O seizures. Back to neurology r/o Atypical migraine. Repeat EEG. Does this sound like seizure activity? The leg and arm residual weakness seem puzzling if seizures are the problem? Any comments would be helpful.

[headproblemz]

I still am unconvined, tkh, that you yourself have a seizure problem.

BTW: I was diagnosed with the following:

Anxiety Attack/Panic Attack

When I had the 1st Grand Mal, the doctor's believed I had a migraine which caused me to hyperventale, get confused, and caused myself to perform something similiar to a seizure. They still do not believe that I even had a seziure to begin with. They say I am so afraid that it will happen again, that I am causing these attacks on myself. I have been evaluated by a pediatric neurologist/pediatrician, a second pediatrician, a third pediatrician, and two heart surgeons. They all think I have nothing but what I stated above.

Let me explain the attacks that I have, maybe you still misunderstood what I said:

Suddenly, I have a strange feeling in my head. Then, all the noises seem to get louder and faster. Not cartoon style, but just louder and faster. It feels like my ears are blowing out air, if that makes sense. The room seems to get a bit fuzzy, then it ends. They range in form of inpact. Afterwards, I am a little shaky for around 1 hour becuase I'm afraid that it will happen again, and then I am fine. They believe I am causing this to occur on my own.

I also have other panic attacks where I can't breath well, I think I'm having a heart attack, a sense of unreality(VERY SCARY!), and thinking that I'm dying.

If you diagnose that as having a complex partial seizure please let me know. But from what I read and from what 5 doctor's tell me, those are not symptoms for a seizure.

Also, tkh, please explain to me your symptoms. I would like to hear what they feel like.

[TKH]

I've never felt that these episodes were life threatening.  During the worst ones I sometimes feel faint but don't ever lose consciousness.  I lose touch with reality and am in a altered state of consciousness when it is happening.  That day at work I knew the lady was talking to me but I could not comprehend what was being said and it was difficult for me to speak.  When I did speak I wasn't sure of what I was even saying.  It does effect my senses, the worst being vision and hearing.  Touching, tasting, and smelling don't seem to be effected as bad.  The only long term side effect is memory.  Example:  My father took me and my sister to Louisiana for the Surgar Bowl several years ago.  I don't remember anything about it.  I look at the pictures we took and it scares me to think I traveled out of state, was apparently gone for a few days, and have no recollection of it.  Before I was diagnosed I was teased alot about my memory and tried to make myself believe that if I forgot something maybe it wasn't worth remembering to begin with.  Then I realized that some of the stuff, like that trip, I should of remembered.  Anyway, I've had 2 EEG's that were abnormal and since they started treating me for complex partial seizures these spells are under control.  I did have another grand mal last summer, by the way both of my grand mals have been in my sleep, and the nurse practioner at the neurologist's office said it was contributed to some over-the-counter allergy medication I had been taking.  It counter acted with the seizure medicine somehow.  Given the symptoms, the memory loss, the 2 grand mals, and the fact that the medication has controlled the seizures the diagnosis is probably accurate.  What I find interesting about your story and mine is this:  I have an older sister who has panic attacks.  I have a twin sister and an aunt who have seizures.  My older sister's medical tests for seizures were normal.  I believe they did tests on her heart and found she had micro valve prolapse.  The spells she has is a result of the micro valve prolapse and panic attacks.  My twin sister has had 4 or 5 grand mal seizures, all during sleep.  Her EEG was abnormal and she also takes medicine for seizures.  Our aunt has also had several grand mal seizures, all during sleep.  Several EEG's have been done on her, none have ever been abnormal.  It's weird and while I accept my diagnosis, I can't help but wonder if there is a connection between the seizures me, my twin sister, and our aunt have and the panic attacks my older sister has.  For what it's worth, my older sister has not been successfully treated for her panic attacks.  Her symptoms are very different than mine.  She has been taken to the ER several times for a suspected heart attack.  I think even the ER staff were convinced until tests proved otherwise.  Unlike you, she thinks she may be having seizures but all of her neuro. tests were normal; and, from what I've witnessed she is aware of everything and can carry on conversation during her spells.  She does hyperventalate during her spells, feels pain in her chest, and feels that she is dying.  I think they did try her on seizure meds. once but she had some side effects and discontinued the treatment.  It's really been interesting and helpful talking to you.  Don't know if I've been much help but good luck in finding out what exactly the problem is.

[headproblemz]

Thank you for the information:) I also had an EEG but mine came back normal. Other then that, the only other thing that worries me is this sense of unreality. This sense of unreality occurs almost 24 hours a day. It feels as if I'm dreaming everything and nothing is happening. It also feels that I shouldn't be on this planet, but somewhere else, as if there is something more. I know this may sound strange but it is actually very scary. Is this what happens when you have a sense of unreality?

[TKH]

Rember, everyones symptoms are different.  No 2 people are going to be alike.  The dreaming I can relate to, being on another planet I'm not sure I can identify with.  Here is the key you still have a problem and it's not under control.  See a 6th doctor, not an associate of the previous 5.  Spill your guts, tell him of the tests you've undergone, the diagnosis from the other doctors, and let him give you his opinion.  Whatever the problem it's not going to get better until you seek treatment.  For what it's worth, my aunt who was placed on seizure meds. never had an abnormal EEG.  They those to medicate her because of the reoccurance of the grand mals.  They may eventually try my sister on seizure meds again.  Not because her neuro tests are abnormal but if she continues to not responde to the meds for the panic attacks.  Like you, I believe their is possibly a link between the panic attacks and seizures.  The seizure meds. have controled the problem for me.  If you are still having problems, mention this to your doctor.  Seizure meds may be the answer.  Also, at 18 I was not comfortable discussing this with my parents.  When I finally spilled my guts, I choose to take my mother with me but let her wait in the waiting room.  At 18 you have a right to patient/doctor confidentiality (excuse spelling).

[headproblemz]

I have told my parents everything. 3 people in my family alone are doctors. They're are sending me to only the best doctor's. I am not seeing an associate of the other. They really think that it is nothing for now. I am currently taking Xanax which I believe is an anti-seizure medication. I am not having any more episodes or attacks. But the reason I am taking Xanax if for the panic attack syndrome. But I can't get this feeling of unreality out of my head. Do you know how to make it go away?

[TKH]

No, I don't know but it sounds like you've got a lot of support and medical help.  Best of luck to you.

[searching]

Good answer, tkh.  :)

[headproblemz]

funny searching, very funny.

[TKH]

Hey, I wasn't trying to be smart in my last answer.  It was said with good intentions.  You are lucky.  At 18 I didn't discuss my problem with my parents and the night I had the grand mal, well both my parents were noticeably shaken.  When we got to the ER I couldn't remember anything that happened but was well aware of what was happening at present.  My concerns were more for my parents than myself.  I knew I was okay and really made light of the whole thing.  Truthfully, they probably needed a doctor worse than me.  I would try discussing my concerns with a doctor if I were you but in the mean time I'll tell you what a doctor/friend told me at 18 (Your getting ready to graduate high school and start college.  Lets not make an issue of this.  It might never happen again.  Put it behind you and concentrate on your future but if you have another one we'll need to run some tests.)  Don't remember his exact words but that's close.  Guess he meant I had alot of reasons to be nervous at this particular time in my life.  This particular doctor was a life long friend who past away soon after my visit.  Had I of followed up with him when my problem persisted I'm sure action would of been taken.  Again good luck.

[jan]

Hi Searching,
I hope you are still reading this thread.  Actually, I can't believe it is still active!!!  Anyway, I can't find the page for the epilepsy forum on braintalk, can you help me out plz?  Thanks a bunch. :o)

[searching]

Hi Jan!  Yep, still reading...  ;o)  See my response to your question at the most recent thread.

[bridgetsfury]

I think you are all on the right track . Epilepsy is no joke. I think some people are afraid of the truth. This is my first night OL looking up tumors-brain disorders and so forth . First chance I've really had . Kids are finally in bed (LOL). My mother is epileptic and has a brain tumor that is 2.5inches in size. This is after 2 prior surgeries and looking at a third. A bit of advice to headproblemz  BE SAFE  NOT SORRY!!  My mother had a doc tell her that she had her tumor most all of her life if not from birth. It didn't present symptoms until the age of 15 at which time she started having headaches. A few years later she started having what she called episodes. My mother at the age of 27 diagnosed HERSELF as epileptic. She took her medical book to the dr and said this is what is going on with me . He said OK you are having seizures. She was on dialantin for a number of years which controlled the seizures for a time. At the age of 5 I awoke to the sound of what semed to be a cat gagging under the bed. Needless to say it was my mother whom I'd been sleeping with having a grand mal seizure. Talk about scared. You have no idea the impact you may have on other people someday.
Never having had a grand mal during her concious state she tried to wean herself off of her meds after her first surgery. Bingo-bango  guess what seizures are still there. My mother is now 49 and still having seizures and a growing brain tumor that just won't stay gone. Phsyco motor seizures are a part of her everyday life 4 or more and now is having new symptoms such as double-vision and foggy thinking and so forth. Please don't have that "IT CAN'T HAPPEN TO ME " attitude . It will do you no good . If you have a serious problem it is here to stay and needs to be daelt with..  Don't you watch TV?  People have been know to have seizures and kill themselves and others. Don't become a statistic!!!   GOOD LUCK WITH REALITY!!!

[headproblemz]

Thanks for the advice. I was already diagnosed with being possibly epileptic 1 month ago. I'm taking 400mg of tegretol a day. This is a very old post I made. I'm surprised I looked at it again. Anything else everybody?