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Neurology (Expert Forum)
med reaction and other questions
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med reaction and other questions
by jan, Feb 25, 2002 12:00AM
Dear Dr.,
I had a complex partial seizure 3/2001 at 44 yrs. old. I experienced alot of dizziness and very strange sensations up until the time I was treated in Oct.(diagnosed by video/eeg in Sept).
My questions have to do with limbs jerking and my MRI. After the seizure, on occasion my left leg or foot would jump. It really wasn't often. After starting the Trileptal (600mg) my rt. hand began to jerk, and I would jump when resting or waking up. The rt. hand jerks strongly, but mostly when using the computer,using the mouse or poised on the keyboard. The jumping at rest isn't strong and it isn't a full body jump like my husband and son have. It is a foot jumps, then a hand, and then... even my stomach at times. I know this started after the meds and yet they are talking about increasing med because of it. The epileptologist said it wasn't the med and instead of letting him tell me, I guessed it was from my brain and he said yes. (Lesion or seiz.?) What is your opinion? I think the med is caus'g diff. with speaking, too. Could this be? (No dr. has taught me a thing about seizures)
Now concerning the MRI's: The 1st was done 3 yrs. ago and the lesion was said to be old and "not significant at that time". Now, it is to blame for my seizures and the rt. sided probs I have (that came days after seizure). My epil. says I have had a stroke and brain is irritable. The other dr.s are suspicious of MS. I've had 2 add'l MRI's, no chgs. and am scheduled for a 3rd. Wouldn't MS have showed by now? What about the lesion looking old? And yet ALL the dr.s are saying it is the problem?
I had a complex partial seizure 3/2001 at 44 yrs. old. I experienced alot of dizziness and very strange sensations up until the time I was treated in Oct.(diagnosed by video/eeg in Sept).
My questions have to do with limbs jerking and my MRI. After the seizure, on occasion my left leg or foot would jump. It really wasn't often. After starting the Trileptal (600mg) my rt. hand began to jerk, and I would jump when resting or waking up. The rt. hand jerks strongly, but mostly when using the computer,using the mouse or poised on the keyboard. The jumping at rest isn't strong and it isn't a full body jump like my husband and son have. It is a foot jumps, then a hand, and then... even my stomach at times. I know this started after the meds and yet they are talking about increasing med because of it. The epileptologist said it wasn't the med and instead of letting him tell me, I guessed it was from my brain and he said yes. (Lesion or seiz.?) What is your opinion? I think the med is caus'g diff. with speaking, too. Could this be? (No dr. has taught me a thing about seizures)
Now concerning the MRI's: The 1st was done 3 yrs. ago and the lesion was said to be old and "not significant at that time". Now, it is to blame for my seizures and the rt. sided probs I have (that came days after seizure). My epil. says I have had a stroke and brain is irritable. The other dr.s are suspicious of MS. I've had 2 add'l MRI's, no chgs. and am scheduled for a 3rd. Wouldn't MS have showed by now? What about the lesion looking old? And yet ALL the dr.s are saying it is the problem?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT, Feb 27, 2002 12:00AM
These jerks may represent myoclonic seizures or jerks. I've never heard of trileptal causing myoclonus or jerking, but it has been reported to cause tremor and sedation. As for the MRI, I cannot accurately comment as I have not personally reviewed the films. MS is not typically associated with seizures. The reason why is because seizures come from the part of the brain called the cortex (outer part that surrounds it) whereas MS lesions are located in the white matter, which is the part of the brain underneath the cortex. There are some cases in which the lesion is big enough or extends from the white matter out to the cortex and is able to irritate it, causing seizures. But this is relatively uncommon. For futher evaluation for MS, a spinal tap would help.
You need to sit down with your neurologists and let them know that you want to understand your condition. Your problems are complex and you deserve to know what's going on and how you are being treated. Testing is important, but someone should help you understand what's happening and why. Good luck.
You need to sit down with your neurologists and let them know that you want to understand your condition. Your problems are complex and you deserve to know what's going on and how you are being treated. Testing is important, but someone should help you understand what's happening and why. Good luck.
