seizure disorder, history of avm

    
      Re: seizure disorder, history of avm
    


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Posted by CCF Neuro MD on July 07, 1997 at 22:02:13:

In Reply to: seizure disorder, history of avm posted by pamela welsh on June 29, 1997 at 20:53:38:
  I had an avm/fistula of the carotid artery repaired l5 years ago. I dont know the medical terminology for what was done but basicallly it was super glued shut , having gone in  at the groin with a catheter they used angiography to follow it to my brain where the gluing occurred.   It was considered very experimental at the time.It seemed successful and my symptoms disappeared.I have now begun to have grand mal seizures and memory loss..MRI and EEG were normal.  A doctor I saw believes it may be from the earlier repair job.My insurance company is not interested in any more testing . They refuse to pay for an MRA and just want me to control seizuires with meds, doing no future testing.Would the MRA be helpful? How does one diagnose the cause of the seizures and is that important?
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Hello, Pamala,
  We have seen patients with similar presentation.  No matter how long ago the surgery was, and no matter what the surgery was for, new onset of siezures and memory deficits are concerning.  It makes one worry about the possibility of a new disease process.  Occationally, MRI will not be sensitive enough to pick up the abnormality.  EEG can be normal atter a seizure.  The bottom line is you need to see a neurologist who is specializing in your kind of problem.  The epilepsy center at department of neurology of Cleveland Clinic Foundation is the most suitable for you.  As one of the best epilepsy center in the country (and in the world), we are equipped with state-of-art monitering facility and the best epilepitologists led by Dr. Luders.  The addition of the Gamma knife to the department of neurology and department of neurosurgery has evalutionized the treatment of brain tumors, AVM, and many other neurological problems.   Please call toll free [phone] for gamma knife center or [phone] ext.45559 for neurology department. Hope to see you soon.
  This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your primary physician for the diagnosis and treatment of your specific medical condition.