Abnormal EEG

[Tamster1967]

Beginning 9/2003 I started having near/presyncope episodes, tingling in head, followed by near blackout,these would occur all hours of day even waking me up from sleep.Have had numerous blood/urine tests; echocardigram/ekg from cardiologist.Under care of Neurologist since 2/2004. On initial Neuro evaluation he noted significantly reduced reflexes on entire right side. He sent me for MRI/MRA both came back clear;EEG showed abnormality(spikes/sharp waves)on left temporal lobe.Diagnosis seizures,started on topamax200mg.Continued having spells although not as severe.Began having double vision in a.m.Upped topamax to 400mg in early May,then to 600mg late May.Upon followup(due to cognitive impairment)topamax reduced to 400 mg and added 2000mg of Keppra.July the episodes continued,so ambulatory EEG ordered for 4 days and referred me to neuro-opthm for vision check. Severely reduced field of vision so I had spinal tap to rule out intercranial pressure,pressure was 185,neuro-optham.thought it was borderline since I was on topamax.Neuro took me off topamax in mid August as I had become too toxic(dizzy and cognitive issues). Ambulatory EEG did not show any seizures.Began having headache on right side above ear in early August.Neuro added imipramine 8/30 to see if it would alleviate headache.Eyes cleared.Had reaction in 9/04,shut down bladder/intestines so had to come off imipramine.Syncope/seizure episodes continued to occur,2 quite severe.Never lost consciousness.I have lost 65lbs since 9/2003.I still don't have control over the spells and wonder what to do next,tired of notknowing.

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

Your case is very complex, and without examining you and reviewing your tests I cannot make a clinical diagnosis. I would recommend that you obtain a second opinion from another neurologist at an academic center. They will be able to review your case and then make the appropriate recommendations. Good luck.

[nanamic]

dear tamster--sorry to hear of your problems--i feel that you should immediately look for a neuro specialist, maybe at a teaching hospital--i am not a doctor or health professional, but it sounds as if you are not getting any relief--good luck to you

[Tamster1967]

Thanks nanamic. It gets harder and harder to tell a symptom from a side effect. For the last 7 weeks I have chronic goose bumps on arms and sometimes torso, I am not even cold. It just gets crazier and crazier.

[longhornchic]

It is imperative that you seek out a neurologist at a teaching hospital who specializes in seizures and migraines -- he or she may not be in your city.  I have been down this road and drive over 200 miles to see my neurologists because they are the best.  I went through 5 years of BS being other doctors' guinea pig, and it's not worth it.  If you do this, not only will you recieve the best care, but you will be privy to the latest technologies and drug studies.  Best of luck in your doc search.