Psychic seizures (Topamax, vasovagal syncope....)

[StephanieO]

Since November 2007, I have had a handful of random episodes of near syncope (fainting). I have always been a migraine sufferer, but from August 2007 through June 2008, I was taking Topamax as a preventative migraine medication (50mg once a day). Topamax, in higher doses (about 200mg), is mainly a seizure medication. I had not experienced such episodes until I began Topamax, but it did its job in preventing my daily headaches. After having four episodes (including distorted vision, hot/sweaty feeling,dizziness, inability to communicate in sentences, muffled hearing, a feeling of disconnection overall to that around me, a feeling of being in a dreamlike state, feeling intimidated while outside or driving on the freeway, and then leading to panic/concern), I consulted a neurologist and I personally initiated a detox from all medications.  At first, I felt better. but now I think it was a placebo effect.

I now notice that stressors such as simple doctor check-ups/procedures (such as an eye exam or pelvic exam) lead me spinning into severe discomfort of near-fainting.

I'm in the process of being tested for vasovagal near syncope (as I haven't lost consciousness). I have had a sleep-deprived EEG and an MRI, both coming back normal. I had an EKG, which was normal. Next week I'm on to an ultra-sound of the heart and then a tilt-table test. My neurologist thought these were psychic seizures but the testing didn't confirm her suspicions. If all cardiological testing comes back normal, my neurologist explained that she would feel comfortable diagnosing me with "abnormal reporting of seizure."  

But I'm scared. I'm feeling discouraged and nervous, as I'm very independent and have felt extremely uneasy and embarrassed when I'm out in public and feel my symptoms. I worry about driving (I have had one episode while driving, but was able to pull over).

Has anyone else experienced psychic seizures who could share their diagnoses process and treatment with me?

Or has anyone been initially diagnosed with seizure but then ended up being a vasovagal syncope?

Lastly, has anyone experienced such episodes and have connected them to the use of Topamax?

Thank you for your time! I am in need of more information to ease my mind!

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
Psychic seizures are the most difficult to diagnose as they can easily be confused with mental disorders. Emotional outburst, fear and memory problems are characteristic of this type of seizures.
Some of the main side effects of topamax include seizures, sudden vision loss, confusion, drowsiness, light headedness and fainting.
http://www.drugs.com/topamax.html
Hope this helps!

[DD08]

My boyfriend has an appointment set up with a neuro to test for psychic seizures.  Everything I researched, from what he has told me, sounds like that is exactly what he has.  He has experienced the following since childhood:  When he goes into his episode he states his heart beats real fast, he mumbles his words and can't get them out, he states it's an extreme dejavu feeling, like he's experienced this before or something is about to happen, he has intense fear.  This will last for only a few minutes then he's pretty much back to normal.  As an outsider, I can tell right away that is what he is having.  I try and talk him out of it but he'll respond back with real slurred speech.  He always holds his heart and says it is "beating real fast" (jumbly).  It's real strange....I've saw nothing like it before.  If you are just now experiencing this then I wonder if it has to do with the medicine...Or even anxiety.  I hope this helped.  D

[stacyls]

The Drs put me on Topomax for my miagraines.  It was great at first for the weight loss but then I started not to feel right.  Then one night i thought I was having a heart attack at the age of 28.  First they told me I was having an axiety attack but then they later told me that it was caused by the medicine.  So i threw it all away, now I hardly get any headaches at all.  I don't know if I helped you at all but that is what i experienced with the medicine.  And I also seem to have some memory problems too.  Do you???

Stacy