Seizures & MS?

[funmonkeytoes]

I was diagnosed with MS eight years ago, and since then have had approximately six "seizure-like episodes".  My neurologist originally thought they might have been absence seizures, but the last two consisted of a lot of jerking.  After the last episode, I was unable to speak normally.  I spoke very s l o w l y for about three weeks and then I got better.  I had an MRI which showed no new lesions - but not an EEG.  Has anyone had seizures associated with MS?

[funmonkeytoes]

I started IVIg (my second try w/this therapy) on Feb 5th.....long infusion, total of six hours; but my first experience with IVIg almost a year ago -- I had a failed attempt of Tysabri in-between -- they did a "loading dose" which was TWO days and TWELVE hours, so I am not complaining.  The side-effects were identical to before - severe headache and flu-like symptoms that lasted about ten days.....which is why I have been away for a bit.  Unfortunately, I am already showing early manifestations of a rash I had on my previous try with IVIg in spite of change of the brand.  All of the posts I've read about seizure experience and MS lead me to believe it is not so uncommon for the two to coexist, and I thank you all for posting your experiences and insights.  Now, this is not relative to the MS w/Seizures post, so I am going to jump over and begin a new post about my experience(s) with IVIg - and where I might be forced to go from here if this rash is, indeed, caused by the IVIg (immunologist says in twenty years of infusions only TWO people presented with a rash.....looks as if I might be one more).  I am depressed, fatigued, concerned, and in need of a good pep-talk.  I am also in need of sleep!  Whoa.....look for my IVIg post to be completed soon, I'd love to share what I've experienced and am experiencing.  Peace and love to all.  Funmonkeytoes (Debra)

[dowma]

Thanks I'm so confused right now.  Thought I would have different results yesterday at follow-up.  sounds crazy but was hoping LP would show something.  I don't know what elso neuro. is going to want to do besides have IVIG for 3 more months.  He may want to repeat PET scan after that.  He seems pretty confident thought that this is autoimmune in nature but does not give diagnosis because he is not sure what type of autoimmune disease it is.  all rheumatoid and inflammatory markers were normal.  Who knows anymore just frustrated.  
Thanks Rena for sharing,
Mary Beth

[Rena705]

Mary Beth...if you look up, way up, at a previous post of mine in this same subject, you will see my post about how I presented with grand mal seizures and then was diagnosed with MS.  I do not have epilepsy and the seizures are related directly to the MS.  

In my opinion honey, I would keep a close record of all your symptoms from now on and keep in close contact with your neurologist.  Since the neuro said that the seizures are not "typical" I would think he would want to know why.  Please let us know how you are making out and what if anything the neuro says further about these "atypical" seizures.  

Take Care and Hugs,

Rena705

[dowma]

Hey Rena,

Thanks for the insight.  I did want to mention, that i have had fatigue, numbness and tingling and the other symptoms for almost 2 years now.  Way before I was even diagnosed with having seizures.  My initial EEG over a year ago just showed spike waves, now showing actual siezure acitivity.  
Sorry got the meds confused, supposed to start trileptal not tegratol.  Do you have MS  and seizures?
Sincerely,
Mary Beth (dowma)

[Rena705]

So is your Mother diagnosed with epilepsy as well as MS?  This is what I get from your comment and if so, these are two separate diseases.  The epilepsy (if that is what she was diagnosed with) would be what is causing her seizures as a separate disease from MS.  

In my case however, there was no indication of epilepsy and the cause for my seizures was MS.

I just wanted to clarify that for you and explain that there is a difference between the two diseases.

Rena705

[Rena705]

Well Mary Beth, you have finally gotten some concrete answers by the looks of  your last post.  I just want to add some support here...the doctor said that you are having frequent seizures and you are stating that you are so, so tired, waking up tired.  If you are having seizures as often as that, you ARE going to be tired due to the seizures.  They take SO MUCH out of your body it is amazing.  That is more than likely why you are feeling so tired all the time.

As for the Tegretol, I have been on Tegretol since 1993 to control my seizures and I have to say that it is a pretty good med.  If you are having side effects,  you should let your dr. know but for the most part the benefits of the drug outweigh the side effects that generally do not last for long as your body is adjusting to it.

I wish you luck with controlling your seizures and I hope that the Tegretol will work as well for you as it has for me.

Hugs,

Rena705