Does she have Epilepsy? and what does that mean?

[swizelstick]

Two months ago my sister, 29, had a seizure, full body shaking and unconciousness, bit her tongue and some memory loss. At the hospital her MRI, EEG, EKG CT scan and blood and urine test all came back clear. The Neurologist said, "well, sometimes this happens." Then a week and a half ago she had one in her sleep, and then another just a few days ago. This time the doctor has put her on Kepra. Again her tests came back clear. What does this mean? Does she have epilepsy? Are there other test she should get to make sure it's not something else causing the problems? And will she have to be on medication for the rest of her life?  She's made an appointment with the neurologist from her first seizure, but he can't see her until January. Any thoughts or advice? Nothing in general in her life has changed, other than she just got a dog.

[crystalhanzelka]

Please, Please make sure she takes her medicine like she is supposed to.  I am not trying to scare you,(only make you aware).  I had a friend that stopped taking her dilantin for whatever reason and I came home one day and she had passed away on my couch.  Medical Examiner ruled it Sudden Death Associated with Seizure Disorder.  Now this is VERY rare and from what I have read about it happens when they stop taking their meds.  Remember it is VERY rare.  You can read about it online.  I think doctors should tell their patients this as my friend had no clue this could happen.

[swizelstick]

She's is alright, I guess. She's sleeping a lot, and irritable, but I think some of that has to do with the fact that she's scared. Does anyone have an idea where I could get the names of some good neurologist in the los angeles area?

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi

Thanks for the post! How is your sister now?

A normal EEG does not exclude or rule out epilepsy. Between seizures the brain wave pattern may be normal. Similarly an abnormal EEG too does not mean one has epilepsy.

Other causes of similar symptoms like tumors, infarcts etc has been ruled out by CT and MRI. With Keppra she will improve. Generally epilepsy medications are taken life long. Epilepsy is not a debilitating disease and on medication a person can lead a normal life.

Dog allergy has got nothing to do with her symptoms. Infact the dog can make her life easier.