Seizures?

[dialsoap]

I'm 22 years old with a fairly healthy background. When I was around 5 months pregnant I started having seizure like episodes. I had an EEG done and was told that I have abnormal brain activity and my episodes were not connected with the pregnancy (except my OB along with other ER doctors still believe I'm just looking for attention). I had a MRI with contrast done and nothing was found. I've been on 1500mg of Keppra for the last 9 months and have been ok for the most part. Both of my neurologists insist I have had seizures or episodes my entire life or that I have had recent head injuries which to my knowledge neither are true. I still worry that my problems were apart of the pregnancy but my neurologist wont do anymore testing until the end of this year. I've also been dealing with severe depression/anger which I was also told this is related to the seizures (not the issue of having and dealing with them but the seizures are directly causing my depression). I'm frustrated because I can't get a diagnosis of any kind not even that I'm truly having seizures. I feel kind of pushed to the side because I'm pretty much in good health and my episodes have stopped. I still wake up some mornings unable to move no matter how hard I try (not like being stiff but paralyzed). I'll have brief ringing in my ears along with headaches, short burst of anger/confusion. Both of my doctors say this is all from my anti-depressant and anti-seizure medication but it doesn't feel right. Should I get another opinion? Am I asking the wrong questions or not enough questions? I haven't had any real issues since being on my medication but I'm afraid of getting comfortable and not trying to find out if I really have anything wrong. Should I just take the wait and see approach since it's so hard to diagnose stuff like seizures?

[dialsoap]

The only term I've heard used is generalized. I have no memory of the seizures or for awhile after and only my husband has really seen me have one so I can't be of much help with the personal experience. I have intense ringing in my ears before hand and can usually tell someone at least 5 minutes before that something is happening. I can feel myself pulling my arms in without trying, moret often than not I will take off extra clothing or at least try, and I have a strong urge to either use the bathroom or throw up during/afterwards but I never lose control during the episodes. I had 4 OB doctors during my pregnancy and the one that had me goto the neurologist in the first place moved soon after and I guess didn't document my hospital stays with her clinic. My last doctor that had me induced had no clue I had problems until my first neurologist showed up to the hospital. I guess that is why I have such a hard time with my PCM visits and everyone else.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Can you mention if the seizure like episodes were partial or generalized. Meaning, did they occur all over the body or only limited to certain parts of the body.

Since the EEG most definitely showed seizure activity, you have a good case in your hands for an explanation of your symptoms and the EEG. It is quite easy to understand that the abnormal EEG and the seizure are not related to the pregnancy, but I am surprised how the EEG report has not convinced some of your doctors about a possible seizure.

Usually, it is not a very hard task to diagnose epilepsy. But the most important part is the task of selecting the appropriate medicine.

Regards