My son is 20. Diagnosed with epilepsy 6 years ago but no AEDs have ever had any effect, except for high doses which "spaced him out". He has problems every week or so. Has what appear to be "petit mal seizures, becomes very confused and extremely tired. Often has a rise in temperature. Sometimes incoherent for a couple of minutes, although always aware of what is going on around him but very slow to react at this time. Always feels extremely exhausted following this event. Is usually o.k. after several hours sleep, but sometimes extreme tiredness lasts into next day. Sometimes has "familiar smell" aura beforehand but not always. Sometimes has flickering at the side of eyes at start of problem.MOST IMPORTANT FACT 99% of these episodes occur AT THE TIME OF THE EVENING MEAL and most of the remaining 1% occur during the day following an attack. Does not seem to be related to the type of food, just the fact that it is the evening meal. Often it is when the meal is later than usual, but not always. Sometimes he is able to "fight it off" by concentrating hard on something but can't always do this. He is desperate to control these symptoms and lead a normal life. Does anyone out there recognise these symptoms? Is it true epilepsy or something else?(MRI and other tests negative) Any help or advice? If you don't know, do you know someone or some site who may help?PLEASE do help if you can. You can post a reply or e-mail me at karenbrownreflexology@hotmail.com Thanks.

I think that your son needs to be tested for hypoglycemia. All of the symptoms you describe sound likes his blood sugar is slamming up and down. That can cause an epileptic to have a seizure altough the "out of it" symptoms are also what people experience when their blood sugar takes a major dive.

If you happen to know someone who is diabetic, ask them to bring their machine, some test strips and a couple prickers with them to dinner. If your son gets "out of it" have your friend take his blood sugar level. Normal is 80 to 120. If I am on the right track, I think that your son's blood sugar will be down to around 30. He'll need to see his doctor.