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". Has problems every week or so. Has what appear to be "petit mal" seizures, becomes very confused and extremely tired. Often has 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. After several hours sleep is usually o.k. but sometimes extreme tiredness lasts into next day. Sometimes has "familiar smell"aura beforehand but not always. Sometimes has flickering at side of eyes. MOST IMPORTANT FACT 99% of these episodes occur AT TIME OF EVENING MEAL and most of the other 1% occur during day following previous 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 able to "fight it off" by concentrating hard on something but can't always do this.He is desperate to control his symptoms and lead a normal life. Does anyone out there recognise these symptoms? Is this true epilepsy?(MRI and all other tests negative). Any help or advice? Please do help if you can. You can post reply or e-mail me at karenbrownreflexology@hotmail.com. Thanks.

Greetings. I see your posting was back in April, but in case you still read...
One idea relating to the onset time of your son's "spells": when does he receive his medication(s)? Is he on a once-a-day dosing of a med (or meds) that he gets, maybe, in the evening or at bedtime? If so, a different dosing schedule may need to be considered. I am a pharmacist, and I too have epilepsy. There are drugs that say they are good for once-a-day dosing, when it has been found that some patients respond to therapy with that drug with two or three doses per day. That is something to further discuss with your son's doctor, if such applies to his case. It's just one idea that I have had experience with that is similar to what you have described. Again, it is important to talk with a physician before initiating any changes on your own.
Best wishes!