mini - seizures - Epilepsy Message Board

shellygootz · 07-14-2004, 02:23 PM

Hi. I was wondering if anyone has ever been diagnosed with having mini - seizures. I've just been told, after having an EEG that this is most likely what's wrong with me. I'm going on Friday for a sleep deprived EEG to confirm. I can't find anything online to explain how this happened. Also, has anyone ever had a sleep deprived EEG? What should I expect?

felicia03 · 07-14-2004, 06:55 PM

Hi. I can tell you a little about a sleep deprived EEG. I've had 2, the most recent one was about a month ago. I was told I had to only have 4 hours sleep and be awake for 5 or 6 hours. They hook you up with all the things on your head, I had to like breathe real fast (like try and make myself hyperventilate) then the machine records everything your brain does. Not too bad, I usually get a headache after though because you can't have any caffeine while you are up those 5-6 hrs before. And you should bring a hat to where out of the place, your hair is a mess after.

Hope that helps a little.

MandiX · 07-15-2004, 12:27 AM

whats a mini seizure???

gagcas · 07-15-2004, 06:46 AM

the 2 that my son had were just like explained above. we were walking around our 24 hour walmart at 3:30 in the morning, and his appt wasnt till 10 that morning. maybe that will help keep you awake. they hook all the wires over your head and then they will have you lay down. they may blink lights at you with your eyes closed etc. the reason behind the sleep deprivation is they need to see the activity with the brain in all types of phases. like what happens as you get sleepy when the the brain slows down and when and if you actually fall asleep.. etc. as well as the other tests like the hyperventilating. this way they can see all activity that the brain might go through, through out the day in a matter of 20-30 minutes. my sons lasted about 25 once they got him hooked up. and yes bring something for your head. they use this paste stuff to keep the electrodes on, after they draw on your head with a crayon type pencil.

this is how we found out, along wiht a 24 hour VEEG that my sons siezures happen when he is tired and asleep. good luck and welcome to the board. youll have to stop back in and let us know what happens. hope i have helped. whats a mini siezure? did they explain this to you at all?

shellygootz · 07-15-2004, 09:13 AM

Thanks for all the feedback. All I've been told so far is that a mini seizure is when the brain reacts as if to have a seizure but stops short of actually having one. I have been getting severe headaches along with these cold sensations followed by the uncontrollable feeling of going to sleep, I've passed out a few times but most times my eyes just flutter and I can't hear, sometimes my vision gets very blurry then I'm alright after about 5-8 minutes. Since I've only passed out 2-3 times in the 2 yrs this has been happening my neurologist said they would be considered "mini - seizures". I haven't found anything online about them so I'm wondering if that is a leimans term and not the actual diagnosis. Maybe I missed the technical term in the shock of what she was telling me... Again, thanx to all who posted and I will keep in touch with what happens after the SD EEG.