The nerve - Epilepsy Message Board

mnt89 · 09-26-2005, 05:04 PM

OK - I went to a very well known and trusted web-site to look for drug information for my wife for Ultram, which was prescribed for pain that she is having. During my search for this information, I clicked on the link that says "precautions." Expecting to find just general info about overdose, etc., I clicked on the link. It took me to a section called "things to tell your doctor about." It was the same old info as usual except for one thing. It said to call if you observed any "epileptic fits." Well, as a person with seizure history and currently taking AEDs, I naturally took offense and emailed them about their "terminology." I hope some of you will do the same, I mean it's not like we're living in the late 1800's or anything like that. Geez.....Anyway, I guess I'm not allowed to give the URL on here, but it is a well known website that people go to for medical and prescription info. We've come to far to let things like this happen. I know it's just words, but words have often been the cause of much conflict in the world.

neurowreck · 09-26-2005, 06:51 PM

Not only is it out of date terminology, it limits what people think of as seizures, if they don't already have them. Most people equate seizures as generalized and very noticable, when there are so many types that need to be listed as potential symptoms with that med if seizures are suspected... the average joe out there wouldn't think that someone's arm twitching while they're completely awake would be connected, or even a seizure.....

kayakmom · 09-26-2005, 11:25 PM

I am glad you contacted them about it. Any chance it was a British site? They do still use the term "fits" and do not see it as offensive.......

I agree that it limits how they are seen, it is not a FIT it is a seizures and proper terms should be used, especially on a site about medications! So aggravating.