Seizures? - Epilepsy Message Board

kehorner · 04-17-2006, 06:17 PM

I'm kind of worried about what's going on with me. My doctor isn't really sure, but he's suggested absence seizures as a possibility.

The most striking episode was when I was sitting in a meeting and suddenly it was like I came out of anesthesia and I was confused about where I was and what I was doing there. I had sort of "lost" several seconds. I asked somebody else in the meeting, and they didn't notice anything, so I didn't actually pass out or do anything weird.

I've also been having a lot of people randomly ask me if I'm okay, and I'm not really sure why, which is kind of weird. Sometimes I sort of zone out, like yesterday I was talking to some people and I sort of missed hearing what people were saying for a few seconds, and they had to repeat their question to me. I also feel really spacey and detached sometimes, and I'm really fatigued despite adequate sleep (10-12 hours total a day, between night and naps).

My doctor ordered a few tests. The MRI/MRA came back totally normal. The 5 hour glucose tolerance test came out a little weird, but technically normal (topped out at 106, then up and down from there, lowest was 69), so I'm waiting for the doctor's interpretation on that.

He also ordered an EEG and referred me to a neurologist. I've been having trouble getting in to see the neuro, though. They require a referral on their own special form, and I waited a week to get all that in order. I still haven't been able to make an appointment, because my doctor forgot to fax the records along with the referral form, and the neuro won't schedule anything without all the info. I asked the lady, and she said that they are booked up until the beginning of June already.

So I'm really freaked out and frustrated and upset about all of this. I don't know what's going on and it doesn't look like I'll be able to get in to see a doctor and get it checked out anytime soon. And if it is seizures, I'm worried about it getting worse and something else happening. If it's not seizures, I want to know what else it is, but I have to wait to find out. I'm just ready to cry, because I don't know what to do.

neurowreck · 04-17-2006, 08:36 PM

The good news is that nobody said you fell, or had any motor symptoms with your arms and legs. Also, meds help many people with simple partial seizures. Can you ask your doc to see if they can intervene with getting you into see the neuro sooner? My doc was horrified that I didn't call when given a long wait...all they can say is no. I ended up on disability and being put off work because of the long wait- maybe emphasize to your reg doc that you need to get in sooner, and it's not working with you calling, and you need help with that.

Travis from MN · 04-17-2006, 10:56 PM

It's a "stare off" symptom seizure. Simple Partial.

Interesting they are checking diabetic related as well (sugar levels).

Don't know what else to say. Do you have any type of warning before those episodes hit? or symptoms afterwards that let you know it happened?

If you think of anything, start making notes in a log book or small calendar for the days they occur (if you have some way of knowing how/when) and how many. Length if possible. All information to help your doc could be beneficial to you.

( think to yourself, don't reply online , if you are overstressed, have a lot going on, getting enough sleep) Those can contribute to seizures in some cases if we spread ourselves too thin, along with stress and insomnia, caffine is another problamatic trigger for some people, along with alcohol for some seizure patients.

Some of us have aroma's trigger seizures, or flourecent lighting. I hope you are able to get into a seizure clinic and have them document your seizures.

--Travis

kehorner · 04-18-2006, 01:21 PM

Good news.... I got an appointment with the neurologist for next Monday and an EEG next Tuesday. I'm a little nervous, though, because they said that the neuro appointment would take several hours. What on earth do they do to you for 2+ hours??? Specifically, it's a neuro-opthalmologist, which I'm not sure what the difference is... but I guess they decided to send me to this guy because I see shadows in my peripheral vision.

Travis from MN · 04-18-2006, 01:50 PM

You'll be having a battery of eye tests.

Those Dr's are specalists. HARD to get in to see. They know their material.

I was seeing one down at the U of MN who was on top of his game and found what most likely was a tumor that had existed for ages in my case; but it was newer technology finding an old (existing) problem for me. (tumor engangled in my left optic nerve)

Peripherial vision tests, FOV (field of vision), standard vision test, (what else did they do to me) more than I can recall. Even a MRI on my eye.

MAKE SURE TO BRING SUNGLASSES. They will dialate (sp?) your pupils so unless it's late everything will be bright. Also make sure somebody else is driving.

GOOD JOB getting in if you are having eye related problems (thats what this is for).

--Travis