What Dr. should I see first? - Epilepsy Message Board

mamakitkat · 07-31-2006, 11:42 AM

Hi,
I have been experiencing lightheadedness, funny woozy feeling, right side of face feels slight numbness, heavy eyelids, all day today. I had my 4th fusion surgery last nov. I have had 5 or 6 episodes 5 weeks after surgery then. They have stopped until the 17th of this month, I have had 4 since then. The episodes last maybe a minute or so, very dizzy, feeling floaty like, have to hold onto something or feels like I will fall down. I have had headache, neusea, extreme fatigue for a few hrs after 2 of these episodes. I did suffer from seizures up until 5 yrs of age, but they were only when I got a fever over 100 degrees. I'm not really sure if this is where I should be but my cousin has had epilepsy since he was very young and he said it sounds like it to him. I'm just looking for some answers to what kind of Dr. should I see?, i'm starting out with my family Dr., what tests should I expect?

Thanks in advance.

God Bless

Carol

neurowreck · 07-31-2006, 07:08 PM

I'd suggest first seeing the MD who did the fusions, then ask for any needed referrals...including a neurologist, and/or cardiologist (in particular an electrophysiologist-- notes abnormal heart rhythyms with symptoms).

mamakitkat · 07-31-2006, 07:19 PM

Hi Neurowreck,
Thanks so much, I did speak to my ortho about this, he is a 3 hr. drive from where I live, so he really wasn't able to refer me to anyone by where I live. But I will call him again and see if he can at least point me to the better Dr.'s that he knew when he was in my area. Heart rythms??? I didn't know that your heart was part of it to. I'm not really sure if I may be jumping to conclusions with this, I do know somethings wrong, I just don't feel right since this started again. I do take 2400 mg. of neurontin for nerve damage pain now. along with a few other meds for pain. I have to wonder what I would be like without it. Thanks again, I will give ya updates as I find out whats wrong, or hopefully not wrong.

Carol

neurowreck · 07-31-2006, 09:37 PM

Not all heart rhythym abnormalities are dreadful

, but they can cause some strange symptoms.

We have an autonomic disorder that involves our brain not telling our heart or blood pressure how to react to specific situations- and that causes rhythym abnormalities- medications help, including Neurontin. We also take a beta blocker for it. It's much better than when it first started.

Another idea is to see if a local hospital has a doctor referral line. You explain the symptoms, and they give you a few names/numbers to call.....