Confused...is this right? - Epilepsy Message Board

Enigma27 · 05-28-2002, 01:13 PM

Hi all,

I am new here and at my wits end. About 3 years ago, I started having these dizzy spells - ones where my eyes felt like they were moving back and forth a millions times a second and ones where I felt like the earth was spinning. I can have them anytime but most often when I lay down to go to sleep at night. I have never lost consciousness.

My family doctor sent me to an ENT who did an audiology test, ABR and an ENG, CAT Scan and an MRI and found nothing. Then they sent me to a neurologist who did a heart test, blood work and an EEG.

The EEG showes abnormal brain waves. He determined this to mean I was having seizures. I tried Tegetrol for about 3 months but was a zombie so he switched me to Epival. In 2 months I was on 750mg a day because I kept having the dizzy spells...less but still had them.

My two questions are this, has anyone ever heard of dizzy spells as being seizures? And two, anyone know of other provebale reasons why I have abnormal brain waves?

This "seizures" on my medical chart is causing me many problems with getting medication I need for migraines and I have had to go on Zoloft because of the depressive side-effects I felt from Epival and now that is putting stress on my marriage because of its lovely sexual side-effects.

I have never really believed that seizures are the problem but don't know what test to ask for or other reasons for the abnormal brain waves. Any help is MUCH appreciated!

Thanks guys...

Kimba523 · 05-29-2002, 05:21 PM

Dizzy spells as seizures...simple partial seizures and complex partial seizures. If you have problems with getting meds for your migraines because of your seizures and your taking Anti-depressant...ask your Neurologist about Depakote. It's all three. Anti-seizural, anti-migranious, and anti-depressant. JUST a suggestion. I took it for 3 years. I had no more spells, no migraines, and my depression decreased. However, one extreme drawback is weight gain. Good Luck.

Kimba

Krazykcio · 05-30-2002, 07:22 AM

Hi,
I recently (a month ago) began having similar symptoms....with dizziness especially when lying down. The Doc said the eyes moving back and forth are from Nystagmus, a form of vertigo. In my case, it is due to a lesion I have on my brain. The Doc put me on this medication that helps with the nystagmus, but makes me drowzy, so I may as well just deal with the room spinning. I fell in the shower because it also happens whenever I move my head up, down, side to side etc. I sympathize with you, because it isn't a pleasant experience. I began having seizures in September....grand mals. I'm 47 years old. I am on Tegretol, and these episodes began after I started the Tegretol, so I guess they may be a form of seizures that break through. Good luck. Kathy

Enigma27 · 05-30-2002, 08:44 AM

Thanks for the comforting words and suggestions guys! I really appreciate the feedback and advice. I am certainly going to book another apt. with my neurologist and see what we can do. I had no idea that being dizzy could be regarded as something more serious. I am a little concerned because I have been reading that depression can also trigger abnormal brain waves...and I am 27 and have had 3 major depressions...

Do either of you know of another test, other than the EEG I can ask for to back up the seizure theory? I had an MRI and CAT Scan before and all came back clear...I just don't want to be taking this medication that doesn't even work 100% for the rest of my life if I am not as sure as I can be that seizures are what is going on.

Any and all help is appreciated...thanks again for sharing...feels good to know one isn't alone!

Kimba523 · 06-02-2002, 11:40 AM

There was only one other test I was given after my MRIs, CT-Scans, and EEGs. This was because they found absolutely NOTHING through any of the other test. It IS an EEG but, it's called an Ambulatory EEG. They attach all the electrodes to your head and then connect them into a small box about the size of a deck of cards...that sits on your head wrapped in gauze for three days for the "box" is awire that runs to a "hip sack" containing a small box that records everything. You have a "panic" button that you press everytime you feel your "spells" hit. That way it is marked in the recording where to look for closely for spikes and such. I had mine for three days...didn't leave the house for two because I looked silly. Then, decided...screw it...if someone stares, I'll stare right back! Anyway...good luck.

Kimba