1st appt with Drs. Help! - Epilepsy Message Board

ASB · 08-20-2003, 11:03 AM

My son has his first appointment with a neurologist on Fri, any suggestions on specific tests we should ask to have, and if so, what are they for and what do they show?????????????????? Thanks for your insight!
ASB

LisaGuthrie · 08-20-2003, 12:52 PM

Hi ASB,

Welcome to the board. Didn't have time to see if you had posted history on any other threads. However, a few of the stanard tests are:

CAT Scan - this is like an X-ray of the brain

MRI - Detail imaging of the brain

EEG - Electrical activity of the brain (this test comes in many forms - best bet is to look it up online for more detail)

Blood tests - you should ask for them to do a full metabolic (sp) study. This will give the Dr info on blood sugar levels, folic acid levels, several trace minerals. Being eithr low or high on any number of these could cause a seizure (not always - but it happens). There are other things the Dr will want to do on these as well.

There are other tests for differering events when a person has a seizure, they may order an EKG, some heart issues can cause seizures. These are up to the Dr.

Hope this helps. Good luck to you, let us know how it turns out.

Lisa and Jake

momof3mjt · 08-20-2003, 01:09 PM

Phew Lisa..you are good!! Where were you when I first began this journey!

ASB: Good luck to you. Lisa just about covered it all. I would also suggest doing some research on whatever meds they talk about. They all work different for different people so go with your gut feeling! Take a pad and a pencil, cause it is a lot to think about all at once!

welcome to this board. You will find a lot of the answers you are searchin for here,and even if you don't find the answer...you will find some great support!!

Good luck!
Lindy

LisaGuthrie · 08-20-2003, 02:15 PM

This journey is a rough one. Jake's first neuro told me that knowledge is the best thing we could do for him. Learn about E, what it is, how it works, understand the type of seizures he has, keep detailed records and always question anything that we don't understand or agree with.

Dr Winesett was rather shocked at the detail level of his journal. His Daddy and I both have worked in Quality and Audit - real strong records skills.

Did you look into the book from Dr Freeman at Johns Hopkins. I swear by that thing, it's become my E Bible

Hope your little one is well. Jake is coming up on his cycle this weekend. I always dread it for him. Hope its a lite one.

And just for good karma I've scheduled his first play date for Sat morning. If he seizes I hope the other Momma doesn't freak on us. She and I have discussed his E in detail so she knows that he could. She also knows that we want him to learn from the baby stage that it's nothing for him to hide or be ashamed of.

Hugs to all

Lisa and Jake

momof3mjt · 08-20-2003, 07:56 PM

We do this for Tiffani too. We tell people about her, especially now that she is getting older and friends want her to come to their houses. We are not ashamed or embarrassed, and neither is she. That is one of the most important values we can instill in our kids.
However, I am finding as she gets older, her learning disabilities are more obvious, and she doesn't get invited to other peoples houses very often. That is hard for her and me also. She is a sweet little girl who would never do anything to hurt anyone's feelings, and she seems to be getting her feelings hurt constantly. It is hard to see.
Anyway, keep him in a play group, and get to know other kids his age, and their parents. Those will be the ones who REALLY stick around when things are tough!

Lindy