Expert: Joseph DeMartino - 10/29/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, when you first have an unprovoked seizure what are the chances of a recurrence? That being a person with no brain trauma, no epilepsy family history, normal EEG blood tests and CT scan. I was told that if you do not have another one in 6 months to a year you are prabably never going to have another one. Is that accurate? A friend of mine had a seizure 17 months ago and he is scared to death of having another one. He doesn't even drive!

ANSWER: hi Daniel
        first off,i'm sorry to hear of the trouble your friend has had.in terms of likelihood you are essentially correct except that the time period is a bit different.although as time extends it is indeed more in your favor i can understand the tentativeness your friend has.what you do need to do is try to find what it is that may have have triggered the seizure.remember as well that having a seizure does not neccesarily indicate only epilepsy.an MRI would not be out of reach to think about.and sometimes a seizure may just occur without a cause to have triggered it.make sure to see a neurologist.good luck
         be well

         Joe


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi, thanks for the reply!

Is an MRI very different from a CT scan?

Thanks

Answer
hi Daniel
    the primary distinction is that for any sort of body injury,your leg,arm and especially your spine a ct will be more helpful,generally speaking,as it affords the dr.a much more distinctive clarity of bone structure.the MRI however allows the dr.to see soft tissue in much more detail.now,something i would mention is if you are going to follow through with the MRI make sure you are or are not claustrophobic.if you think you might be then by all means avail yourself of an open unit.hope that's helped get you started,Daniel.
please keep me informed.
         be well,
         Joe
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