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About Sophia, R.N., M.S.
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
Almost any questions pertaining to epilepsy, seizures, pseudo-seizures, testing for epilepsy, medications, surgery. Self-care, appropriate emergency measures, medication side-effects, drug interactions etc.

Experience
Working as an epilepsy nurse clinican in a large comprehensive epilepsy center for 15 years. Previous employment with a major pharmaceutical company working in pharmaceutical research. Before that - varied experience in nursing.
   

You are here:  Experts > Parenting/Family > Parenting Special Needs > Epilepsy

Questions Answered By Expert  Sophia, R.N., M.S. 
In Category  Epilepsy

SubjectDate Asked

Black out11/16/2009
  Q: A very close family member fell out of a moving car when she was young hitting her head, was ...
  A: Time, Haldol is most often used for psychosis and not depression. Amitriptylene is used for ...
Black out11/15/2009
  Q: A very close family member fell out of a moving car when she was young hitting her head, was ...
  A: I cannot say for certain, but I believe from what you have related that the "blackouts" are partial ...
Seizure Recurrence10/29/2009
  Q: when you first have an unprovoked seizure what are the chances of a recurrence? That being a person ...
  A: Yes - an MRI is different from a C-T scan and it is important that she have one done. Seizures come ...
Seizure Recurrence10/29/2009
  Q: when you first have an unprovoked seizure what are the chances of a recurrence? That being a person ...
  A: You asked what the chance is of suffering another seizure if you have experienced one seizure. The ...
Hormones & Seizures10/26/2009
  Q: My daughter, age 30, has had seizures since age 9. They were under control for a while, but now she ...
  A: What a good Mom you are!!!!! Yes, there is a certain percentage of seizures that can be affected by ...
Carbatrol ER10/17/2009
  Q: I have a question about the levels of Carbatrol. I take 700 mg a day. I have my levels tested every ...
  A: Deb, Sometimes plasma levels of drugs are not consistent even with the same dose without any ...
Carbatrol ER10/16/2009
  Q: I have a question about the levels of Carbatrol. I take 700 mg a day. I have my levels tested every ...
  A: To answer your question, yes. This is fairly common with carbamazepine and some other antiepileptic ...
no diagnosis10/13/2009
  Q: I need help. I have had what I call dizzy spells since I was 8 I am now almost 28. When it happens ...
  A: You need a very good "work-up" for this condition by a neurologist. Before a diagnosis is made, you ...
Panic Attack?10/5/2009
  Q: Is it possible to get Tetany from a panic attack? The other day i had a panic attack and my hands ...
  A: I have never heard of muscle rigidity as a result of a panic attack, but I'm sure that its ...
23 yo nephew one seizure9/22/2009
  Q: I am an obgyn nurse so my knowlege of seizures/convulsions goes back 35 years to nursing scholl. My ...
  A: What a terrific Auntie you are to take such excellent care of your nephew!!!! I am so pleased. ...
TEMPORAL LOBE EPILEPSEY9/8/2009
  Q: after my first EEG my neaurologist said i had temporal lobe epilepsey .I was put on Carbamazipine,my ...
  A: I do not understand why your new neurologist would seek to change your diagnosis. Carbomazepine is ...
EEG results9/5/2009
  Q: A family member of mine has cerebral palsy and suffered neonatal seizures at 48 hours old and an ...
  A: Yes, blank stares certainly can be associated with seizure disorders. These may be caused by two ...
Abnormal EEG result8/1/2009
  Q: The EEG summary read: Abnormal EEG due to focal slow bursts involving the left frontotemporal region ...
  A: You really did not ask a question, but let's talk about what you have brought up. Stress IS a factor ...
Abnormal EEG result8/1/2009
  Q: The EEG summary read: Abnormal EEG due to focal slow bursts involving the left frontotemporal region ...
  A: It is quite suspect that the head injury in 1989 has caused a small scarring from where the seizures ...
Abnormal EEG result7/31/2009
  Q: The EEG summary read: Abnormal EEG due to focal slow bursts involving the left frontotemporal region ...
  A: Your EEG shows an abnormality, probably a scar or some sort of a lesion, which started the abnormal ...
Absence Seizures with hallucinations7/31/2009
  Q: My 12 year old son recently had an EEG which showed: "over the frontal poles, irregular 3-4 and ...
  A: Unfortunately, most of the symptoms that you describe can be associated with partial seizures. ...
Clustering with seizures7/28/2009
  Q: I have had epilepsy for several years but recently had significant changes in my EEG following an ...
  A: Amanda, I am so sorry that your seizures have recently increased. You asked about the reasons for ...
Clustering with seizures7/27/2009
  Q: I have had epilepsy for several years but recently had significant changes in my EEG following an ...
  A: Seizure focus is where a seizure starts, and this is different from seizure activity spreading to ...
siezures7/14/2009
  Q: My 50 year old son has had 5 seizures in the last 24 hours. Never had them before and no family ...
  A: Don, If during a seizure an individual is hooked up to an EEG and shows no abnormal brain activity, ...
Grand Mal siezures7/14/2009
  Q: My 50 year old son has had 5 seizures in the last 24 hours. Never had them before and no family ...
  A: How distressing for a parent, no matter how old our children are!!! Questions for you - Has your ...
Meds6/30/2009
  Q: I have has epilepsy for almost 12 years. I have been on so many medications and most didn't work. I ...
  A: Yes, there are many other medications that do not cause weight gain. Depakote does cause the most ...
im not sure if the doctor was right6/25/2009
  Q: i passed out on monday hit my head and went to the emergency room. they kept me over night and did ...
  A: Did your tests all come out normal?????? If they did, then there is still no evidence that you do ...
could the doctor be wrong?6/24/2009
  Q: I am currently studying to be a pilot and have just had my pilots medical refused on the grounds ...
  A: Sometimes a viral infection with elevated body temperature can lower the seizure threshold. ...
could the doctor be wrong?6/23/2009
  Q: I am currently studying to be a pilot and have just had my pilots medical refused on the grounds ...
  A: What a dilemma for you and for the physicians. Let's review what you have said. You have had two ...
1st time seizure6/10/2009
  Q: I am glad that I found this website. I am a 44 year old male that had a first seizure one month ago. ...
  A: Your question is quite valid. Yes, you did not have a seizure during the hyperventilation part of ...
1st time seizure6/9/2009
  Q: I am glad that I found this website. I am a 44 year old male that had a first seizure one month ago. ...
  A: Hyperventilation during an EEG substantially lowers the seizure threshold, thus it may produce ...
1st time seizure6/6/2009
  Q: I am glad that I found this website. I am a 44 year old male that had a first seizure one month ago. ...
  A: What a shock for you a 44 year old guy to find out that you have a seizure disorder!!! Let's ...
any thoughts5/31/2009
  Q: well sophia, i have a really interesting seizure case i think anyways. i have grandmal by nature. i ...
  A: Oh Gosh Emily, I wish that I had something to say that would solve your most difficult problem. ...
Seizures or Panic Attacks5/28/2009
  Q: Almost 4 years ago I was diagnosed with panic attacks. I've tried everything to keep it at bay ...
  A: You have really done your homework well!!!! Yes, there is a definite correlation between panic ...
Epilepsy and Tourettes5/19/2009
  Q: My son was diagnosed with Tourettes syndrome at the age of 12. He is 24 now and was recently ...
  A: Dana, One seizure does not define epilepsy. Epilepsy is defined as more than one seizure. There ...
Epilepsy and Tourettes5/18/2009
  Q: My son was diagnosed with Tourettes syndrome at the age of 12. He is 24 now and was recently ...
  A: To answer your question - Everyone has a seizure threshold. Some of us have a high threshold, which ...
epilepsy5/17/2009
  Q: Sophia I'm a young a dentist, i was wondering if the amalgam fillings (dentistry) or any wire in ...
  A: Chuck, It is wonderful getting email from Iran. From my many years in the field of epilepsy, I have ...
Difficulty with physicians/epilepsy5/11/2009
  Q: I'm sorry I have a bit of a loaded question, but I need help on how to deal with a small local ...
  A: Just an idea. How would it be if your epileptologist gave you a letter addressed to "medical ...
Difficulty with physicians/epilepsy5/11/2009
  Q: I'm sorry I have a bit of a loaded question, but I need help on how to deal with a small local ...
  A: I have a big question. With the indisputable evidence from the VEEG, does the hospital ER think ...
Febrile seizure4/23/2009
  Q: I am a mother of a 13 month girl, who Sunday had two seizures for the first time while she was ...
  A: Of course I meant "baby Tylenol". Thanks for the correction. The ictal phase is the phase in which ...
Febrile seizure4/23/2009
  Q: I am a mother of a 13 month girl, who Sunday had two seizures for the first time while she was ...
  A: First, let me say that as a Mom myself, I completely understand the anxiety associated with these ...
new seizures?4/21/2009
  Q: I am 19 years old. I had seizures from age 2 to 11. I had about 50 gran mal seizures in that time ...
  A: I am sorry that your seizures have returned. You ask if it is common for seizures to return. The ...
Seizure disorder affect on white blood count4/6/2009
  Q: I have had a seizure disorder since 1987. I have had only 2 seizures and about 10 absence seizures ...
  A: Keppra is a very effective medication for the treatment of seizures and it usually does not effect ...
Seizure disorder affect on white blood count4/6/2009
  Q: I have had a seizure disorder since 1987. I have had only 2 seizures and about 10 absence seizures ...
  A: Yes, low white blood count is definitely a side effect of Tegretol, and your count is quite low. I ...
Seizure.3/28/2009
  Q: I'm curious. If a person were not to be epileptic, but they have a drug induced seizure, whether ...
  A: Matt, Any seizure produces some brain cell damage, but one event is not likely to produce damage ...
Lamictal3/25/2009
  Q: I have had consistently abnormal EEG's, sharp waves from temporal lobes bilaterally. I have ...
  A: I answered your question several days ago, but it never reached you. Yes, it is possible that an ...
eeg experience with the flashing light3/24/2009
  Q: I had my eeg yesterday and it got really weird when they started the strobe light. I had my eyes ...
  A: Consuelo, Only the folks who read your EEG can tell you if you had experienced a seizure when they ...
irregular brain waves3/19/2009
  Q: After wearing and EEG machine for 48 hours my neurologist said I have irregular brain waves which ...
  A: Valencia, I don't believe that the tingling is from your epilepsy. The closest guess that I can ...
Abnormal EEG Result3/8/2009
  Q: I had one seizure about 4 months ago. they sent me for two eeg test's. one normal and one sleep ...
  A: Without seeing your EEG studies I cannot say definitively if you have epilepsy, however, with a ...
Seizures due to epilepsy2/2/2009
  Q: My son has been suffered ofr the past 25 years due to epilepsy. Two years ago, his doctor prescribed ...
  A: Jules, Your son needs to be seen by a very good psychiatrist to diagnose and treat his symptoms. ...
Seizures due to epilepsy2/2/2009
  Q: My son has been suffered ofr the past 25 years due to epilepsy. Two years ago, his doctor prescribed ...
  A: Jules, It can be dangerous to discontinue epilepsy medication abruptly. It is very important that ...
Seizure1/31/2009
  Q: I had posted this question on January 27. I received a response on January 30 that this question ...
  A: Are you certain about the driving regulation? Here in New York State the law reads that an ...
Seizure1/30/2009
  Q: I had posted this question on January 27. I received a response on January 30 that this question ...
  A: I answered your question previously but it appears that you didn't receive the response. Let's try ...
my infant daughter1/17/2009
  Q: I have a 4 months old daughter who was born prematurely at 34 weeks. She was born healthy. About a ...
  A: Jenya, From your description, it is difficult to tell why you would think that your daughter is ...
non epilepsy??1/11/2009
  Q: I have been having seizures since the birth of my child in April 08, i had a natural birth,sustained ...
  A: Sandra, Since some physicians have diagnosed you as having "non-epileptic events", or ...
headaches1/10/2009
  Q: When I was 5 , I was diagnosed with Epilepsy. We were in a car accident I received head injuries. I ...
  A: I can tell you that there is a statistical correlation between migraines and epilepsy. A higher ...
epilepsy1/7/2009
  Q: During a blackout is there a chance that a patient(who has also had to brain sugeries in the past) ...
  A: Melissa, Yes, there is a good chance that during a "blackout", a person may not remember what ...
not sure1/7/2009
  Q: i am presently 18 years old i started drinking and smoking marijuana at age 11, i never really ...
  A: We do not have sufficient information about neurological damage from marijuana, however, there is ...
eeg and mre12/24/2008
  Q: I have had an EEG which has come back as abnormal. I then had an MRI and have not yet had the ...
  A: If you EEG is abnormal it indicates that you have an abnormality in your brain wave activity. If ...
why am i still having seizures12/24/2008
  Q: what type of seizures are im having already had a six hour eeg video study cat scan mri etc.test ...
  A: Angel, I am sorry that you are experiencing seizures everyday. Perhaps your medication should be ...
how to react to advance warning of epileptic seizures12/7/2008
  Q: Can you advise me how to react if I think I am suffering from a severe headache which could be a ...
  A: There are some measures that you can take to prevent a seizure. The first one is to get an adequate ...
nightmares or seizures??12/5/2008
  Q: my name is Katie, and I'm 22 years old. I have been researching sensory/ simple partial seizures, ...
  A: No, I don't think that you are "going crazy", but I don't know if what you describe is a simple ...
night activities11/27/2008
  Q: my partners daughter has epilepsy, she is coming 11 and still has a great up set during the night, ...
  A: You are asking me to answer a question of which there is not enough information. If I understand ...
Single Grand Mal Seizure11/16/2008
  Q: When I was 17 I experienced my first 'absence seizure'. In the 20 years since I have experienced ...
  A: All of your questions are good ones and I will attempt to answer them one by one. Before the ...
Seizure?11/14/2008
  Q: Could these be the symptoms of a seizure? This has happened about 7 or 8 times over the last year: ...
  A: Seizures take so many forms that it is impossible to tell you whether you have experienced them or ...
My 25-year-old son has seizures - does diet affect them?11/12/2008
  Q: He was diagnosed in 2004 with "trance" type seizures, after having a grand mal while on vacation ...
  A: I don't know what "trance" type seizures are, but there are two types of seizures that produce a ...
dylantin11/10/2008
  Q: I have a friend and she called me told me her levels were 80 one day and the next day they went to ...
  A: Joyce, Dilantin levels are not steady with dosing. They do go up and down quite frequently. It ...
Sounds and lights causes seizures11/7/2008
  Q: For some reason I been getting headaches with my seizures and when sirens from police and ambulances ...
  A: Jacqueline, In the three questions you have presented to me, you have cited various symptoms and ...
epilepsy or pseudo seizures11/6/2008
  Q: I am a 57 y/o female . When I turned 50 I started with visual episodes where I would turn my head ...
  A: You ask if you have "psudo seizures". I cannot accurately assess if your seizures are epileptic or ...
Abilify caused my seizures....10/28/2008
  Q: When I was taking meds for my depression the doctors had to check which ones worked on me and which ...
  A: Jacqueline, There are some medications that can lower your seizure threshold and thus you may have a ...
Seizures or what?10/27/2008
  Q: I feel like my Neurologist isnt helping me and I feel like I am hiting a wall. I ask him what do I ...
  A: Jacqueline, You sent me an article, but did not ask any specific questions. From your posting, I ...
pubescent seizures?10/9/2008
  Q: Back when I was 17 I suffered 3 seizures all within about a 6month to 1 year period. After ...
  A: Jared, There are only 3 known ways at this time to control seizures. The first and most common ...
pubescent seizures?10/8/2008
  Q: Back when I was 17 I suffered 3 seizures all within about a 6month to 1 year period. After ...
  A: I have never heard of seizures "due to puberty". I will answer your question about the cause of ...
type10/5/2008
  Q: Hey, I'm 21 and has had seizures since I was 10. I looked up all the kinds of seizures so I know ...
  A: Unless I see you when you have a seizure, or I see your EEG at the time of an event, it is ...
Keppra and growing9/20/2008
  Q: I am a teen male who entered puberty late and started to grow much later than the rest of my peers. ...
  A: I looked "levetiracetam and pediatric use" up online, and read a reference from a British Journal ...
EEG Results9/18/2008
  Q: IMPRESSION: Bilateral independent right and left centroparietal sharp discharges 2) The presence of ...
  A: It is difficult to determine the degree of epileptiform activity from the EEG report. Did she have ...
EEG Results9/17/2008
  Q: IMPRESSION: Bilateral independent right and left centroparietal sharp discharges 2) The presence of ...
  A: You did not mention your daughter's age, or whether she is experiencing seizures or other ...
Its about my Boyfriend he is Epileptic9/15/2008
  Q: 1)Do you think that they can cure Epilepsy? 2)Is it hereditary? 3) It seems like hes changed. ...
  A: Let me try to answer your thoughtful questions. Epilepsy can be controlled by medication. ...
Side Effects of Carbamazepine9/13/2008
  Q: I have asked several Neurologists. I have scanned the Internet. Almost everybody seems to reply that ...
  A: All of the antiepileptic medications have side effects, and, unfortunately, several of them have ...
sensory epilepsy9/12/2008
  Q: I was just wondering if you could help me. I’m 17 years old and ever since I can remember, I have ...
  A: What you describe may be "simple partial seizures". If there was a loss or alteration of ...
i have nocternal grand mal seizures9/8/2008
  Q: my question is can a doctor do a second cat scan on me this year beause the last time it was done ...
  A: Lisa, Let me see if I understand your question. You have nocturnal seizures and you would like to ...
Should I go to the neurologist?9/3/2008
  Q: I recently had what I think was a seizure. I was lying in bed on my right side and was about to ...
  A: There is a type of seizure called "simple partial seizures" which consists of a moving of an ...
Did I have a seizure?8/26/2008
  Q: On August 24th, I woke up and a couple of hours after I woke up I Started feeling weird. I wasmaking ...
  A: The event that you described certainly could have been a seizure, and then, it could have been ...
paroxysamal attacks of leg pain8/22/2008
  Q: i am 47rs old,not Diabetic.HTN on 5mg of concor and 5 mg of norvase. started to have pain left ...
  A: From what you have described, it is doubtful that this pain is related to epileptic events. The ...
Keppra and growing7/25/2008
  Q: I am a teen male who entered puberty late and started to grow much later than the rest of my peers. ...
  A: Sorry for the late response to your question. I had surgery and now I am well and back. I looked ...
unexplained seizures7/22/2008
  Q: My 33 year old sister, relatively healthy, had a seizure 2 days ago. She was 15 years old when she ...
  A: First I would like to apologize for this late response. I had recent surgery. Now, I am well and ...
Seizures and alcohol7/18/2008
  Q: A couple years ago I had some seizures during socially drinking times. After MRI and EEG I was told ...
  A: First let me apologize to you for not answering your question in a timely manner. I had a medical ...
Grand mal seizures7/10/2008
  Q: My son is 30 and has just returned home after 10 years. I am terrified to witness this. So far ...
  A: Oh Pam, It must be so distressing to see your son having a seizure, and if that's not worrisome ...
no alpha waves6/27/2008
  Q: both came back abnormal with the result being non existent alpha waves. I have had a lot of brain ...
  A: It is very anxiety provoking to discover a problem with the heart. The heart is the very core of ...
no alpha waves6/26/2008
  Q: both came back abnormal with the result being non existent alpha waves. I have had a lot of brain ...
  A: The "blacking out" could have been from orthostatic hypotension, but the episode of staring and ...
seizure6/14/2008
  Q: My 63 year old husband had a massive stroke in Oct. 2006. He has since been having a few seizures. ...
  A: I would love to say "yes", but a seizure is just a bunch of irregular brain waves that may or may ...
Non-Epileptic Seizues6/3/2008
  Q: I was diagnosed with non-epileptic seizures about year ago after a EEG showed abnormal or decreased ...
  A: Felicia, Non-epileptic events or pseudoseizures are 99% of the time brought on by some emotional or ...
complex partial status seizures6/2/2008
  Q: Good Morning Sophia, I had written to you a little over a month ago about my husband having seizures ...
  A: Yes, status with generalized seizures are far more common and far more dangerous. That said, ...
Psuedo Seizures5/30/2008
  Q: I was wondering if you have aura's when you have pseudo seizures? My 17year was diagnosed with ...
  A: Yes, Jeanne, he could be experiencing both non-epileptic events and real seizures. However, ...
Psuedo Seizures5/29/2008
  Q: I was wondering if you have aura's when you have pseudo seizures? My 17year was diagnosed with ...
  A: Many people experience both real seizures and non-epileptic events. Many times it is impossible to ...
EEG Significantly abnormal, not epilepsy??5/22/2008
  Q: I suffered a blackout approx 5 weeks ago and was taken to hospital. I was out for approx 90seconds ...
  A: Two conditions that may involve "head shaking side to side", are pseudoseizures - which are brought ...
EEG Significantly abnormal, not epilepsy??5/13/2008
  Q: I suffered a blackout approx 5 weeks ago and was taken to hospital. I was out for approx 90seconds ...
  A: Good news that the MRI was normal. Yes, there can be an abnoraml EEG without epilepsy. Sometimes ...
Self provoked seizure4/29/2008
  Q: I am the mother of a 25 year old male who has had 5 seizures in 6 years, all of which occurred ...
  A: It's difficult to be a Mom(even when they are "grown-up") when your child has a problem. The ...
changes in seizures4/18/2008
  Q: Good Afternoon, My name is Susan and I have a couple questions about my husband Robert. He is 47 ...
  A: When your husband had seizures for 8 hours, he was in a potentially dangerous situation called ...
SEIZURE4/16/2008
  Q: I HAVE BEEN SEEING A RHEUMATOLOGIST FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS. I STILL DO NOT HAVE A CLEAR D/O. FEVERS ...
  A: I am so sorry that you cannot get this troubling condition under control. My son also has an ...
eeg4/14/2008
  Q: My son has had what I believe to be absence seizures and the last were 8 months ago, he sees a ...
  A: LeAnn, This is a good question. No, the previous seizures will not show up on an EEG done now. I ...
seizures4/8/2008
  Q: My mom told me I had my first convulsions( I'm not sure it may have been epileptic) at 2 months. ...
  A: You have asked several questions and I will try to answer them in the order that you asked. You say ...
Seizure Medicine3/21/2008
  Q: What is the protocol for when doctors feel it is safe to stop taking seizure Medicine? I have been ...
  A: First let me say "yeah" to you for such excellent seizure control. I know many people who have been ...
complex partial seizure3/20/2008
  Q: I was wondering if you could offer some information or links regarding parenting with complex ...
  A: June, Are you asking about becoming a parent if you have CPS? Without knowing the extent of the ...
Did she have a seizure??3/20/2008
  Q: My daughter is almost 2, and yesterday her and her brother were arguing a little and she started to ...
  A: There is no one that can tell you that your daughter did or did not have a seizure. What I can tell ...
complex partial seizure3/20/2008
  Q: I was wondering if you could offer some information or links regarding parenting with complex ...
  A: What a good and smart Mom you are to try to learn all about your child's condition!!!! The best ...
how long to wait after having a seizure3/10/2008
  Q: Three weeks ago I had a seizure while driving, and before that I hadn't had one in 3 years. No one ...
  A: First let me say that I am sorry that you had a seizure, but very happy that no one was hurt. It ...
EEG Significantly abnormal, not epilepsy??3/3/2008
  Q: I suffered a blackout approx 5 weeks ago and was taken to hospital. I was out for approx 90seconds ...
  A: Of course you are concerned, but perhaps it will help you to know that most of these unusual events ...
EEG Significantly abnormal, not epilepsy??3/3/2008
  Q: I suffered a blackout approx 5 weeks ago and was taken to hospital. I was out for approx 90seconds ...
  A: You are stumping your doctors!!! Usually an abnormal EEG is an indication for epilepsy, but also may ...
Frontal Lobe Epilepsy2/25/2008
  Q: I have a child whose Down's syndrome, 13 years old. Lately we've had a lot of problems at school as ...
  A: I appreciate your dilemma. Let me see if I can answer some of your questions. I agree with you. ...
14 year old having seizures?1/26/2008
  Q: My 14 year old daughter had petechia around her eye area on Labor Day weekend (2007) we attributed ...
  A: There are several subjects of your question. The first concern is the petechea. These, as you are ...
Pseudo Activity?1/24/2008
  Q: when I was in high school and going through an emotionally trying time with my home life, I ...
  A: Lindsay, Do get a copy of your EEG if it is available. It will reveal a great deal. Stress ...
What's wrong with me?!1/18/2008
  Q: My name is Teri-lynn. I am 26 years old. I have two kids, one 5 & one 8 months old. 8 years ago I ...
  A: Teri-lynn, That must really be distressing for you. From what you describe, you are either ...
Weird EEG Experience Today12/18/2007
  Q: I had what I thought to be a weird (and scary) EEG today. I have never had one before so I would not ...
  A: Yes, that does sound "scary", however, it also sounds very lucky that you had the "event" during an ...
epilepsy12/3/2007
  Q: just to give you a short background,i'm an epileptic for most of my life.they began as a 7yr. old ...
  A: With all the new medications, you just may find a combination that will work without causing too ...
Sensory Epilipsy Seizures12/2/2007
  Q: my neurologist diagnosed me with Epilepsy Sensory Seizures in Oct 2007. What it is – is pain always ...
  A: Barb, What an annoying condition to have!!! In my many years of clinical practice, I have never seen ...
seizures induced by odors?12/1/2007
  Q: My son seems to experience most of his seizures ( began at age 18 after a complicated pediatric ...
  A: I have never heard of a certain odor precipitating a complex partial seizure, but that does NOT mean ...
epilepsy11/8/2007
  Q: just to give you a short background,i'm an epileptic for most of my life.they began as a 7yr. old ...
  A: First let me say that you are NOT taking too much of my time. This volunteer work is my pleasure. ...
UNEXPLAINED SEIZURES11/5/2007
  Q: I HAVE A SOON TO BE 2 YRS OLD NEICE WHO SUFFERED A SEIZURE FOR THE FIRST TIME WHILE ASLEEP, ONCE ...
  A: What a wonderful Auntie you are. I am so sorry for your family's current distress. Seizures can be ...
eye rolling11/4/2007
  Q: my son is 10 months old and has been rolling his eyes back in his head for 2 months now,he was on ...
  A: Paul, First question - Has your son had an extended EEG? This is an EEG that stays on for several ...
sleep seizures10/18/2007
  Q: my father is 42 and started having seizures, when he was 40, but only in his sleep. Many of the ...
  A: Kaitlyn, Without seeing the results of your father's tests, or taking a complete medical history, I ...
epileptic and non epiletic seizures10/12/2007
  Q: my sister who is now 23 had a brain anyresum when she was eleven she also had a plastic plate fitted ...
  A: I can't address you by name because you didn't provide one. Certainly it is unusual for an ...
my child10/10/2007
  Q: my daughter has not been sleeping well for 6 mos now. she's had a sleep test done but they really ...
  A: Julia, I am concerned about your child. Please see that she has an MRI. A 24 hour video/EEG ...
my child10/9/2007
  Q: my daughter has not been sleeping well for 6 mos now. she's had a sleep test done but they really ...
  A: What you describe does not sound like a "typical" epilepsy event, however, seizures can assume many ...
18 year daughter10/8/2007
  Q: Our 18 year old dughter has started having seizures about a week ago they are not the grand mal ...
  A: It is very disturbing to see our child in a situation such as a seizure event, and ofcourse, these ...
Long seizures9/26/2007
  Q: I recently had a seizure that I did not become aware of by surrounding ( post seizure) for over ...
  A: I can certainly understand your concern. However, there is quite a difference between "post-ictal ...
EEG results- What does this mean?9/18/2007
  Q: For over 3 years I have been having attacks of sharp stabbing pain always on the left side of my ...
  A: This is frustrating. The 48 hour EEG testing should have uncovered enough evidence. Your physician ...
EEG results- What does this mean?9/17/2007
  Q: For over 3 years I have been having attacks of sharp stabbing pain always on the left side of my ...
  A: I am sorry for your dilemma. You did not mention if you have ever taken medication for this problem ...
Carbamazepine Side Effects9/11/2007
  Q: I have Epilepsy which is very controlled with carbamazepine, which I have taken for 7 years. I have ...
  A: I am so glad that you have such good control on carbamazepine. There is very little in the ...
re: my 16 year old son9/10/2007
  Q: My 16 year old son has had two grand mal seizures in the last 6 months. After the first one, he ...
  A: As a Mom of three, I would like to say that I can understand your concerns. Of course we want our ...
Complex Partial Seizures?9/10/2007
  Q: I passed out about six months ago while at my first day volunteering at the hospital. It had been ...
  A: Let's see if we can clear up some of the confusion. The characteristic that distinguishes complex ...
Seizures causing mental issues?9/10/2007
  Q: I have a friend who used to have a problem with seizures. She is 17, my age, but she acts 12. She ...
  A: Seizures do not cause someone to act immature. Sometimes if her seizures began in childhood, her ...
Could hormones be the cause8/29/2007
  Q: My 20 year old daughter has been having seizures for about 5 years now, although I took her to see a ...
  A: About 40% of folks who have absence seizures as a child go on to experience tonic/clonic seizures. ...
seizures8/26/2007
  Q: my husband's been having seizures for a few weeks now. the doctors say it's not epilepsy after they ...
  A: Not finding out a diagnosis when you are having problems can be very frustrating!!!! You need ...
MRI findings8/25/2007
  Q: I just had a MRI done, the results came back that 'THERE IS A SINGULAR 2 MM UNIDENTIFIABLE BRIGHT ...
  A: Have the EEG findings shown that your seizures originate from the left frontal region? If they ...
Should I go to the doctors?8/9/2007
  Q: In the past 18 months I have collapsed twice, both times friends have explained how once on the ...
  A: Without seeing any testing or studies, it is virtually impossible to know the the causation of your ...
seizures8/1/2007
  Q: well i just had a seizure last night for no apparent reason. i blacked out and fell from my chair at ...
  A: Sheena, This is NOT making a "big deal out of nothing". Your first seizure was at age 12, and ...
Blackouts7/31/2007
  Q: I have a dear friend of 89 yrs of age. She started to have these blackouts last year, then for one ...
  A: First let me thank you for being such a good friend. Not everyone is so concerned. About your ...
Brain Scar7/30/2007
  Q: Sophia, I asked a follow-up question to the helpful answer you gave me. However, I forgot to ask ...
  A: Elizabeth, An MRI will show scarring. It is not invasive unless dye is used, and with an epilepsy ...
seizures7/21/2007
  Q: My 32 yr. old daughter whom lives in another state had her first seizure in Feb. 2007 while stopped ...
  A: As a mother of grown children, I can well appreciate your concern, and seizures can be an area of ...
My daughter kelly Turner syndrome and JME6/23/2007
  Q: Our daughter Kelly is 17 yrs old. She has Turner syndrome. She also is slow and goes to a private ...
  A: As you relate, yes, seizure treatment can be quite frustrating. It is balance between control of ...
infantile seizure6/21/2007
  Q: I have a two-month old daughter. She was born by CS with a birth weight of 2600 gr, now weighting ...
  A: Hypodensity means a thin area of white matter in an area of the brain. I cannot predict how this ...
infantile seizure6/18/2007
  Q: I have a two-month old daughter. She was born by CS with a birth weight of 2600 gr, now weighting ...
  A: Ganji, There is not enough information on that EEG to tell what is wrong with your child. Before I ...
Am i slightly epileptic6/5/2007
  Q: I keep getting forms of unexplained deja vu and then straight afterwards i go dizzy. This usually ...
  A: The symptoms as you describe them do sound very much like a type of epilepsy. That said, however, ...
Seizure?5/26/2007
  Q: My daughter (age 17) had a strange episode this morning. Her friend came upstairs and said my ...
  A: From the symptoms as you describe them, I would have to say that your daughter sustained a rather ...
Anxiety? Hypoxia? Seizure?5/16/2007
  Q: I am a 26 yr old mostly healthy female. I had panic disorder several years ago and overcame it with ...
  A: A trauma such as a death of a young friend is a very anxiety producing situation, even in an ...
epilepsy and pregnancy5/14/2007
  Q: I have had seizures my whole life. I had febrile seizures until I was five years old. I didn't have ...
  A: No, Kelly, I am happy to say that this is NOT true. Many many folks with epilepsy bear healthy ...
Seizures5/6/2007
  Q: My 15 yr old dtr started having seizures 6 mos ago. Started out as a staring, unresponsive episode ...
  A: It is so frustrating to be a Mom and a nurse and not know the cause of your child's distress. Your ...
Can an EEG Result be Inaccurate4/27/2007
  Q: Years ago at the age of 28 I had a stroke due to a clotting disorder but recovered well. At the ...
  A: It must be frustrating to have been told that you have a condition, be put on medications for it, ...
possible juvenile myositis epilepsy4/11/2007
  Q: I am 20 years old, and have recently (1 or 2 years) experienced what i think are spasms of my neck; ...
  A: No Danny, this does not sound like JME, but still can be a type of seizure. You should be tested to ...
sensory seizure??????4/9/2007
  Q: ..I have a smell that noone else can smell i cant describe the smell but its strange also i go very ...
  A: Yes, you can have testing for epilepsy during pregnancy. The testing is not invasive. It is merely ...
Absence seizures or myo-clonic epilepsy ?3/31/2007
  Q: About 3 weeks ago, my son started having what looked like absence seizures as we were told at the ...
  A: Danielle, It sounds like comlex partial seizures, however, the difference between CPS and JME are ...
myoclonic epilepsy1/29/2007
  Q: I started to experience ticks and seizures (mostly in upper part of body , arms and shoulders), when ...
  A: The condition, as you describe it, certainly sounds like JME, or myoclonic epilepsy. That condition ...
non-epilepsy seizures1/11/2007
  Q: I have been experiencing odd sensations in my head, I call them startles. They last for just a ...
  A: I am sorry that you are experiencing these unexplained events. First, let me suggest that by your ...
Epilepsy and flights1/4/2007
  Q: I am an epileptic and have been for 20+ years. My seizures have been under control for several years ...
  A: I am very pleased that your seizures are under such excellent control. "Seizure precautions" are ...
juvenile absence seizures1/2/2007
  Q: My daughter is 14 years old. She was diagnosed with juvenile absence seizures about 8 months ago. ...
  A: Yes, it is a shock to find out that our child has a chronic condition, but if she is managed well, ...
juvenile myoclondis epilepsy12/30/2006
  Q: My son has been diagnose with myclondis epilepsy. HE is 16 years old. He has bad jerking movements ...
  A: The tremor of your son's hands is probably NOT caused by the Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, but is a ...
temporal lobe headaches12/18/2006
  Q: My husband has had epilepsy due to a head injury for over 20 years. He has constant temporal lobe ...
  A: Its so difficult, isn't it when someone you love does things that you know they should not do!!!! ...
Juvenile Absence Seizures12/11/2006
  Q: My 13 year old son recently had 2 episodes of which is believed to have been absence seizures. For ...
  A: You are definitely "doing the right thing", and you are a very wise Mom for pursuing this. If he ...
Is it epilepsy or another seizure disorder?12/11/2006
  Q: I suppose I should start by giving a bit of my background. At 10 years of age I started having what ...
  A: Yes, your symptoms sound like something that you SHOULD have tested. You must differentiate between ...
Post-seizure conditions12/10/2006
  Q: I am not an epileptic, but did have a seizure some months ago (doc says alcoholic-seizure after ...
  A: Usually it takes awhile to feel "yourself", following a large seizure event. That said, it is ...
eeg result was slow11/30/2006
  Q: yes i do mean a seizure and it lasted for about 5/7mins but this was after frequent "sick & dizzy" ...
  A: Helen, Your child needs to be seen by a physician who specializes in Epilepsy. This is very ...
eeg result was slow11/30/2006
  Q: my daughter would fit when she was little, up until she was 41/2. she hasn't had any since until ...
  A: When you say your daughter has "fits", I assume that you are saying that she has had seizures. ...
A few questions11/19/2006
  Q: I have a few questions. First of all I am 20 years old and I have been epileptic since I was 10. I ...
  A: I'm a bit confused. I can't figure out if you have generalized or partial onset seizures. "Petit ...
Auras of migraine = seizure??11/11/2006
  Q: Is the aura associated with migraine, a mild form of seizure? As far as I know, the vasoconstriction ...
  A: First, let me say that I am not a neurologist. I am an epilepsy nurse clinician. The aura that is ...
Did I have a seizure?10/25/2006
  Q: I am 21 years old, no past medical problems and have never had a seizure before. A few nights ago I ...
  A: It is not likely that you had a nocturnal seizure. Most people have no awareness of seizure ...
aftercare of seizure10/13/2006
  Q: What to do to ease the uncomfortableness, nausea,vomiting, head pain, and swollen tounge of a large ...
  A: The aftercare of a generalized seizure is not complicated. First, one must inform their physician ...
Sister with GBM - Blank Stares10/5/2006
  Q: My 51-year old sister has GBM (first diagnosed in January as Grade I - II Astrocytoma, then ...
  A: People with brain lesions such as tumors often have seizures that present with blank stares, called ...
epilepsy9/8/2006
  Q: Sophia, About 6 or 7 years ago, my wife, then 40, had a grand mal epileptic seizure. She was ...
  A: Bob, First, I am so sorry for the delay in answering this. My DSL line was not working for 2 days. ...
information8/31/2006
  Q: first thank you for answering so fast. you said about a center for epileptic but there is no kind of ...
  A: Denise, The ketogenic diet is very complex and difficult to stick to. It should be done under the ...
information8/30/2006
  Q: i am 32 and i am an épileptic for over 18 years and no doctor never founded the right medication for ...
  A: I will answer your first question about the diet. It is called the "Ketogenic Diet" and it consists ...
Re: My Daughter8/12/2006
  Q: Two weeks ago my 17 year old daughter had what I now believe was an absence seizure - a brief ...
  A: Without an EEG during the event you cannot tell what type of a seizure your daughter has experienced ...
New to Seizures8/10/2006
  Q: I hope that I don't talk too much here. Some background, I was diagnosed with an ear infection as an ...
  A: The headaches that you describe sound like migraines, and there is a relationship between epilepsy ...
epilepsy and migraines8/10/2006
  Q: I have a 9yr old daughter who has had untreatalbe migraines for the past 2yrs. Drs are now starting ...
  A: There is no known "holistic" approach to epilepsy that has been proven to be effective. However, ...
Epilepsy & Behavior4/4/2006
  Q: My son is 18. He had a seizure at 51 WEEKS old that lasted 5 hrs. He now has brain damage, ADD, ...
  A: Sometimes behavioral changes can be part of an epilspsy syndrome, but they can also be independant ...
Seizures3/21/2006
  Q: I am a fairly healthy 24 year old with anxiety disorders like OCD. Should I feel like I could have a ...
  A: There is no reason to believe that you will get a seizure disorder. Usually, adult onset seizures ...
Can it be a seizure1/19/2006
  Q: My 12 year old just started menstrating 4 mo. ago. Since then she has had what we call *sleep* ...
  A: Yes, with the history that you described, they certainly can be seizures. The only definitive way ...
Step-Son w/ Epilepsy10/28/2005
  Q: My 11 yo step-son was diagnosed with epilepsy at a very young age. He usually only has seizures at ...
  A: The antiepileptic medication, Keppra, has produced mood swings in a significant number of patients. ...
EEG results10/23/2005
  Q: My good friend's daughter has epilepsy. She just had a regularly scheduled EEG and her neurologist ...
  A: The EEG results that you described, indicates that the individual probably has epilepsy. An MRI is ...

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