Epilepsy & Seizures Support Group
Epilepsy (often referred to as a seizure disorder) is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. It is commonly controlled with medication, although surgical methods are used as well. Seizures (or convulsions) are temporary abnormal electrophysiologic phenomena of the brain, resulting in abnormal synchronization of electrical neuronal...
My 5 year old son has recently started treatment for seizures. He had one "big" seizure, and has since had two abnormal EEGs. After trying Tegretol, Keppra, and Clonipin, his neurologist now has him taking 50mg zonisimide a day. We've noticed for quite a while that he has spells where he seems utterly lost and confused - like he forgets where the coat closet or bathroom is in our home. He just started kindergarten and the school nurse called today and said they were seeing the same kinds of things at school - he seems fine some times, but very confused the next. Does anyone know if this is symptomatic of seizure activity? Since he was doing some of this prior to starting medication, I wouldn't think it was a side effect or anything...
Hope thus is helpful, Hugs, Cathy
How Long has he been on his new med/dose?
Yes, those could be what used to be known as petit mals. Here is a Site that will explain all the most common seizure Types. Please Bookmark/save. It is best to know about different types/symptoms. Over the Yrs your child May or May Not have changes.
http://www.faqs.org/faqs/medicine/epilepsy-faq/
He is, also, at the Rite age for the Ketogenic Diet. I sure Wish DRS would Recommend this B4 Meds. :(
Epilepsy's Big, Fat Miracle- NY Times
http://wwwnytimes.com/2010/11/21/magazine/21Epilepsy-t.html?scr=me&ref=general
High-Fat Ketogenic Diet to Control Seizures is Found Safe Over Long Term
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/179311.php
You can register for that site & get weekly updates on the Latest Epilepsy News! :)
http://www.glutenfreesociety.org/gluten-free-society-blog/gluten-leaky-brain-and-epilepsy-seizures/
Food for Thought! :) It IS a hard diet to follow. But, your son will adapt & so will you. It's easier if the Whole Family starts by eating the Same. :)
Please clik on these green words, keeping a Journal. It is well worth the time & effort to keep One. :)
Keep asking Questions. Keep Learning. Epilepsy is a Never-Ending, Forever-Learning Disorder. It can be confusing at times. But, once you learn the basics, you can/Will be a Better Advocate for your Child. He is 5. So, Have you considered school & what to do?
Chek the EpilepsyFoundation.org for Good Advice/Info. :)
Love Candi
I'll need to learn more about the ketogenic diet. My son also has several food allergies so we'd have to see how challenging that would make it.
He's been on the zonisimide for two weeks. The doctor said he wanted to try this one for a while to try and get the seizures under control since it gets into the system quickly, then switch him to lamictal, which takes longer to get into the system but might work better for long term.
I am trying to learn all of the terms for types of seizures and the symptoms. I'm not sure if petit mal describes what is happening with him? It said those involve a loss of consciousness? He is still able to respond during his events - he's just very confused. His memory around those times seems to be affected, too. Another thing I'm noticing with him has to do with his speech - it seems to really slow down sometimes, with long pauses between words, or sometimes even within a word).
I think school is going to be a challenge. I've met with the school twice, and so far they have been wonderful as far as addressing the medical aspects of his seizures (they have a plan in place for what to do if he has a seizure, and are willing to let him rest if he seems extra tired from his medication) but resistant to giving him a 504 or IEP. I am worried about how these seizures will affect his ability to learn. He also has trouble with fine motor tasks. I have requested an evaluation to determine if he qualifies for any accomodations or services. Honestly, I don't really know what to ask for. The special ed director said all the physical/occupational therapy in the world wouldn't help him if the troubles he is having are due to seizures. If anyone has any suggestions, I would appreciate it...
You are Rite. Focal Seizures or Complex Seizures seem to fit his symptoms.
This site Has Much More Info. :) Plus, Info on the Ketogenic Diet & how it works. :)
http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/default.htm
I have been an Epilepsy Mentor on that site for almost 20 yrs. :0
Yes, Please, Do More Homework on the Ketogenic Diet. Just in case his meds aren't helping w/in the 6 week 'trial & error' phase. :(
This site has Info on Seizures, too. It will explain the most common Triggers. Plus seizure Types, Symptoms & Causes. :)
http://www.2betrhealth.com/Other-Triggers-for-Epilepsy.html
Be sure to browse her other Topics for more Info. :)
Just let me know if you want even More Homework. :) All the sites are, basically, the Same, just some are worded different or have More Details. :)
I've been hearing the term 'silent seizures' a Lot, Lately. You may want to Google/Search for more Info on them, too.
Love Candi
This confusion may be an effect of seizures. It is also important to note, that these symptoms are also an outcome of seizure medications. Suggest to the neuro trying another. It took me 8 different meds to find one that worked for me, and we're all different. Since these symptoms are new, try a different med. and see if they are still there.
Dimmie
I guess you can rule out a specific med, then... What I would suggest now is a trial of upper cervical chiropractic. This is not standard Chiropractic by any means; these people focus on the neural connection between the brain and the spinal cord. And they can often stop seizures or other effects of brain trauma from a birth injury. I do this type of CHiropractic and I've seen the incredible effects on autism, seizures (although not mine), and other neurological effects. You can find a doc in your area from this site: www.upcspine.com/link1.htm . It's worth a try!! Good luck!
Dimmie