My father is currently in the hospital having something done. I live in a different state and do to my son getting sick I was unable to go up for the surgery. I have an older sister that is his medical power of attorney, however she doesn't really know what is going on. I have worked in the medical field, I also have seizures and I read up on these things. My sister keeps telling me she doesn't know the name of the procedure they are doing right now. What we do know is that the next procedure is the WADA. And then eventually they are talking about the temporal and/or frontal lobectomy. (Can't think about that now ). Maybe someone can help me with what they are doing now.

It is sort of like a VEEG,except that they put sensors in his brain. The drilled holes in his skull and put different sensors in his brain. I am not sure how many, but I know the surgery took almost 8 hours. The first three days were horrible for him, he was in so much pain. It has been 9 days and they are going to wait 10-14 depending on what info they get back from watching him and what the sensors tell them. Does anyone know what this is called? I have heard of brain mapping, but not to this extent. Not a hospital stay and never for this long.

Please help me if you can. I am starting to get worried. I had my reservations about this hospital in the beginning because my father-in-law died there at the age of 52 because they couldn't figure out a minor problem (shown up on autopsy). But because the rest of my family lives there, they wanted to be close by. But we are now getting a little worried, including my father who is starting to ask questions. He is only 55 and he and the rest of my family have always been ones to "let the doctors do their jobs, they know what they are doing". They don't know to ask questions and what questions to ask.

Please help if you can. Thanks in advance.

M

I wish I could help you dearie, but I'm not as knowledgeable aobut these things. One of the more knowledgeable people should be along shortly to help.

All I can do right now is keep you and your dad in my prayers. (((((M)))))

((( M ))) Once again -- I'm far from being an expert but I THINK this is a very advanced VEEG where the electrodes NEED to touch the actual covering of the brain instead of just the skin on the skull.
I was told that this would be necessary for me if the usual VEEG did not produce the necessary results. Thank God!
I did not know that this caused pain. Oh, that's terrible.
Other people, smarter and more informed that I, will be along very soon.... hang on.

Jingle pretty much nailed it. It's basically a very advanced albeit accurate VEEG. A standard EEG gives the approximate seizure location and activity, whereas the more invasive VEEG with the electrodes placed on the brain and sometimes on any affected areas (scar tissue, 'white spots', etc.) gives nearly exact locations of activity. This test is something not everyone can get, but it's a test that should (more often than not) give answers.

If they did his surgery without this test, I'd probably feel a bit of concern. From my understanding, this test is typically done primarily for surgery candidates. I know quite a few of us here were able to catch the Epilepsy special on the Discovery Health Channel called "Surgery Saved My Life". They did do this type of a VEEG on the person and were able to get a highly accurate reading. They had stated this type was done for accuracy.

It's unfortunate to hear he is in such pain, I had naturally assumed it was one of those things that look like they hurt much worse than they actually do. However, I'd imagine it's how it was done as well as the patients pain tolerance and any other health factors that may be involved.

I wish nothing but the best for your father, for you and for your family. I hope his procedure brings answers and the surgery brings him some comfort after recovery.

*Hugs*

I knew you two could answer this!

Well, Julie -- I know this special type of VEEG is a GOOD one and it's used frequently .... but I'm just as frightened of it as M
As I've said before, on March 6 I go back to the hospital for another regular VEEG and I'm terrified they'll say I need the special one
Will I have the 'gumption' to sign the papers?

That's some silly, imaginary fear, isn't it, because I'll sign more surgery papers in a heart beat.

(((M)))

What the Dr. is doing is a veeg. I had this done. My surgeon drilled 7 holes into my head 4 on the RTL and 3 on the LTL and then they put the depth electrodes directly on areas of the brain that they thought the sz. were coming from. By doing this test the Dr. can pinpoint the exact location in the brain that's triggering sz. I was on camera around the clock except when I was in the restroom. I also had a 25 ft. cable hooked up to the eeg machine so I wouldn't have to stay in bed all the time I was able to get up and walk around.
If I may ask did the Dr. cut back on your dad's AED's or give him any food or beverages that might cause him to have a sz. This is what they did to me before I had my main surgery, thank goodness not everyone has to have this done. Most of the time it's done to see if there's more than one area in the brain causing sz. My prayers are with your dad and your family. May God Bless All of You!

Sue

he did cut back on his AED's but just the other day. My dad can't eat much of anything because some of the electrodes are as far down as my dads jaw area. I talked to my dad last night and he told me that they drilled 22 holes in his head. I thought that to be a bit extreme and wasn't sure if he was correct. But I verified it with the nurse this morning. So he has 22 different electrodes placed all around his brain. No wonder he was in so much pain those first three days and the surgery took 8 hours.

No new news of when they are going to let him out . They would like him to have at least 2-3 more seizures. The are going to try to induce some with light stimulation. If he is anything like me, that will set them off. But we will see.

Thank all of you for your support. I will keep you updated.

M

((((((((((M)))))))))