Hi, all. I've got a whole cluster of psychiatric issues -- bipolar, anxiety, PTSD, probably some other stuff -- and the possibility of an underlying seizure disorder contributing to it has been raised by drs on more than one occasion. I've never done a good job of following up on this, but I at least got as far as an EEG and CT. CT was clean, but EEG showed "sharp appearing theta waves" in my "left fronto-temporal lobe" while awake and "bisynchronus paroxysmal spikes" in my temporal lobes when they had me hyperventilate (IIRC -- I could be botching some of the medical-speak). Also, blood work showed slightly elevated prolactin levels. I had one documented tonic-clonic seizure about 6 or 7 years ago, but that was attributed to the massive doses of Neurontin I was on at the time (for RSD). Possibly another one in my sleep a few months later, though the assumption is it was an accidental overdose of ketamine. A few other maybe-seizures I never got checked out at the time. I gather that the hypothesis is that I may be having focal seizures somewhat on the reg and this is messing me up. I've been told in the past some recurring perceptual quirks (e.g., transient, highly specific synaesthesias) may be indicative of this.

Anyway, I've decided to seriously look into this finally. I'm in the process of finding a neurologist, and I guess I'm looking to get a sense of what I should get informed about so I can take an active part in any plan of action. What should I know about? What should I ask about? And is it worth pursuing this immediately in conjunction with psych therapy to better understand what I'm up against, or should I get my mental health somewhat in order first so I can be sure to actually follow though on this all the way for once?

Hi nothing clever,

Welcome to the forum! It has been proven that bipolar, anxiety, stress, lack of sleep, drug and alcohol abuse are things that can cause epilepsy. Stress and lack of sleep are 2 big ones. My advice to you is to go to an Epileptologist (Dr. specializing in epilepsy) instead of a neurologist. I've seen many neurologist over the yrs. and take my word an Epileptologist knows much more and will have you on fewer sz. meds. Also make sure you go to an Epilepsy Center which are usually found at University Hospitals.
You should also see a neuro psychatrist who can do tests on you and find out if there's an mental problems or if it's from the epilepsy. When I was on neurontin the drug caused me to have status sz. where I would be out of it for 30 min. to 3 hrs. now the drug co. Pfizer has $240 million in lawsuits on them for how this drug has messed people up and many have commited suicide while on the drug.
You should document each time you have a sz. and write it down on a calendar. Write down what time the sz. happened, describe the sz., and take note if there was a low pressure in the weather or if you were sick or under stress. Often the Dr. can see a pattern in a persons sz.
Just like you I have temporal lobe and frontal lobe sz. I have found the drug s diamox, vimpat,and mysoline the best thing for me. I also take vitamin B12 once a day which helps calm the nerves and reduces sz. for some people. Stay away from anything with nutra sweet in it because it can cause more electrical activity in the brain and trigger sz. Also take note if bright lights or colors are causing your sz. if this is the problem you may be photosensitive which means certain colors will cause sz. You should also request a DNA test to be done on you by doing this the Dr. will be able to find what sz. med will help you the most with the least side effect. Here's wishing you well and May God Bless You!

Sue