[jewellal]

Hello everyone,
I found this site today while trying to research some information regarding seizures and the EEG test. I have a few questions and concerns so i wanted to post them here to see if I can get some friendly advice.

To give you some background, my 68-year old mother had her first and also second seizure about 2 days ago. The paramedics were called during the first seizure (we thought she was having a heart attack) so she did get checked out and had tests in the ER, and has EEG and neurologist appt scheduled this mon and wed.

The ER Docs do believe both episodes were seizures and the prescribed dilantin after the second one. CT scan and ekg done in ER were good. In regards to the seizure, from what we've looked up online (as we haven't talked to neurologist yet), both of her seizures thursday night/friday morning appear to be clonic-tonic (grand mal) seizures. She had convulsions, lost consciousness (it took about 30 minutes for the confusion to wear off after the 2nd one), stiffened up, struggled breathing and bit her tongue hard enough to bleed both times.

One of my concerns is that my mom doesn't always tell the doctor everything that is going on as she doesn't want to be sick. I was her caretaker during her breast cancer treatment (she had some complications from chemo but no metastisis and is cancer free for 6 years) so I know her track record here very well. Therefore, I would like to go to one of her appts with her and my dad this week (which they are both ok with). i believe the EEG monday will just be the test and that it would probably be best for me to go to the neurologist appt with them. am i correct in that the neurologist appt is the one where we will be talking with the dr about her history, the seizure and anything else unusual that's also been going on?

There are a few things that I want to ensure she doesn't forget to mention to the neurologist as it may be important information:

1. 1. She has had a suspected TIA (mini stroke) a couple years ago. While in the ER two nights ago for the seizure, she mentioned (to my shock) that she thinks she may have a few TIA's the month preceeding the seizures as she had a few recent instances where she could not formulate her words for a minute or so (similar to her suspected TIA she had a couple years ago).
2. 2. After the 2nd seizure while still in the ER, i was the only one in the room with her and she was very very tired but she was telling me something then stopped right in the middle. now i'm wondering if this could have been another type of seizure or a 'smaller' seizure as she had just started the dilantin iv, any thoughts? I couldn't tell if she was dozing off or having a problem so i jumped up and she was looking up and to the side ( i was basically in her face panicked so I really can't say if she was looking at me or just up at the time), gnawing her teeth (kind of chewing) but seemed 'not there', or as if she was trying to say something but couldn't. I was asking her if she was o.k. or if she needed help but it seemed like she couldn't respond. my gut was telling me there was a problem. This was a total of about 15 or maybe 20 seconds then she said she slowly that she was fine but looked confused. I didn't buy it and the nurse came in right about that time. My choice of words were poor but i told him she wasn't acting normal - she seemed a bit strange. He looked at her and while checking vitals and joked with her saying 'your daughter thinks you're strange'. This bugged me a bit at the time but even more now that i've done additional research on seizures. It reminded me of what i read about 'petite mal' seizures. I asked her about it today and she has no recollection of that incident in the ER. she definitely won't mention it to the neurologist so i figured i would.
3. 3. while at home yesterday, she felt like something was wrong and possibly might have another seizure. Apparently she felt a bit strange and her jaw started to pull as if it was starting again but there were no convulsions or loss of conciousnees. My sister was concerned this may be a 'minor' form of a seizure as she is now on the dilantin. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks so much!
Jewell

[Darlene]

Jewell,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

My best advice for her is to see an Epileptologist (specialist in epilepsy) at an Epilepsy Center you can usually find them at big or university hospitals, have your GP refer you to one and they can pinpoint the exact cause of your epilepsy.

Keep your mother away from a lot of food with carbs. and starch in them because it can trigger seizures and start giving her vitamin B12 once a day this helps calms the nerves down. Also keep a journal and write down what time she has any seizures along with a description by doing this the Dr. may see a pattern in the seizures. Also when in the theater watching a movie, avoid seeing the flashing lights by turning her head and closing her eyes.

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Porkette]

Hi Jewell,
Welcome to the forum! Darlene has given you so great advice, be sure to have your mother see an Epileptologist at an Epilepsy Center.

I'm no Dr. but from what you are describing it sounds like the mini strokes could have lead to possible seizures this happened with my Grandmother.

If you notice a daydream look on your mom's face and she is trying to speak but can't she may be having a complex partial or absence (petit mal) sz. I have both of these sz. and when I have a complex partial sz. I will get muscle spasms around my mouth I will try to speak but I can't. Ask your mom if she sees colors in her eyes or hears one word repeated over and over again if she is that's the beginning of a complex partial sz. When I have an absence sz. I will just have a daydream look on my face for a few seconds and then it's over. If your mom feels tired or is confused this is all normal after a sz. Be sure to tell the Dr. that your mom had a stroke and the best thing to do is to have her admitted into the hospital for a couple of days where the Dr. can do a e.e.g. CT scan, MRI, SPECT scan, and PET scan you should also ask the Dr. to do a video e.e.g. on your mom this will be a regular e.e.g. but she will be on camera for a couple of days so the Drs. can watch her and see if she's having seizures and what type they are. Keep your mom away from anything with nutra sweet (aspartame) in it because that causes more electrical activity in the brain which can trigger seizures. Check with her pharmacist if she's on any perscriptions and make sure the neuro knows about them also. Here's wishing you and your mom only the best of luck and May God Bless You Both!
Here's the Epilepsy Foundation of America's phone number to get any info.
1-800-332-1000 or check out Epilepsyfoundation.org and go to E communities to read or post any questions they have been a big help to many people.

Sue