These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is always advised to consult their own physician.
Seizures [posted 8/12/98]
Question: When would continuous twitching movements not be called a seizure?
Answer: There are all sorts of movement disorders that involve muscle twitching that do not involve a seizure.
Seizures – Neurology [posted 8/6/98]
Question: About 3 years ago my husband starting getting seizures, and they only came every few months. Over the years they have now come on a regular basis (almost daily). He says if feels like either the left half or right half of his brain tightens, the center being around the temple area. When he gets these attacks he seems very disoriented and he seems to loose sense of time. Moving lights or anything moving at a fast pace will trigger the seizure. They also seem to come when he sleeps. He cries out in pain and has described it as if he really believes that the area around his temple is swollen. To look at that area it seems normal although to place your finger on it you can feel a rapid pulse. He is scared he’s going to have an aneurysm. Are these symptoms of one? Is there anything you can tell me regarding the symptoms I have given you and what are the usual treatments for seizures? Note that he has had cat scans which all were normal.
Answer: Has he had any trials of seizure medications? Has he had an EEG? These should be suppressed to avoid any further brain damage during the seizures. Has he seen a neurologist? I need some more information.
Seizures [posted 7/17/98]
Question: Patient is taking Tegretol for seizures which were caused by brain scar tissue (injured during birth). Seizures continue and are getting worse. Can you recommend the best doctor and facility on the West Coast and course of action.
Answer: There is a book out called “Best Doctors in the _______”. These are produced in the
northeast, southeast, etc. I’m sure you can find this at any local large bookstore, or order one.
This is an excellent book to find quality clinicians in different areas, I highly recommend it as a
starting point.
Chemical Imbalance
Question: Can seizures be caused by chemical balances in the brain?
Answer: Yes.
Depakote
Question: I have a son that is 21 years old and has had one grand mal seizure. They want to use depakote on him. I am wondering what the levels should be and how often the blood level should be taken.
Answer: Depakote levels should be done about every 3-5 months after steady state is reached. Initially, they will be taken about every week or two. After they are in therapeutic range, less checking is necessary. The usual starting dosage is 15 mg/kg/day;however, children under ten will usually require about 50% higher dosing-this returns to normal adult dosing after age 10. The levels will vary a little depending on the reason that he is getting depakote;but, are available at your laboratory. Usual side effects are nausea, drowsiness.
