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Is Partial Onset Of Seizures The Same As Epilepsy?

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Posted on Tue, 4 Nov 2014
Question: Is partial onset of seizures the same as epilepsy?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Short answer? YES

Detailed Answer:
Shortest Answer? Yes

Good evening....That's your introduction to my corner on the humor market. My name is Dr. Madhatter! Won't you come in and join me for some tea? Don't worry, I don't bite...but dogs do...so be careful of them. BTW, none of them carry ebola as far as the CDC is concerned so do let Fido back in from the rooftop....LOL...

Anyways, to your question....first of all, greetings from XXXXXXX OH. I notice you're in the SF area...nice....was JUST sending a message to a "neighbor" of yours who was asking another question on another topic....

Actually, let's clean up your terminology a bit. The correct phrase if "partial seizures" and actually there are 2 subtypes to those...One would be SIMPLE partial seizures and the other would be???? Wanna take a guess? Opposite of SIMPLE? would be........COMPLEX partial seizures.

If you give me a little more context of what we're talking about I can bring it into a bit more focus. Do these things belong to you, someone in your family, a friend, or none of the above?

EPILEPSY is the name given to the pathological process in the brain where abnormal electrical activities translate into a sudden but transient change in behavior or function. So under EPILEPSY there are all sorts of classifications and categorizations, and syndromes with funky names that make no sense, etc.

Partial seizures, whether they be simple or complex are part of the disease process known as EPILEPSY.

If this information has been helpful I'd appreciate a bit of written feedback and a STAR RATING before you leave the neighborhood or whatever. if there are no further questions on these issues I'd equally appreciate your CLOSING THE QUERY on your end so that it may be processed, archived, and credited for future reference.

Please feel free to contact me directly and ask more questions on this topic by using the following link:

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68474

This query required 16 minutes of physician specific review, research, and final draft documentation for envoy.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Follow up: Dr. Dariush Saghafi (31 minutes later)
These spasms occur without any triggers that I can identify. Muscle spasms are very painful and in the case of sudden spasms of the hands,people sitting opposite me may suddenly find a glass of wine heading their way. Spasms of the legs require me to stand upright to get the muscles to relax.
Are there medications better than LYRICA to prevent the occurance?These spasms occur without any triggers that I can identify. Muscle spasms are very painful and in the case of sudden spasms of the hands,people sitting opposite me may suddenly find a glass of wine heading their way. Spasms of the legs require me to stand upright to get the muscles to relax, although this is very difficult to do unless I have something secure to hold onto.
Are there medications better than LYRICA to prevent the occurrence?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (12 hours later)
Brief Answer:
What is the actual diagnosis at this time

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the clarifications. And so, what is the actual working diagnosis at this time? Is it simple partial seizures? Because you are using terms such as "hands" (plural) and "legs" (plural). Are you experiencing a sudden (without any warning) tightening or stiffening of BOTH hands, BOTH legs? Are you all happening at the same time, different times? Have you had and EEG performed? Have you had an EMG/NCV performed? I'm not sure I understand why Lyrica is being prescribed? As a drug originally made to be used for seizures it is similar to Neurontin in that it is almost NEVER used for seizures anymore and almost exclusively used for pain management.

So, what is the reason for the Lyrica? Have you also been evaluated for other conditions such as Lupus, Dystonia, MS, etc.? Is there an MRI of the brain and/or the spinal cord? It doesn't sound as if there is any rhythmic jerking or twitching of the limbs or muscles but just a sudden spasming. Is there any change in mentation, focus, ability to speak, comprehend?

I'm not convinced thusfar based on what you've said and the questions that are in my mind that seizure is really the right term to be thinking of in your case.

If this information has been helpful I'd appreciate a bit of written feedback and a STAR RATING. If there are no further questions on these issues I'd equally appreciate your CLOSING THE QUERY on your end so that it may be processed, archived, and credited for future reference.

Please feel free to contact me directly and ask more questions on this or any other topic by using the following link:

http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68474

This query required 9 minutes of physician specific review, research, and final draft documentation for envoy.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
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Answered by
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Dr. Dariush Saghafi

Neurologist

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 2473 Questions

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Is Partial Onset Of Seizures The Same As Epilepsy?

Brief Answer: Short answer? YES Detailed Answer: Shortest Answer? Yes Good evening....That's your introduction to my corner on the humor market. My name is Dr. Madhatter! Won't you come in and join me for some tea? Don't worry, I don't bite...but dogs do...so be careful of them. BTW, none of them carry ebola as far as the CDC is concerned so do let Fido back in from the rooftop....LOL... Anyways, to your question....first of all, greetings from XXXXXXX OH. I notice you're in the SF area...nice....was JUST sending a message to a "neighbor" of yours who was asking another question on another topic.... Actually, let's clean up your terminology a bit. The correct phrase if "partial seizures" and actually there are 2 subtypes to those...One would be SIMPLE partial seizures and the other would be???? Wanna take a guess? Opposite of SIMPLE? would be........COMPLEX partial seizures. If you give me a little more context of what we're talking about I can bring it into a bit more focus. Do these things belong to you, someone in your family, a friend, or none of the above? EPILEPSY is the name given to the pathological process in the brain where abnormal electrical activities translate into a sudden but transient change in behavior or function. So under EPILEPSY there are all sorts of classifications and categorizations, and syndromes with funky names that make no sense, etc. Partial seizures, whether they be simple or complex are part of the disease process known as EPILEPSY. If this information has been helpful I'd appreciate a bit of written feedback and a STAR RATING before you leave the neighborhood or whatever. if there are no further questions on these issues I'd equally appreciate your CLOSING THE QUERY on your end so that it may be processed, archived, and credited for future reference. Please feel free to contact me directly and ask more questions on this topic by using the following link: http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68474 This query required 16 minutes of physician specific review, research, and final draft documentation for envoy.