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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Lost Conscious With A Minute Convulsion, Erratic EEG, Put On Keppra, Opined As Complex Partial Seizures. Could This Be It ?

I'm 69 and three months ago had a single, first time loss of consciousness with one minute of convulsions. The first neurologist immediately labeled me epileptic based on this event, along with a wildly erratic 24-hour EEG and put me on Keppra. She opined that I was having "complex partial seizures". I researched this extensively and not a single symptom fit me. Not one. So, I sought a second opinion and this neurologist felt the one event was "convulsive syncope" and that my EEGs didn't fit epileptiform pattern at all. At this point, I've had five EEGs, all showing very irregular brain waves (even after three months of Keppra). I remain 100% symptom-free. I've researched over 45 types of seizures and again, none of the symptoms or manifestations fit. I'm completely asymptomatic. I'm now awaiting a third neuro opinion. How is it possible to have such alarming EEGs yet function perfectly well on every level??? Three years ago, I had Stage 3 esophageal cancer (adenocarcinoma) and had chemo/radiation and a gastroesophagectomy at Mayo. I doubt this is related.
Wed, 31 Jul 2013
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Neurologist 's  Response
Hi,
Thank you for posting your query.
I can understand your dilemma without a clear cut diagnosis and conflicting neurological opinions from experts.
However, I would not label you as an epileptic based on a single episode of seizure. To be labeled as an epileptic, one must have two or more seizures. Also, I would not treat you with anti-epileptic medications, unless I am convinced that you have a high chance of seizure recurrence.
Abnormal EEGs can occur in upto 5% of normal population too.
Please get back if you require any additional information.

Best wishes,

Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology)
Senior Consultant Neurologist
Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad,
My personal URL on this website: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar
My email: drsudhirkumar@yahoo.com
My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/
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Lost Conscious With A Minute Convulsion, Erratic EEG, Put On Keppra, Opined As Complex Partial Seizures. Could This Be It ?

Hi, Thank you for posting your query. I can understand your dilemma without a clear cut diagnosis and conflicting neurological opinions from experts. However, I would not label you as an epileptic based on a single episode of seizure. To be labeled as an epileptic, one must have two or more seizures. Also, I would not treat you with anti-epileptic medications, unless I am convinced that you have a high chance of seizure recurrence. Abnormal EEGs can occur in upto 5% of normal population too. Please get back if you require any additional information. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD (Internal Medicine), DM (Neurology) Senior Consultant Neurologist Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, My personal URL on this website: http://bit.ly/Dr-Sudhir-kumar My email: drsudhirkumar@yahoo.com My blog: http://bestneurodoctor.blogspot.com/