Spikes and Sharp Waves. Like WTF Does That Mean.

[willow_fae_20]

Dylan's neurologist read his results already (just had the EEG on Friday). It read abnormally. With 'Spikes and Sharp Waves'. Dr. recommended/suggested a medication called 'Levetiracetam' It's an epilepsy/anti-seizure medication. Dylan's 'seizures', such as they are, manifest as staring spells and a little bit of vertigo

Comments

[witchyemerald]

My brother has had epilepsy since he was about 4, and they were all kinds. He was on meds that we had to adjust as he grew and by the time he was 12 he stopped having seizures

[willow_fae_20]

I just worry that with Dylan only being 3 and his self-awareness and comunicativity being limited will he be able to tell us if there is something wrong, you know? Like it took us a while to realise his 'random' crying/covering ears/holding head meant he might have a headache. Would we be able to figure out if he's suffering from one of the 'internal' side effects before it was too late?

The Dr. told us that seizures were common with ACC, and with Dylan being (basically) a textbook case I should have expected them, but it's still a bit of a shock to the system.

[witchyemerald]

IT would take time to learn to outside signs. Adam so times cant focus or he cant get his words to come out right, sometimes I can see it is his walk, but the biggest sign is up to the day before he will complain about headach/pressure and not want to eat

[willow_fae_20]

That does make sense. Thank you so much for all your input. It definitely helps to talk to someone who has experience (even if not *direct*) with seizures. It will be a lot of trial and error and one day at a time.

The biggest lesson I've learned in having a special needs child has been Patience.

Thank you again! I don't think I can say that enough.

[dawnebeth]

I can't tell you anything as specific as the fantastic info withyemerald gave, but Absence seizures as still seizures and obviously signal something going on in his brain. Keep in contact with your neurologist with regular appointments and dialogue. Give the medication a chance (a certain amount of time, whatever the doctor suggests) to see if it works and provides adequate relief of the seizures. There are many meds out there and kids change as they grow. I know of a young girl who grew out of the need for seizure meds in her teens, but she did not have the same condition Dylan does.

[willow_fae_20]

Dylan has had appointments with neuro every 3-5 months. So we are definitely trying to stay in front of all of this. I'm also making a point to keep all his doctors in the loop about what the others say.

Like I just said to Emerald. It's going to take some trial and error, to get everything on an even keel. I just have to have patience. And remember that Faith Manages.

[rainbowwizard1]

Oh, poor Dylan! I mean, on the one hand, at least there's an explanation for his staring spells and everything, but on the other, this just plain sucks.

I don't have anything useful for you, since the only anti-seizure medication I'm familiar with is topamax cuz I'm on it for my migraines, but they can't prescribe it for anyone under like...15? I think, presumably because of the side effects.

All I have are hugs and love! *hugs*

[willow_fae_20]

Thanks, Whiz. I'm leaning heavily on the idea that Faith (and the Neuro) Manages. We have an appointment next Tues. to discuss the findings, and medication. So we'll go from there.

[rainbowwizard1]

Truth. Neuro gods (and their excellent drugs) manage!

[willow_fae_20]

Preach it, Sistah! I love Dylan's Neurologist. She is so knowledgeable but at the same time she explains things in such a way that us mere mortals can understand.