Neuropsychology Central

[capecodmom]

Hi, for years I have experienced strange episodes that I have had several different diagnosis for. I get "jolts" that feel like electricity shooting through my body, if I am holding something it goes flying, if I try to walk, I can't. Sometimes I feel these coming on, sometimes I don't. These can last for up to an hour before I can move normally again. With my really bad ones I have gotten double vision and slurred and stuttered speech. My neurologist says that I do show epileptic activity on the left side of my brain. I have undergone video/eeg monitoring with inconclusive results, plenty of seizure activity but no actual episodes were seen. I just had an ambulatory eeg, my neurologist just told me that the results showed no increased seizure activity during one of my episodes. I am waiting to have my follow-up visit with him. He says that these 'episodes' are not 'seizure related' which just leaves me as frustrated as ever. I don't see how these can be just stress, the symptoms are so severe and debillitating. Does anyone have any thoughts, suggestions?
_________________
Jennifer

[drejb]

As indicated in terms of use, individual advice cannot be offered, as diagnosis and treatment recommendations should only be made in consultation with a licensed professional who has examined you.

In terms of general iand hypothetical issues when one has apparent episodic seizure like activity in the absence of EEG findings this is usually termed pseudoseizures. INterestingly, people who really do have seizures may also have pseudoseizures, so they are not always exclusive categories. Many physical manifestations of disease including neurological ones like seizures can very much look and feel like the real thing. This is the historical basis of the field of psychosomatic medicine. Treatment can be hypothetically difficult as there is often resistance to interpretations of stress or psychological issues. In addition to neurological follow up, generally it would be a good idea for individual with such a diagnosis (not offering this as a diagnosis, just for general discussion) with a clinical psychologist experienced with psychosomatic disorders and or pseudoseziures.
_________________
Ernest J. Bordini, Ph.D.
Editor/Administrator
http://www.NeuropsychologyCentral.COM

Executive Director
Clinical Psychology Associates of North Central Florida
http://www.cpancf.com
2121 NW 40th Terr. Suite B
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 336-2888

[capecodmom]

Thanks for your input. I am being seen by an epileptologist and there is a whole team in his office that include neuropsychiatrist. I guess I was discouraged when he told me that the specific episodes I experience are not seizure related because it makes it that much harder to treat. It's frustrating for people to imply that these are "all in my head" when they are so very clearly physical and/or neurological

Also if my body is reacting to subconscious stress, how the heck can I deal with something that I am not even aware of. I have a follow up visit with my doctor and I am anticipating him referring me to one of the psyche docs in his practice. I just wish that I could find help for these things as I am constantly worrying about going places and doing things for fear of having an "attack".

Oh well, I will keep on chasing a diagnosis and treatment. On the plus side I do have a good relationship with this doctor and so far I have been pleased with his care.
_________________
Jennifer

[drejb]

I recall one of the classic studies in psychosomatic medicine - individuals with allergies were put in a study in which a small amount of the allergen was put in water and swabbed in a stripe on their arm - a good percentage developed an allergic reaction in the form of the swipe. Only thing, it was just water - no allergen. A classic demonstration that real physical reactions and sensations can be induced by the mind.

Most sophisticated psychologists, neurologists and other physicians no longer think there is a magic line between the mental and physical. Having a team of psychologists and physicians who work closely together and whom you trust is a great asset.

In our practice a former resident of mine and I developed a brochure for some of our medical psychology patients:

http://cpancf.com/articles_files/clinicalhealthpsychologyreferral.asp

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_________________
Ernest J. Bordini, Ph.D.
Editor/Administrator
http://www.NeuropsychologyCentral.COM

Executive Director
Clinical Psychology Associates of North Central Florida
http://www.cpancf.com
2121 NW 40th Terr. Suite B
Gainesville, FL 32605
(352) 336-2888