Abnormal EEG but No Seizure

Updated on March 26, 2011
D.B. asks from Lindenhurst, NY
4 answers

It was recommended that my 4yr old son be "tested" for ADD/ADHD so we brought him to a ped neuro. The three things we had to do was myself and his pre-k teacher had to fill out a connors rating scale, get bloodwork, and then bring him for an EEG. When the school psych scored the connors she concluded that he shouldn't be diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. As far as I know the bloodwork came back fine since we never got a call about it. My husband had said don't even bother bringing him for the EEG but I decided to do it because I had already made the appt (which took a month to get) and wanted to follow through with all the steps before our 2nd visit to the neuro to review all the results. I took him yesterday and today the neuro called me to say he had abnormal spikes in the back part of his brain but he's never had a seizure or anything as far as we know. Now I have to bring him for a video EEG and CAT scan. The neuro said something like even though he hasn't had a seizure yet he may be prone to them. Kind of annoyed at the neuro because she didn't really take the time to explain stuff and I didn't know what questions to ask. I was taken so off guard cause we just assumed it was going to be fine. I looked up video EEG and apparently this is a 24hr - few day test that is done in a hospital. I think that is something that should be explained in detail and not just tell me to make an appt for one. Anyway if anyone has experienced something like this I would appreciate any feedback cause I am kind of freaking out. Thanks so much!

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L.P.

answers from Pittsfield on

I'm sorry your family is going through this. I don't have any experience here (sorry) but I was wondering, have you considered getting a second opinion 1st?
It does seem that the doctor isn't especially good at communicating- he may be a fine doc, however. You could call his office and leave a message to call you when he has time to answer some questions- if you do, keep a list by the phone so you don't forget anything.

I prefer doctors who take the time to communicate what is going on so we don't freak out. I know they're busy- but I'd say it's pretty important, and it's part of their job. I've switched docs more than once because of communication issues- and have never been sorry.
I know it's easier said than done, but try not to panic. It could very well all turn out to be nothing.
Hang in there! :)

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J.J.

answers from Bismarck on

Sleep deprived EEGs are more accurate because the brain is stressed from being awake. I've had a few of them and believe that they are the more accurate ones.

I was diagnosed with epilepsy when I was four and it was because I had a seizure so if you can get a diagnosis before one strikes then you can avoid the fear and so will your son. I had a cat scan, brain x-ray and EEG when I was first diagnoses, along with some blood tests.

Seizures are treatable with the right medication. Hang in there, it's scary for all involved. Talk to your doctor or at least his nurse-make a pest of yourself if you have to until you get some answers.

L.M.

answers from Dover on

My daughter is 4 yr old and had a seizure-like episode in January. It was scary but she has not ever displayed any symptoms nor has she had any episodes before or after. She has always had excellent development (on time if not early) and shows no delays of any kind.

We recently went to a pediatric neurologist. He explained that some kids will have a seizure once, have a normal EEG, and never have another one. A normal EEG does not rule out a seizure but rather shows any abnormalities which would make seizures more likely. A child with no delays tend to do better even if they have seizures than a child with delays. So, naturally, a child with no delays and a normal EEG would be less likely to have a seizure but if they had them, they would most likely be fine.

I realize this doesn't actually answer your question but I wanted to let you know that the EEG isn't the only indicator or definate answer to seizures or no seizures.

Before your next appointment, come up with a list of questions and write them down. Take the list with you so you don't forget to ask the doctor when you are there. I find that some doctors explain/don't explain depending on how much a patient/parent asks.

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K.H.

answers from St. Louis on

My daughter is four and had her first seizure at a year old. she has EEG's every six months, and an MRI every year. She has never had a video EEG, or a CAT scan to deal with the seizures, she had a CAT scan when she fell last year and hit her head. I have no experience with the video EEG. It is good that it was caught before he has a seizure, because they are very scary, not only for the child, but the parent too. Was he sleep deprived for the EEG? My daughters' neuro makes her be sleep-deprived for her EEG's, she says they can get more information from a sleep deprived EEG than a non sleep-deprived. I would call the neuro's office back Monday, and ask them your questions, it is their job to explain what is going on and going to happen with your child. That is what they get paid for. My daughter's neuro I know got tired of me at first because it was like every week I was calling the office with a new question, but luckily they understood, and were very informative and nice about all my questions.

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