Q: Have you had any luck with alternative methods of treating seizures in dogs?
My dog (10 yrs old) has been acting kind of funny here and there over the last few days. This evening I saw him go into what I am positive is a seizure.

I know people put their dogs on phenobarbital for seizures, but I’ve also read that it can damage their liver with long term usage.

Bottom line: I’m taking him to the vet tomorrow morning. I will do *anything* to keep him healthy and happy. I would feel much better if there’s some sort of treatment out there that will not damage his liver. I don’t want anything to shorten his life span.

If you have any experience with a more natural treatment that was effective with your dog, please let me know.

A: I think you’re jumping the gun a bit here. You don’t know the cause of your dog’s seizures yet so you don’t know if phenobarbitol will be prescribed. But if it is, the vet will be monitoring him regularly. There are other drugs out there, as well that can be used. You need to trust your vet. Ask him about the long-term affects of the various meds so you can make a more informed decision for your dog. Hope he’ll be ok!

Q: What can cause seizures in dogs and ultimate death? Is this a common trait of heartworm desease?
My nine year old dog had two bouts of seizures and finally died. She did have heartworm desease in which we were making arrangements for treatments for her. She was a good dog and we miss her

A: There are many possible causes of seizures in dogs and heartworm disease is not usually associated with seizure activity. Some causes include diseases that are outside the brain such as metabolic reasons such as low blood sugar, low blood calcium, kidney disease, and various toxins. Some causes that are directly associated with the brain can include tumors, infectious diseases such as fungal, or viral diseases, idiopathic epilepsy (unknown cause), or some type of trauma. Based on how your dog presented it is likely that your dog may have gotten into something that may have contributed to her seizures, but it is also possible that your dog could had a tumor that could of ruptured a vessel or enlarged to a size that cause a significant disruption of the brain function leading to her presentation of seizures. But in the case of brain tumors it is more common for dogs to have more slowly progressive signs indicating that something is wrong with them. I am sorry for your loss. I know that you will miss her.

Q: Can marijuana help subside epileptic seizures in dogs?
My dog has canine epilepsy and I want to know if blowing very small amounts in her ear can help minimize them. Animal cruelty people… don’t post your ignorant comments. I’m not trying to get my dog stoned… I want to help her avoid seizures until the medicine the vet gave me kicks in because I don’t want her to have to go through that crap 5 or 6 times a day. Thanks!

A: Ask your vet. He/she specializes in animal/canine health and should know if thats harmful or not. I mean I could give you a yes and what if (hypothetically speaking) it kills her, the person below me could say no its bad and she has another seizure that kills her but she would have lived with the marijuana. Seriously ask your vet, not strangers online that can feed you any crap.

Q: Does anyone know how I can get in touch with someone who breeds seizure dogs? Website?
My son has hundreds of seizures a day and has a rare disorder that will lead to other types of seizures that may go undetected by us. We’d like info on how to get in touch with someone who breed seizure dogs and how we could get one. Thanks.

A: contact animal planet, they have aired shows about seizure dogs. or try the aspca.

Q: Can chocolate cause seizures in dogs?
I’m trying to prepare my children. Is she likely to die from the chococlate?

A: Chocolate can kill dogs. It depends on how much eaten and the weight of the dog. How much it takes can vary from dog to dog, or for the same dog, at different times.

Chocolate contains a xanthine compound, heobromine, caffeine & theophylline, and they are toxic to dogs.

However dogs seem to love chocolate, at least ours did, and it is hard to tell how much is too much. We occasionally gave our dogs a chocolate chip cookie, but only one, or a small amount of other chocolate treats. But make sure any chocolate you have around is out of your dog’s reach – dogs will devour chocolate if they get a chance.

Dogs also like peanut butter and white chocolate. White chocolate does not have the same toxicity for them, so your kids will have some options if you want to let them give your dog “people food” treats.

These links have excellent information about dogs and chocolate.

Q: Can glucosamine cause seizures in dogs?
My cousins dog took shark cartilage and it caused her pet to seize. Since glucosamine and shark cartilage are used for the same thing I thought there may be something to it. The glucosamine is the only new thing that our dog has received.

A: every dog respond differently, but glucosamine is usually a supplement for joint pain and should not give seizures to your dog, but like i said every dog is different

Q: Can roadkill cause seizures in dogs?
My dog has a seizure about once a year. They last over an hour. I noticed that he was eating roadkill a day or two before he had both of his seizures. Do you think this is what caused the seizures?

A: I’m sorry to say that I think the only one qualified to discuss seizure disorders with you is your vet. I’ve never heard of non poisoned dead animals causing seizures especially one that last as long as an hour. Then again I’m not a vet. Please take your dog to the vet and see whats up with him, it could be something simple or something that needs to be dealt with immediately. Good luck.

Q: can someone who knows a lot about seizures in dogs answer this question?
my dog is a German Shepard and he has been having seizures for a couple years now, and he is five years old. he used to have them at night only or early mornings and the would only happen once in two or three weeks. lately they are happening more frequently like once a week, and he just had one today at 2:50 in the afternoon. can some one explain why they are getting more frequent and at different times? (btw, he is on medication for it which he takes daily) also can someone explain what happens to the brain to cause seizures? thank you

A: If you Google dogs and seizures you will get a full picture.

I’d be seeing the vet again. As the dog matures the meds have to be adjusted.

An epileptic seizure is caused by an electrical malfunction in the brain. They have just realized that it actually causes brain damage. You may notice some behavioural changes in your dog.

It is hereditary. Do not breed this dog.

Q: anyone know the % of seizures in dogs being a brain tumor?
my dog is 9.5 yrs old and being treated with Phenobarbital and Valium when having a seizure. The siezures have been 4-8 a day for 5 days straight. The dog was hospitilized one night for a temp of 105.

A: Possibility of a brain tumor is small. High temperature is usually from an infection – fever can cause seizures. Could be an aneurysm (a brain bleed). If the phenobarb isn’t working, you’ve probably got a very serious and expensive problem on your hands that may not be curable.

Check out the website at the Cornell Vet school & good luck with the poor old dog…

http://diaglab.vet.cornell.edu/

Q: what are some symptoms of seizures in dogs?
i just got a 6wk old chihuahua and i think he had a couple of seizures in the past two day’s…i was told that toy breeds can have hypoglycemia…which can cause them to have seizures…

A: Call the reputable breeder you got him from- you know the one who illegally sold you an underage puppy-
(it is against the law in most states to place or sell a dog under the age of 8 weeks AND ethical breeders of Toy breeds wait longer to avoid hypoglycemia issues)

and ask them about how you should be caring for this puppy.

Look over the hand out shee they gave you about care of your new puppy. Perhaps it is covered there.

OR CALL THE VET.

Q: What causes seizures in dogs, besides brain tumors?
My 2year old malti-poo had a seizure last night that lasted for almost 5 minutes…needless to say it scared me half to death because I had never seen anything like that before… I know she does not have a tumor because up until now she has been extremely healthy, not even a flea….So what could have caused this in my poor baby??

A: a seizure is a very tricky thing that science still doesn’t really know what causes it. thats why most dogs suffer from idiopathic epilepsy (no known cause). you should take your dog to the vet to get a prescription for an anticonvulsant like phenobarbital or potassium bromide.

the vet i work with has a theory that some seizures are related to a dogs diet. if your dog vomits or has diarrhea every know and then, he could be suffering from inflammatory bowel disease. this is basically a food allergy. he thinks that when dogs suffer from this, the nutrients in the food pass trough the intestines to fast and the body cant absorb them. this doesnt allow all the necessary nutrients to reach the brain thus causing the seizures. you can try to switch your food to lamb and rice to only have two ingredients in the food (the brand doesnt matter). once again this is just a theory.

Q: Can shampoo cause seizures in dogs?
My little dog had a seizure the other day, and i think it might be from quite a few things, but can human shampoo cause seizures in dogs?
I took her to the AHEVS and it was definitely a seizure….They said it was caused by another unknown ifection that she has…

But I got to thinking and was wondering if it might be human shampoo, also/maybe….

A: Possible but fairly slim.

There are ingredients in human shampoos that are not tolerated well by pets & can be harmful . ETOH is one & is not required by law to be included on product list since it isn’t harmful to ppl but it is to pets. It can penetrate skin & go to the fatty tissues &/or bloodstream. ETOH is a potent nervous system depressant & can be fatal if the levels become high enough & with regular use. ETOH is the strongest chemical in ppl shampoo that can effect dogs & the main reason not to use ppl shampoo on pets. I’m sure there probably is a blood test they could do to test the levels in your dog but unless you were using ppl shampoo all the time to bathe your dog – I hope that is not the case – then there wouldn’t any point to do so. Small dogs are so overbred that seizures are common & not rare.

Q: Does an business need to adhere to ADA guidelines when it comes to seizure dogs? Are they service dogs?
Do they have to be permitted in “no pet” hotels just line seeing eye dogs?

A: Yes, seizure alert dogs fall under the “assistance dog” category of service dog law and are entitled to all rights and priviledges – and responsibilities – as such.

Q: dogs–anyone with any info on grand mal seizures in dogs please advise?
is there any connection between a fit and the yearly inoculations ? Is a dog likely to have another one if he has had his 1st at the age of around 11yrs ?
julie–thats a really good informative site-thank you

A: My Chocolate Lab has had seizures very rarely since he was about a year old. Recently they have gotten much worse but still not very often. He will be 11 years old next March. My vet has recommended I not give him meds for it unless they start to happen frequently. I don’t notice any increase after his shots. They are pretty random. So to answer your question I don’t see a connection with my dog. Good Luck!

Q: Anyone know anything about dogs with seizures/neurological problems?
My dog started seizing (or at least what seemed to be seizing) a little over a month ago. All the sudden his head started shaking but none of his extremities.. So, I took him to the ER and they put him on seizure watch for the night. He was prescribed phenobarbetol (sp?) However, he did not seize at all for weeks, and the medication made him pee in the house so we took him off of it (with the doctor’s permission) thinking that maybe the seizure was a one time thing. But tonight he started again.. Same thing.. His head shakes uncontrollably for a few seconds (I counted a few different ones ranging from 3-18 seconds) but it’s always just his head. He also seems aware while this is happening.. Does anyone know what this could be? We are really starting to think it could be something neurological.. Were planning on taking him to the vet this week but I figured I’d ask here just for my own curiosity. My worst fear would be a brain tumor or something like that. Please let me know!

A: i know it could be a birth defect, or poisoning, or my grandparents bought a poodle in france and the people had starved her to keep her small to sell her as a toy- and that caused brain damage- so she was epilleptic. im sure there are other reasons, but those are the ones i know of.

Q: partial seizures?
do you need to be on a special diet to prevent seizures?

A: You probably need to take medications.

Q: Does anyone know of a way to control complex partial seizures naturally?
I’ve had complex partial seizures for the past 3.5 years (since I was 21). I don’t have them too frequently but I would like to know if someone has done something that has cured them completely or at least controlled them quite well. I would like to resume a normal lifestyle like a normal 24 year old but I’m scared because of these seizures! If anyone knows of a way that has controlled or cured them, I would like to know your suggestions! Thanks in advance!

A: As a nurse, I have to say not really – unless you mean taking medications and easing your stress level to provoke them by eating well, not drinking, and getting enough sleep. Medication is meant to prevent your seizures from occurring, and going off these anti-epileptic medications can put you at risk of seizing again. I imagine it’s a real bummer to have to take medication for a problem which is totally out of your control, but it’s safer for you and possibly society. If you were to drive and have a seizure you could kill yourself and/or others, and that would not be a good plan.

Now, if it’s about side effects, and that’s why you don’t feel like you lead a *normal lifestyle*, please work with your doc to find another drug which doesn’t bother you as much. I know these medications can cause problems for people with feeling dizzy, sleepy, lose hair, have gum problems, nausea, and feeling spacey. There are many, many newer meds out and one may be a better choice than another for you.

Good luck to you, and I hope you stay seizure-free!

And for the other person who commented about *partial* seizures, that just means they start in one part of the brain, rather than the whole brain at one time. And NOT all people have seizures which make them shake all over with their arms and legs going. Partial seizures can spread to make that happen, but not all the time. Also, someone may or may not have seizures which make them unconscious – some people have *Simple* partial seizures where their mind isn’t affected and the person knows it’s happening. When the consciousness is affected with Partial Epilepsy, it’s called a Complex Partial Seizure.

Q: Anyone use zonegran for partial seizures, how does it affect your cognition?
I was just put on zonegran (from lamictal) for partial seizures, but I’ve heard it messes with your brain and memory, makes you slow… if it does, I will not be taking it. I am in college and I loved lamictal because I could focus BETTER. I cannot afford to be brain dead!

Very concerned.

Any recommendations for other bi-polar and seizure medicine?

A: Hello, I’m a doctor. Use topiramate. I think that you want to get more info about it. Please go to —-> http://webmd5.notlong.com/AAtAnWF

Q: If someone was seizure free for a couple of years and then gets partial seizures years after, what will happen?
If someone gets partial seizures, but has been seizure free for a couple of years, will it go away? If not, what would be a solution for it?

A: My dad had this happen after not having any for about 5 years. What he did was go to the dr. and they found out the medication he took was causing him to have some sparatic seizures. May check and see if that may be the case. Good luck and god bless

Q: Does anybodys kids have complex partial seizures?
My son was diagnosed with complex partial seizures a couple of months ago.He started taking Depakote 3 weeks ago and finally after taking 3 pills a night for last 2 nights is just about seizure free.Does anybody know anyone taking this med and any postives or negative effects its had for them?

A: I had complex partial seizures.

As with any medication, everyone will react differently. Here are the major side effects: http://www.drugs.com/depakote.html

Depakote had no effect on my seizures, but again, everyone is different. I wish your son great success on this medication.

All the best.

Q: Crohns disease being mistaken for simple partial seizures?
I feel that many people who are diagnosed with crohn disease are actually having simple partial seizures. Anyone who is educated in epilepsy need only reply. They are the ones who would understand what i am saying. What other input can you add to reinforce my theory. I think my theory is very valid and could change the way we look at these both diseases. I am sure many docs would disagree but what do you think about this theory. Sometimes EEG’s do not indicate any seizure and that is why it is so hard to diagnose. Could the reaction of medications be the future of diagnosing medical problems rather than all these crazy tests. What do you think about this theory and what input could you submit to prove otherwise or reinforce this.
OH Oh see it depends on the oart of the brain that is seizing see these seizures can creat stomach aches or cramping. Even abnormal feelings in the pit of your stomach. I expected to get some misunderstanding from people and that wy this is contraversal. You do have Serotonin receptors in your stomach. Not that , thats the cause but yes, certain partial or simple seizures can reat abdominal discomfort and when all the intestinal tests are done and nothing shows up they just assume its crohns. Again I understand the disagrrements and my theory is out of the norm but I feel more research needs to be done to prove this theory. If you have had a seizure where your stomach hurts then you would probably agree.
By the way my spelling sucks but who cares. I got my point across right lololol. I just type way to fast with disregard to spelling. Hey I am not a scholar nor am I wiritng a award winning novel. ahahahaha its the tooomer
One more thing, LOLOL all my EEG’s came up normal. but they are not 100% accurate at all. Plus I hate the 24 hr eegs where they put electrodes through your temple and behind your eyes. talk about pain and that probabaly epxlains my TMJ I have now. I walked out after they tried3 times and were not able to get it in. Needles behind my eyes, just take my workd for it. Beside I did later have a craniotomy for eplispy where they did in fact find epilepform activity but whre unable to remove it all becuase the risk of screwing up the occipatal lobe.
DO NOT ASSUME that doctors have figured out the body 100% they say they have facts but its not. I have had terrible stomach cramps, just terrible that wnet away after taking some valium. I would say anything is possible and lets all keep a open mind because nothing with the humane body is fact.
Come on people (man I am sorry for this long thing i got going ) but who is to say that the epileptiform activity is not the area of the brain that controls your digestive system. That is fact. You could have a seizure in the area of the brain that causes you to sneeze and you would say what does epilepsy have to do with a sinus infection or allergies. Or maybe it affects the part of the brain that controls muscle contractions in you back. what does epilepsy have to do with back pain? right..or even maybe you have carpel tunnel syndrome, who is to say the part of your brain that controls your hand or pain is having epliptiform activity in that particular part of the brain. What does epilepsy have to do with carpel tunnel. Again my spelling sucks but I dont care ig you want to attak me on my spelling then thats fine. Its the point I am trying to convey

A: Granted I don’t epilepsy or know much about it, but I do know a lot about Crohn’s Disease. A lot of my friends and family suffer from it.

Crohn’s is detected with a variety of tests including blood work, stool samples, endoscopes, radiology tests, and many more. When those come back, they are placed together to find out if it is Crohn’s. It is next to impossible to get all of those test results to say a digestive disease, but in reality it is epilepsy.

I listed some websites that will give you more information about Crohn’s. Hope they help you.

Edit: To respond to what you said about seizures causing you to sneeze being confused for allergies. Again, it’s about the testing. I got tested for allergies to confirm that I have allergies. So if you’re having the symptoms, they will test you. If it comes out negative they will test for other things. It appears that you have it set in your mind that seizures are causing your digestive problems. Be open to what doctors have to say. They didn’t spend all that money and time learning how to misdiagnose people.

Q: How do you get simple partial seizures?
I’m 16 and I’ve been feeling symptoms of this. I get weird twitches. My head feels weird. My head turns by itself. I have been having anxiety and I don’t know if my anxiety is causing it. My family has never had epilepsy and I haven’t had a blow to the head or anything. It just started happening. Also my fingers jerk. I get dizzy and lightheaded and sometimes nausea and muscle tension.

A: everybody cause is different so you need to see a neurologist. the cause of mine was damage to my left cerebral. i was born with forceps and they squeezed my head too tight and scared my brain. .

Q: Can partial seizures occur once a month regularly and last for the whole day recurring about every hour?
My friend has been having them since her menopause started. Her EEG and MRI were normal and her doctor says it is depression.

A: This is from the Ontario Epilepsy website
http://www.epilepsyontario.org/client/EO/EOWeb.nsf/web/
which describes as many seizure types as there are(a lot!). I looked up both partial seizures simple and complex. Then I looked at this types. The key here is that these are rooted in emotional issues, there is no EEG abnormality and that medication for epilepsy is ineffective. Since she only gets the seizures once a month, it could well be tied into some kind of menstrual issue surrounding menopause. I hope this helps you out.

Psychogenic Seizures

(Pseudo-seizures)

Psychogenic seizures are not classified as a form of epilepsy. They affect between 5 and 20 percent of people thought to have epilepsy. Psychogenic seizures can occur at any age, but are more common in people under the age of 55. They occur 3 times more frequently in women than men. They may arise from various psychological factors, may be prompted by stress, and may occur in response to suggestion. It has also been found that such disorders may be self-induced. They may be used to get attention, to be excused from work, to collect financial compensation, or merely to escape an intolerable social situation. They seldom occur in the absence of others. Trauma related to physical illness has been found to trigger these seizures in elderly individuals. People with early-onset psychogenic seizures often have a history of sexual abuse.

Psychogenic seizures can be characterized by features common with epilepsy like writhing and thrashing movements, quivering, screaming or talking sounds, and falling to the floor. Psychogenic attacks differ from epileptic seizures in that out-of-phase movements of the upper and lower extremities, pelvic thrusting, and side-to-side head movements are evident. However, psychogenic seizures vary from one occurrence to another and are not readily stereotyped. Indicators like pupillary dilation, depressed corneal reflexes, the presence of Babinski responses, autonomic cardiorespiratory changes, tongue biting and urinary/fecal incontinence are more probable with epilepsy and are not usually manifested in psychogenic seizures.

Psychogenic seizures may last a couple of minutes or hours, ending as abruptly as they began. Anxiety may be experienced prior to an attack, followed by relief and relaxation afterwards, leading some to postulate that psychogenic seizures may occur as a direct response to stress in order to relieve tension. Afterwards, patients usually have a vague recollection of the seizure, without the usual postictal symptoms of drowsiness and depression.

It is difficult to differentiate between psychogenic and epileptic seizures. However, one highly reliable indicator of a psychogenic seizure is eye closure during the seizure; when people with epilepsy have seizures the eyes tend to remain open. Still, statistics indicate that, in 20-30% of cases, epileptologists are incorrect in attempting to distinguish one from the other. Although psychogenic seizures are not caused by electrical discharges in the brain and thus do not register any EEG abnormalities, they are often mistaken for epileptic disorders. It is also possible to have both psychogenic seizures and epilepsy. Most patients with psychogenic seizures are misdiagnosed and consequently treated with epilepsy drugs or other epilepsy therapies, sometimes with severe and fatal side effects.

Medications are ineffective in the treatment of psychogenic disorders. Patients who are diagnosed with psychogenic seizures are usually referred to a therapist, to learn to control stress and become familiar with coping techniques. Since the vast majority of psychogenic seizures operate on a psychological level, behavioral manipulation methods may be used.

Q: What do simple partial seizures feel like?
If you are conscious, are you aware of what’s happening? What does it feel like? Also, for any other kind of seizure, can you tell when it is going to happen?
No…you can be aware during a simple partial seizure.
Suz- how were you diagnosed?

A: I have adult onset seizure disorder so I’m telling you from personal experience.

I usually have simple partial seizures within hours of having a grand-mal seizure. I am on medication so it happens rarely now, but the partial seizures tell me it’s going to happen. I don’t usually get an immediate sign (like some smell something) but i know that if i’m having any partial seizures that i will most likely have a grand-mal.

The ones that i have experienced are:

“Feeling of impending doom”. It just feels all of the sudden like you are about to be hit by a car. My stomache cramps and i get that nervous butterfly feeling and chills all up and down. It usually only lasts about 5 seconds (pretty sudden and short) but it feels like i’m forgetting something really important or something that is going to really hurt me. This one is the scariest and it’s the one i usually try to make sure i’m lying down and safe after i experience. (biggest sign i guess).

I also get deja vu. It’s kind of strange for me. I either feel like i dreamed something that just happened, or i will see something that isn’t there. Once at work i signed in and then i was halfway up the stairs without knowing it and saw the sign in book on the wall. i knew it wasnt there but i think i blanked out for a few seconds but continued to walk and my brain remembered the last conscious thing i saw. Other times i just see a cat in the air around me or something silly like that. Jamais vu is also a big one. I suddenly have no idea where i am or what i was just talking about for a few seconds.

I get confused, like i can’t concentrate or figure out how to do things i do all the time (like print a document). I think this is because i’m having multiple simple seizures and lose my place in what i was doing.

I’m completely conscious for all of these (except those few blackout seconds that come with some of them). I know that it’s partial seizures (now since i’ve been diagnosed and explained to) but before I felt a bit crazy.

Sorry for the book, just figured I could try to help give you a clearer picture of how it feels.

Q: Is involuntary arm movement a sign of partial seizures?
I have been having muscle jerks in my left arm approx. 5-10 times a day. This occurs mostly when I am relaxed. These jerks cause my arm to fly upward (when sitting) towards my face. I can feel these jerks coming on but am not able to control them. Any ideas of what they are?

A: It could be part of a myoclonic movement disorder. A partial seizure has very different symptoms. That, if it’s a seizure (I’m not a doctor and I don’t have an EEG machine, lol) then it’d be called myoclonic seizures or myoclonus. Myoclonic epilepsies usually start either very young, during puberty, or when one starts degenerating with age.

Q: My doctor perscribed me Topamax for my partial seizures but i have a concern?
I have just returned to being a normal weight after being underweight due to illness. i am 5′5 113lbs. I am concerned reading everywhere that it decreases appetite that i will go to an unhealthy weight. i am upset and a little annoyed my doctor didn’t mention this or take it into consideration. what should i do?

A: I’d say go ahead and give the Topamax a try. If you do lose your appetite and have a difficult time keeping weight on, try supplementing your diet with protein shakes, Boost, or Ensure. If you still have a difficult time then let your doctor know that you’d prefer to try a different medication that won’t decrease your appetite. I think you’re going to find that most seizure medications will decrease your appetite, it’s just finding the one that works best for you with the fewest side effects. Communication with your doctor is the key to a successful medication regimine. Good luck and take care!

Q: what could cause an adult to start having simple partial seizures?
its strange, i started having SPS in 2007 and now my boyfriend has just had one as well, 3 years later.
i don’t assume he “caught” epilepsy, but is there a root cause of the epilepsy that could be affecting us both?

A: I’m not a professional by any means….but something similar happened to my daughter when she was 12.
She always had ear infections as a child, and we ALWAYS took her to the doctor and got it treated right away.
One day before her dance class, she was brushing my wife’s hair, and my wife had her eyes closed. She was talking to my daughter when she realized my daughter wasn’t brushing her hair.
She turned and my daughter was on the floor, not convulsing, but had passed out.

Long story short, after every possible test known, they found the frontal lobes of her brain had minor damage to them, which was onset by the infections. These now trigger mild seizures, and panic attacks in her, but they are very unpredictable.

Now, 5yrs later, she is under control with meds, and only has an episode about once every few months, and they are minor at that.

Something to look into……

Good Luck to you both!

Q: im having Simple Partial Seizures and wonder if ne1 can help description below?
the other day i woke up at about 2am in the morning and jumpted out off bed. then since that iv been having simple partial clusters and feeling depressed and crying at times mainly at night cause the seizures are getting me down im on oxcarbpine & lamictal but these dont seam to be shifting them also took frisum but that soon wears off any one help

thanksyou in advance

A: You most likely need a change i medication. Allot of times we grow out of what we’re taking for whatever type seizures people have. I also have a combination of myoclonic, simple partial and grand mal seizures and wasn’t under control until a few years ago when I was put on Keppra. since you didn’t include your age that’s another factor too. There seems to be different stages where our bodies change, and with that our response to how our seizures will be. The teen years will be 1 until about 18 when we need to be tested again and our meds checked to see if they’re still effective. How long since you seen your neurologist and/or gone through any scans like mri or ct scans. The eeg is another one too. Just one day of out patient tests will give the doctor an update on your specific condition as to where it is now. Please make an appointment asap so you can get this updated, make a change in meds if needed and then get on with living again with maybe a better protection from your meds. Good luck and God Bless

Q: i think i have partial seizures-the experiences are weird in my life?
Psychic seizures:

>These seizures change how people think, feel, or experience things. They may have problems with memory, garbled speech, an inability to find the right word, or trouble understanding spoken or written language. They may suddenly feel emotions like fear, depression, or happiness with no outside reason. Some may feel as though they are outside their body or may have feelings of déja vu (“I’ve been through this before”) or jamais vu (“This is new to me”— even though the setting is really familiar).
Can it be treated by brain specialists or doctors?

A: When I was about 17 I had this crazy, deep deja vu experience where I actually thought I had dreamt the exact same thing that was happening or exact thing had happened before and it kind made me panic and pretty much gave me an anxiety attack. Well I continued to have them for a couple of more years until New Years day of 1999. I was really hungover from the night before and I remember that I got up to get something to eat or drink and the next thing I know my borther and my dad were carrying to the couch and I couldn’t walk or really talk and everyone was looking at me in a really concerned way and I didn’t know why. Then there were police and paramedics putting me on a stretcher and into an ambulance. To make a long story short we found out that I had had a seizure and I told the doctor of all these deep deja vu experiences I had for the last couple of years and he said that those are actually acute seizures that I had been having. Anyway they had put me through all these tests and CAT scans and finally they put me on a prescription called Tegretol. I ended up being allergic to Tegretol so they tried another called Carbetrol and that’s what I’ve been on since. I don’t have epilepsy and I lead normal life and I drive and all that because of this medication which I’m grateful for. Sometimes I’ll miss a dose and I’ll have those deja vu experiences but very rarely. Anyway that’s my deja vu/seizure story and I’m glad to share it because there is know one else in this world that I’ve ever met that can relate to what I’m talking about because they’ve never had the experience and it’s so hard to describe to someone and when I try they just look at me like I’m crazy so I’ve pretty much gave up. Until I read your question that is. Thanks.

Q: if you suffer from mesial temporal sclerosis and complex partial seizures,can you haev a normal life?
what will you be able to do if it affect the left side of your brain?will you be able to earn a living?

A: i think metador has answered in detail about your disease. having said that but generally patients do well on treatment by any competent neurologist and remember surgery is reserved only for those patients where drug treatment is not working.
secondly i fail to understand why the patient cannot live a normal life. you have all the rights to enjoy a comfortable life.
so just relax and enjoy a normal life

Q: Is it true that anti seizure medications can make birth control less effective?
I’m on Topamax for bipolar disorder, and I know it’s also an anti seizure medication. I’ve heard that some medications for seizures can make birth control pills less effective.

Is this true?
Is Topamax one of them?
Is there a pill that won’t effect the medication I’m on now?

A: Yes it can! Trust me. I had no absolutely no idea. I was taking the pill regularly and then all of a sudden I was pregnant.

Whenever you are taking any medication at the same time as the pill, you should ask your doctor exactly what you are taking so he can make sure that both the Topamax and birth control pills will still be effective.

Even if you buy cold and flu tablets or pain relief tablets, check with the pharmacist.

I know some cold and flu tablets should not be taken with Topamax as it makes the active ingredients in Topamax less effective.

Q: Over time, can anti seizure medications cause cirrhosis of the liver?
I have epilepsy and have been on anti seizure medications, such as Tegretol, Dilantin, Depakote, Keppra, etc, since I was 9 years old (I’m 25 now… and female). I’ve been noticing some strange symptoms lately, like bruising, upper right abdominal discomfort, and loss of appetite. Am I jumping the gun on this and being overly dramatic or should I see a doctor?

A: I think you should definitely see your doctor. Liver problems can be a side effect of most anti seizure medications (and most other medications too). I’m currently on Dilantin and Depakote and it’s been affecting my liver too. Your doctor will often check your liver functions when he/she checks your blood levels. But if you are having symptoms, I would definitely go see your doc.

Q: can seizure medications interfer with a pregnancy if the medication came from the male?
my brother is on seizure medication and he got his girlfriend pregnant. will the medication interfer with the pregnancy? is the baby in danger?

A: Check with a physician. to ascertain the discharged effects of medication not removed by your brother’s liver. Your baby may not be in any danger at all.

Q: Do all seizure medications have sexual side effects of some kind?
I’m on Trileptal, and lately my sexuality has been on the decline. It’s hurting my relationship, I fear.

A: Just like any medicine Trileptal had a bunch of side effects, but there doesn’t seem to be any sexual ones. It’s possible that there is a mental cause. I know I sometimes get a little depressed after I have a seizure, and especially when I was first diagnosed. Or maybe there is something else that has happened or changed in your life recently?

Q: What happens if oral anti-seizure medications are mixed with alcohol?
Medically, what is the effect on the brain and body? At what point is it leathal? Could a sixteen year old girl who had seizures but was other wise healthy have died from combining the two, or were other drugs involved? Thanks.

A: Seizure meds are sedatives. Mixing alchohol can be very dangerous since it will dramatically increase the sedating effects of the seizure meds.

Q: Is it safe to take the generic drug for all seizure medications?

A: Generics in most cases are safe. They are the exact same chemical compound, just lack the brand name.

If you needed to take the brand for some reason, your doc would have told you specifically to get the brand name, as well as written it on the script.

Q: Is it ok to take oxycontin with my anti seizure medications depakote and lamictal?

A: Yikes, oxycontin should be taken off of the market it is a seriously natouriously bad drug that can lead to dependancy and the feeling that you have really bad pain, when it is the drug…in addition it causes depression and paranoid thoughts. I would talk to your pharmasist and doctor and avoid this pain killer.

Q: How do seizure medications work?
I am taking zonegran, lemictal, and clonazepam.
like neurochemically, neuroanatomically, etc..

A: Zonisamide is used in combination with other medications to treat seizures in adults with epilepsy. Zonisamide is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. Zonisamide controls epilepsy but does not cure it.
The exact mechanism of action is not known for zonisamide. According to Leppik, while zonisamide may be a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor like acetazolamide, this is not one of the primary mechanisms of action, which might be blocking repetitive firing of voltage-gated sodium channels and reduction of T-type calcium channel currents, or by binding allosterically to GABA receptors like the benzodiazepines and muscimol, or increasing the levels of the glutamate transport protein in the brain while decreasing the amount of GABA transport protein, in other words, inhibiting the uptake of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA while enhancing the uptake of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate.

Lamotrigine is used to treat certain types of seizures in patients who have epilepsy or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a disorder that causes seizures and often causes developmental delays). Lamotrigine is also used to increase the time between episodes of depression, mania (frenzied or abnormally excited mood), and other abnormal moods in patients with bipolar I disorder (manic-depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods). Lamotrigine has not been shown to be effective when people experience the actual episodes of depression or mania, so other medications must be used to help people recover from these episodes. Lamotrigine is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
One proposed mechanism of action for lamotrigine involves an effect on sodium channels, although this remains to be established in humans. In vitro pharmacological studies suggest that lamotrigine inhibits voltage-sensitive sodium channels, thereby stabilizing neuronal membranes and consequently modulating presynaptic transmitter release of excitatory amino acids (for example glutamate and aspartate)

Clonazepam is used to control seizures. It is also used to relieve anxiety.
Clonazepam exerts its action by binding to the benzodiazepine site of the GABA receptors, which causes an enhancement of the electric effect of GABA binding on neurons resulting in an increased influx of chloride ions into the neurons. This results in an inhibition of synaptic transmission across the central nervous system. Benzodiazepines, however, do not have any effect on the levels of GABA in the brain. Clonazepam has no effect on GABA levels and has no effect on gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase. Clonazepam does however affect glutamate decarboxylase activity. It differs insofar from other anticonvulsant drugs it was compared to in a study. Benzodiazepine receptors are found in the central nervous system but are also found in a wide range of peripheral tissues such as longitudinal smooth muscle-myenteric plexus layer, lung, liver and kidney as well as mast cells, platelets, lymphocytes, heart and numerous neuronal and non-neuronal cell lines
Zonisamide (generic name) Zonegran (brand name), Lamotrigine (generic name) Lamictal (brand name) and Clonazepam.

Q: how long does one have to be on seizure medications?
what if the seizure follows with just slight jerks once in three months.

A: you need to speak to your doctor regarding that!

Q: What effects do anti-seizure medications have one dogs?

A: Anti-epileptic drugs such as Phenobarbital are commonly used to reduce or prevent dog seizures. Below are listed the most common dog seizure drugs here for you, to inform you about their side effects.

Phenobarbitol:
The side effects of Phenobarbitol are sedation, loss of coordination, lethargic, appearance of depression, weight gain, increased thirst, increased eating, excessive urination, difficulty balancing, weakness in the rear legs, and elevations in serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP) levels which is found by blood tests. Another side effect is the dog’s system becomes used to the drug, and will usually need a greater dosage to maintain control. Dogs taking Phenobarbital need to have their liver enzymes tested every few months to check for possible liver damage. Phenobarbital can cause severe liver disease.

Potassium Bromide:
It is prescribed and used to lower the dose of Phenobarbital. Side effects of Potasium Bromide are vomiting, depresssion, lethargy, and extreme drowsiness.

Clorazepate:
This drug has been used in conjunction with Phenobarbital. Clorazepate is a benzodiazepine drug of the same group as Valium. Side effects of Clorazepate are sleepiness and a wobbly gait.

Felbamate:
It is often given in conjunction with Phenobarbital to lower the Phenobarbital dose. Blood samples need to be taken to check for the possible side effects of liver toxicity and bone marrow suppression.

Gabapentin (Neurontin)
It is often administered as a supplement to other anti-seizure medication such as Phenobarbitol and Potassium Bromide. My personal experience with this medication was my Mother and Sister, who have had multiple back surgeries each. Neurontin caused mental confusion in both of them, and forgetfulness. My sister nearly burned down her kitchen on Neurontin. I couldn’t find any information on the side effects on dogs, but I would not recommend putting your dog on it.

Levetiracetam: (Keppra)
Used in people to control both focal and generalized seizures. Keppra has been used in dogs in combination with Phenobarbital and Potassium Bromide to lower the daily dose of Phenobarbital received, and in cases where Phenobarbital was not able to control the seizures. Keppra side effects in dogs include a stiff wobbly gait, vomiting, and salivation.

Zonisamide:
Dogs taking this drug need to be their salt levels monitored.

Natural remedies
Natural and holistic treatments may also be used as a gentler alternative to conventional prescription drugs that often bring about some serious side effects. Herbal and homeopathic remedies are safe and very effective to reduce the symptoms of epilepsy and seizure disorders.

Two well known herbs such as Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) and Scuttelaria laterifolia (Skullcap) contain active ingredients that help to support the natural equilibrium of the nervous system. Homeopathic ingredients such as Hyoscyamus, Belladonna and Cuprum mettalicum helps to maintain stability and balance of the nervous system for cats and dogs.

You may get additional details over here http://www.healthherbsandnutrition.com/pets/easesure-nervous-system-cats-dogs.htm

Q: is rum cake ok to eat while on seizure medications?
does alcohol bring on epileptic seizures??? and if so with what medication?? please answer with real answers thank u

A: if the rum cake has rum flavoring – ok

if the rum cake has some alcoholic rum baked in it, most of the alcohol has “cooked” out of the cake.– then okay

if the rum cake is baked with the rum (alcohol) and then poured over with rum (alcohol) – Not good.

Q: Do you believe John Travolta’s son was not given seizure medication because it had failed to work?
As a pharmacist I know that much like blood pressure, seizure activity can almost always be controlled with the right medication or combination of medications. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a parent stopping a child’s medication therapy for not working without seeking out something that did work. That being said, Do you think Travolta and Preston’s scientology led them to not give Jett the medication his body so badly needed?

A: No, I don’t believe they didn’t give it to him because it failed to work. Yes, I think scientology led to them not giving Jett the seizure meds. Scientologists believe diseases are caused by SPs (suppressive person). Scientologists are also against any type of psychology/psychologist treatment. This includes medication for seziures. Scientologists consider them psych drugs.

Q: Has epilepsy or seizure medication affected your ability to play the guitar?
I have played the guiat for thirty years and have recently begun having seizures. I have found some problems with the medications giving me shaky hands and some unsteadiness. Anybody else have the same problem and able to work through it?

A: I don’t have the same condition as you… I am bipolar… but I have taken some of the same meds, possibly.

Let’s see… I took Depakote for a year or so, at a pretty high dosage. Took lithium for probably 8 months. Tried gabapentin, Seroquel, and one or two others that I can’t remember the names of. I’m currently taking Lamictal.

None of these really affected my ability to *play* per se, but the Lithium and Depakote did cloud my mind up a fair bit. It was very easy for me to get distracted, to lose focus, to be forgetful, and I was tired a lot. I took Adderall to offset those effects and combat the weight gain, and that did help me out a lot.

When I have had checkups my doctors have always had me hold out my hands flat in front of me to see if my hands are shaking. I am under the impression that shaky hands is not a Good Thing.

I would strongly advise you to talk to your medical practitioner as soon as possible and discuss this with them, if you haven’t already.

Let me put it this way – if I said that my libido was down a little, they’d shrug and say “we’re sorry, that is one of the possible side effects”, but they’d always spend a couple of minutes looking at my hands.

I dunno, I’m not trying to be alarmist… but when it’s your health (and your guitar playing!) involved, I’d rather be cautious to the point of paranoia rather than take any chances.

I wish I had some concrete advice to give you… the best I can come up with is to get plenty of sleep, limit the amount of time you play standing up, stay well hydrated, and to practice in moderate amounts every day to keep that hand-eye coordination in the best state you can keep it in.

Saul

Q: I need help with my seizure medications i am very confused as to what to take and re try?
In short I am a 37 year old female that was diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago and I was put on topamax then tegratol now I am wondering if the fits of anger I have been having are in any way related to the meds or if I have another issue altogether my doc put me on Lorazepam again at my request I spend so much time just blowing up and screaming around the house. It seems as if the tegratol is making it worse and also I worry the tegrotal may render my marina IUD ineffective. That would be really bad. I would not like to have any more children.

A: topamax and wellbutrin

Q: Does vitamin B3 (Niacin) “lower” the seizure-threshold of some anti-seizure medications?
I know that Evening Primrose Oil and Barage Oil lower the seizure-threshold, causing a patient on anti-seizure medication to have more seizures.

What I am concerned about, is the side-effect that is produced by taking Niacin. This side-effect is known as the “Niacin-Flush” and has similar sensations to an aura or seizure.

If Niacin does NOT lower the seizure-threshold, perhaps the STRESS of the “Niacin-Flush” may bring about seizures in individuals with a seizure disorder.

Please cite your source of information.

Thank you for aiding me in this important research.

A: Niacinimide the synthetic version on Niacin is considered “no-flush”
Perhaps you can correlate data from Niacinimide and find out if it is in fact the “flush” that is producing more seizures.

Q: Is there a type of strep throat that causes seizures?
My friend told me there was a type of strep throat that causes seizures going around in our area. Is it true? Can a type of strep throat really cause seizures?

A: For real information go to WEBMD.COM and get the real answer. In their “search”, type in Strep throat and read what the real doctors have to say.

Q: I hear the settings on a computer can cause seizures. I think that’s what causes my mom’s. How do I fix this?
My mother has epilepsy and she’s been having an unusual amount of generalized (grand mal) seizures and petit mal seizures lately, (at least 10 seizures within the past 2 months. Her Dilantin levels haven’t been low at all, so the doctors say. She’s also been using my computer a lot. I don’t know how to change the settings on it so this won’t happen anymore. Can anyone tell me if this, if even a fact, ca be fixed?

A: I had a seizure while at the computer 6 years ago (and I am epileptic), and haven’t had one at the computer since.
The points I’m trying to make is that there could be any number of triggers that could set your mom off while she’s at your computer.
But If you do want to do something I would suggest changing the refresh rate of your computer, as that is what doctors suggested could have caused my seizure. to do this follow these instructions:

How to Change the Screen Refresh Rate of Your Monitor

1. Click Start, click Control Panel, click Appearance and Themes, and then click Display.

Alternatively, right-click the desktop, and then click Properties.
2. Click the Settings tab, and then click Advanced.
3. Click the Monitor tab, and then click the screen refresh rate that you want to use.

NOTE:

* The default refresh rate setting is 60 Hertz (HZ); however, your monitor may support a higher setting. Check your manufacturer’s documentation for information about the settings that your monitor supports.
* If you use a higher refresh rate, you can reduce the rate that your screen flickers; however, if you specify a refresh rate that is too high for your monitor, your screen may become unusable and your hardware may be damaged.
* Changes to the refresh rate affect all users that log on to the computer.

Oh, and if you have a mac, I’m sorry… apparently it’s really hard to do, but you could always google it

Q: What could cause a bad sense of disorientation in the eyes that also causes seizures once in a while?
I get very disoriented sometimes in my right eye and partially in my left. It happens during odd times. Changes in light and such, patterns on the ground. It has happened while I was driving and all I can do is stop. If I try to continue to drive, I veer in one direction. When this happens, I always have a feeling like someone’s on my right (not necessarily in a car). One thing I try to do when this happens is close my eyes and relax. It goes away 60% of the time, but sometimes it ends with a seizure. Also, when this happens and I do close my eyes, it’s pitch black. I don’t see the usual small bit of reddish light you normally see when you close your eyes in normal daylight or artificial light. When and if it goes away, it takes a few minutes to regain my sense of surroundings. What could be causing this?

A: Seizures should never be taken lightly, but you mention them as if they are commonplace… have you already been diagnosed with a siezure disorder?

This sounds potentially serious and you should get evaluated by a neurologist soon. The response to lights and patterns does suggest epilepsy, but there could be something else triggering these episodes.

Q: What causes seizures? What do the first on sets of a seizure feel like?
I have been getting the shakes in my hands real bad and it is starting to scare me!

A: There are many different types of seizures and many different causes. Some seizures are very subtle to where only you are aware of them others are when a persons entire body reacts. There can be neurological reasons or metabolic reasons for seizures. Or those caused by head trauma. If not caused by trauma some people say they see an aura and “feel it coming on”. Some have a chance to prepare for it- moving to a safe spot and others have no warning.
What you are describing is most likely not a seizure. It may be nerves/stress, a pinched
nerve – a neurological reason. Of course only your doctor can determine the cause.

Q: Anyone know of a resp and or blood disease that causes seizures and have possible letters rscp?? Thank you?
13 month old baby unable to walk started to have seizures for a few weeks went to Hosp in ala. took baby home, he had a seizure and they were unable to bring him out of it and he died?

A: Go to mayoclinic.com and/or webmd.com where you can look it up.

Q: What causes seizures, headaches,stomachaches, and a nasty taste in your mouth
My sister has all of those things…But we don’t know what is causing it…Any ideas????

A: She needs to see a doctor for medical attention obviously. But if it’s a seizure disorder, people have noted that they sometimes feel ill prior to a seizure. They have what is called an aura. A symptom that they begin to recognize as the beginning of her seizure.

Q: What Causes Seizures in Dogs & What Should Be Done?
2 year old chihuahua no pre-existing conditions or history of seizures had a Petit Mal Seizure today. We are going to speak to our vet but just wanted opinions from people who have been through this what might be the cause? Thank you

A: There are many causes of seizures, Epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in a dog, other causes include liver disease, kidney failure, poisoning, thyroid dysfunction, infection, head injury and brain tumors.

Write down the time of day, how long it lasted and what exactly happened to your dog each and every time in detail. I would also have a camcorder charged and ready so that when and if it happens again you can video it and show it to the vet as it would be very beneficial for the vet to actually see what is going on with him.

Seizures can be diagnosed by blood work, possibly CAT and MRI scans and an electrocardiogram (EKG), if she is having seizures they can be very mild to very strong, just staring into space, drooling, stiffing of the legs, tremors, paddling of the legs and feet, loss of bodily functions and unconsciousness. If she is having seizures and is having more than 1 a month or if the seizures intensify at all, the vet would put him on a medication, more than likely Phenobarbital. Which would have to be taken for the rest of her life. Seizures can be controlled by medications

Generally the medication recommended by vets is Phenobarbital. Keep in mind that once the medication regiment starts that it will take about 1-2 weeks for her to become regulated to the medications. During this time she will be a little out of sorts.

You should not give the medication right after a seizure as it can take some dogs only a minute to recover while others can take hours. After a seizure some dogs act like their old selves while others can seem groggy and confused. Give the medications at the same time every day… Speak with your vet.

As to how to help …. during a seizure you can gently pat the dogs sides and abdomen while speaking softly to your dog.

During a seizure .. although very emotionally draining on the owner to watch, the dog is in no pain and after he has recovered will not even know that anything has happened. It is the same when a person has a seizure, until someone tells them they had one they have no idea one has occurred.

Also while your dog is having a seizure you can pour some karo syrup down the dogs throat … it helps to bring the dog out of the seizure and to recover sooner.

While the dog is having a seizure you can place an ice pack on his lower back.. it helps so that the seizure is not that strong and that the dog will come out of it sooner and recover quicker … here is a link to help http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-ange…

When your dog has come out of a seizure and can eat ….you can give 1 tbsp of haagen daz vanilla ice cream in case the dog was hypoglycemic.. the ice cream will help the dog recover sooner.

Here is some information about seizures

There are many causes of seizures, Epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures in a dog, other causes include liver disease, kidney failure, poisoning, thyroid dysfunction, infection, head injury and brain tumors.

There are 3 phases of a seizures:

1) The pre-ictal phase, or aura, is a period of altered behavior in which the dog may hide, appear nervous, or seek out the owner. It may be restless, nervous, whining, shaking or salivating. This amy last a few seconds to a few hours.

2) The ictal phase is the seizure itself and last from a few seconds to about 5 minutes. During this period, all of the muscles of the body contract strongly. The dog usually falls on its side and seems paralyzed while shaking. The head will be drawn backward. Urination, defecation, and salivation often occur. If it is not over within 5 minutes, the dog is said to be in the status epilepticus or prolonged seizure.

3) During the post-ictal phase, there is confusion, disorientation, salivation, pacing, restlessness, and/or temporary blindness. There is no direct correlation between the severity of the seizure and the duration of the post-ictal phase.

Some dogs can come out of this phase in a few minutes and other can take hours.

The epilepticus – pro longed seizure I mentioned in #2 is a serious and life threatening situation. It is characterized by a seizure that lasts more than 5 minutes. When it occurs, the dog’s life is endangered. Unless intravenous medications is given promptly, the dog may die. If this occurs, you should seek treatment by a veterinarian immediately.

Remember that seizures can be controlled if given their medications and live long happy lives.

Q: What is/are the most common causes of pneumonia, and does it typically cause seizures as a symptom
And is it common for pneumonia to have absolutely zero symptoms before you just “wake up with it” one morning?

Just a wacky little thing that I suddenly woke up in the hospital with last week.

Any info is greatly appreciated. Thankies!

A: pneumonia is caused by a bacteria- they are spread as easily as the viruses that cause colds. the thing with a bacteriological infection is that they just hit you wham-one minute you are fine, the next you are very sick- that’s usually how a doctor can tell if its a bacteria or a virus-now a bacteria will respond to an antibiotic, but a virus wont-you need to get a prescription from your doctor. and if you were in a hospital, they are full of all kinds of bacteria-your lucky it was only pneumonia that you caught. hope you feel better soon.

Q: What kind of antidepressant causes seizures?

A: There is a difference between something causing seizures and increasing the risk of seizures.

Antidepressants aren’t known to “cause” seizures, but, in some patients, some can increase the risk for seizures in some patients.

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is known to increase the risk of seizures in patients with a predisposition towards seizures, such as with epilepsy. [1]

If you are on antidepressants, or think that you should be, consult with your physician about your concerns, including the possible side effects.

Q: wondering if you have ever heard about a chemical in new carpet that causes seizures? If so please let me know
there is something in new carpet i heard something about 2 years ago pretaning to the chemical they put in the new carpet that causes seizures and in one of the articals said that the little girl died. well my mother in law put brand new carpet in and 2 days later my daughter started having these seizures. i want to find out because all the test they have done all come back normal.

A: All new carpet offgasses as does paint and many other common building materials. Have you heard of “sick building syndrome”? Some people are more sensitive to chemicals than others. See the links below.

Q: how many teaspoons of salt injested by a 25 lb child causes seizures?
and how many teaspoons of salt can be lethal

A: Why???? You don’t sound anxious as if your baby child has ingested the salt already. Your question scares me!!! Do not give ANY salt to the child!!!!!!!!!

Q: What are the main causes of seizures?
I used to have them when I was a kid, but I would only have them when I wake up in the morning. I don’t anymore, because I have been taking medication that helps preventing it. And also, one more question, I also have epilepsy, are the epilepsy and seizures related? Thank you so much!

A: epilepsy and seizures are related
epilepsy causes seizures
CNS stimulants may cause seizures in such case

Q: What causes seizures?
Why tldo people whohave no family history of seizures have seizures?like how would a ten or fifteen or twenty year old have a seizure without heart or artery blockage…. Actually, what causes a seizure…like how fast food leads to heart attack…what leads to seizures and what parts of the body do they affect.. And what happens duringone

A: Seizures can be caused by a large number of things such as sleep deprivation, nervous exhaustion, head injury, lesions and/or tumours in the brain, drug intoxication, infection and/or fever, metabolic disturbances and many more things. Sometimes they can be a one off and not likely to repeat, or it can be the start of a regular occurance.

To put it simply, a seizure is effectively a short circuit in the brain, which causes electricity to surge around the brain. Apart from the brain they can affect any part or the whole of the body. Some seizures have no other effect than the person ‘zoning out’ and entering an altered state of conciousness, and the only indication is that they seem miles away and don’t respond to stimulus. They’ll eventually come back around and may ask you to repeat a conversation or apologise for drifting away. These are called ‘absences’ or ‘petit mal’ (French for ‘little illness’).

A general seizure (also known as a ‘tonic-clonic’ or ‘grand mal’), comes in two phases. The first phase is the tonic phase and results in the patient losing conciousness while at the same time the body will tense up. This will cause either the body to pull in on itself or force outwards. During this time the person will fall to the ground. This phase last approximately ten seconds at most. The second phase is called the clonic phase. During this phase the person may violently shake, which is caused by muscles contracting and relaxing quickly. The person may also roll around, clench their jaw, roll their eyes back and sometimes moan. In some cases they may also suffer from incontinence.

During the seizure, do not try and restrain the person in anyway as it could injure them or anyone trying to restrain them. Keep any dangerous obstacles away from them and allow them to move freely within reason. If any passerby offers to help restrain or administer first aid, either before or during a seizure, politely refuse unless they are medically trained.

The person should come around within 5 minutes of having a seizure, and if they have not come around after 10 minutes then you should call an ambulance. After a seizure it is common for the person to be exhausted and just want to sleep. They may also be in pain if they have injured themselves in anyway. Remember, if they have sustained a head injury during the seizure not to allow them to sleep, keep talking to them and call an ambulance as the injury could be serious. If they have not sustained an injury, sometimes a sweet cup of tea can help them recover. Some people can recover within 10 minutes, and some people may take as long as 72 hours to recover fully from a seizure.

If this is their first seizure then they should seek medical advice as soon as possible so it can be investigated and to rule out any immediately life threatening or undiagnosed conditions. If it happens more than once then an electroencephelograph (EEG) may be required to discover if there are any unusual patterns in the brain waves. EEGs are painless, although they may attempt to induce a seizure by various stimuli (flashing lights, telling the person to hyperventilate, etc). These can be done as an outpatient in hospital, or as an inpatient if a long duration (typically 72 hours) EEG is required (a long duration is simply some sensors attached to the scalp and a portable recorder and the person is allowed to do what they wish in hospital although some tests may be carried out periodically).

If epilepsy is diagnosed then advice and medication will be given, depending on the type of epilepsy. This however will need to be monitored closely and thoroughly investigated to try and establish the cause as well as how effective the treatment is. Epilepsy can come and go without warning, and as it is rarely inherited (in other words it doesn’t matter whether there is a history of it or not) there may be no indication prior to the seizures that the person has epilepsy.

As a side note, a person with epilepsy is not an epileptic. The person is human, the seizures are epileptic. A lot of epilepsy sufferers detest the term epileptic when describing them because they are being de-humanised and also due to the stigma that the term appears to carry.

I hope this answers your question

Q: Dog with seizures, what is the danger and what causes it?
Hello,

My dog today has had 3 seizures, I contacted my vet and did all the mandatory things I needed to do for my dog.

I just have some questions that I need answered:

What causes a seizure?

But most importantly, what is the danger of a dog of almost 8 years old getting his first seizure?

Last question, during a seizure, can the dog hear me call to him?

Because when he was in his attacks, I kept calling to him until he stopped, so I’m wondering if what I’m doing is helping him.

Thanks for your quick reply,

Dynamic
He is a boxer

A: He has epilepsy, My friends dog has seizures and he was put on meds to help, they had to figure which was the right one but please take you dog to the Vet. Yes he can here you but all of his muscles and contracting all at once and he wont be able to do anything until the seizure is over. The best thing until you get him to a vet and call asap is comfort him pet him and talk to him and sometimes they can swallow their tongues too, so keep an eye on it.

Q: what causes seizures?does being overweight or underweight or something effect the likelyhood of them?

A: . They are caused by tumors, infections, metabolic disturbances (such as diabetes which could be caused by obesity), and autoimmune diseases.

Q: How would you recognize a pt having a grand mal seizure?
1. Sustained twitchig of facial movements wit gradual involvement of extemites
2. intermittent contractions of localized motor muscle groups overfined area of body
3. progressive twitching of upper extremities progressing to lower extremites
4. sustained and intermittent contractions of all large muscle groups

A: That and the other answer is correct. Also realise that an epileptic seizure usually involves they eyes being open. If they’re closed, it could be a psychogenic seizure.

Q: Days after grand mal seizure Im still out of it?
How long is this supposed to last? I went back to work today and had some problems remembering my job!
Tegretol almost killed me. Are you a drug rep?

A: I know that when I was first diagnosed with epilepsy and whenever I have another seizure I get a bit depressed, upset, angry, etc. all at the same time. I don’t know if I stayed like that a couple days, but it possible you could just still be out of it emotionally.

Q: If you had a Grand Mal seizure and went to the hospital…?
where you were told there was nothing wrong with you or you were a drunk, drug addict or crazy by the Doctor at the hospital and then you had another Grand Mal seizure in the E.R. while waiting for a cab to transport you home, would you sue the Doctor, Hospital and E.R. Nurse? Do you think I have a case?
I had a CT scan and blood work which proved me to not be drunk or an addict. I do not remember the seizure except for when I first went into it for the 3rd time within a 24 hour period. They did in fact admit me for a 24 hour period, prescribed Dilantin and sent me home, all the while questioning my credibility. Didn’t I do the right thing by going to the hospital?
Also, according to the hospital discharge papers these folks here (50 miles south, southwest of Austin Texas) state that I had a Grand Mal seizure in black and white.

A: No I don’t think sueing is the best way to handle this… my Mom has Epileptic seizures – grand mal, perhaps you should contact a Neurologist for further diagnosis.

Q: Can a 13-year-old die from a grand mal seizure?
And would she go through pain during the seizure?

A: My boyfriend is epileptic. He says that during a seizure, he is totally unaware of anything. Afterwards, he is aware of of faces, voices, perhaps even remembers where he is, but can’t respond for about twenty minutes or so, and that he drifts in and out of consciousness.
So no pain, but always the chance of death from a grand mal.

Q: What is the difference between a Seizure and a “Grand Mal Seizure”?

A: Epileptic seizures were once classified as “grand mal”, meaning a convulsion and “petit mal”, meaning a staring spell. The latter came to mean a specific type of staring spell, now called absence epilepsy. “Petit mal” still confuses people who think it means any sort of small seizure, which it doesn’t.

The modern classification centers on convulsions being called “generalized seizures”, with an EEG abnormality all across the brain, as opposed to “partial seizures”, which come from some local abnormality from trauma or other pathology.

So a “grand mal seizure” is one type of epileptic seizure, a convulsion.

Q: Can a tumor on the frontal lobe cause a grand mal seizure?

A: Yes, it can..

Grand Mal seizure is caused by an abnormal electrical activity throughout the brain, major contributing factor of A.E.A. includes tumor.

Hope I helped.

Take Care!

Just =D.

-E.R.

Q: I had a Grand Mal Seizure today?
I have been having seizures since I was 12 and I am now 22. When i have them I always bite my tongue and when I “wake up” from it, I am always so nauseated. Ive always thought its from swallowing the blood from biting my tongue. Does anyone have a different opinion on why i get nauseated? And any suggestions on how to fight the nausea. It is really debilitating. Thanks!

A: That is just one of the side effects to your seizures. Seizures takes alot out of you and puts alot of stress on your body. My sister had them for years, and would wake up with migraines. Maybe talk to your doctor about getting you on some kind of break thru nausea medicine. I hope the best for you. My sister had to have brain surgery to end her seizing.

Q: What food can trigger grand mal seizure? How about smoking cigs.I drink no alcohol and dont use illecit dru
I am taking my meds (Keppra) religiously. But I still bet partial seizures. Not full blown unconsciousness, falling down. The seizures seem to be milder but they are happening.

A: Everyone has different triggers.

Keep a journal of your seizures, along with what you ate, what you were doing, what your emotional state was, and anything else that might be pertinent.

Also, speak with your epileptologist or neurologist about common triggers and what you should avoid.

Q: what is a grand mal seizure?
im 14 years old and suffer with seizures i got told they are grand mal seizures does anyone have any information or any link with information on what they are
thanks xxx

A: go to epilepsy.com) I have grad mals too! They are also called tonic-clonic seizure!

Q: Had one Grand Mal Seizure, am on Topamax would like to go off, has anyone done this?
I was diagnosed with epilepsy after having one grand mal seizure, there is no family history of seizures, and that was the first one I had ever had. The neurologist prescribed Topamax and I’ve been on it ever since, I have a hard time remembering to drink a lot, and have had pain in both the left and right groin area as well as blurred vision w/ what feels like pins being stuck in my eyes (that happens occasionally) . After reading the side affects and knowing I only had one seizure, I’m wondering whether I should have been put on the drug at all? Has anyone had a similar experience and successfuly gone off Topamax without going to an alternative medication?

A: normally once someone has a grand mal seizure they are treated anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. if seizure free during that time the doctor may taper you off the medication. abruptly stoping the medication can cause another seizure. talk with your doctor, tell him the side effects you think you are having due to the medication. depending on how long you have been on it he may change medicines, taper you off the medication, or try another alternative. most importantly don’t stop taking the medication without talking with your doctor.

Q: which of the following first aid steps should you do for a victim having a grand mal seizure?
a) Restrain the victims physical movement
b) place a blunt object in the victims mouth
c) move dangerous objects away from the victim
d) all of the above

A: C. You don’t restrain the person at all. You also aren’t supposed to put things in the mouth, that’s a choking hazard. Also it would help if you keep onlookers away from the person. Time out the seizure as well. Most seizures last only one to two minutes. If a seizure lasts longer than two minutes call emergency personnel.

Q: Can depression occur after a grand mal seizure?

A: Yes

Q: Isnt there something worse than a grand mal seizure ?
There is a very rare one although I cant recall the name
Its a specialized seizure that is very rare

A: There are TONS of seizure types out there you’d have to search for whatever one you are specifically looking for information about. I have Grand Mal’s myself along with Petit Mal. Some helpful websites, www.efa.org www.epilepsy.com

Q: I just had my first grand mal seizure (8 min long). The only warning was extreme dizziness. Is that normal?
I’m scared to death about having another one. In the past I have had that same dizziness, but it didn’t go into a seizure. Obviously I have an appointment with a neurologist but I am way to nervous in the mean time. No family history Do you always get a warning first? Thanks.

A: I have epilepsy and have had surgery and take medication for my condition. Some people get warnings and others do not. I had warnings but it would just be a weird feeling and no way to stop the on-coming seizure. It is a scary illness because of the lack of control over your body and brain. I had my first seizure when I was 14 and my mother thought I may have had something like one when I was very small. I turned 44 yesterday and I still struggle with what I believe is a body chemistry imbalance but I am still alive.

Q: In a normally healthy 15 yr,what would cause a grand mal seizure?
The girl has no history of druck use and drs cant find why it happened.
she has no history of drug abuse and is otherwise in perfect health

A: Seizures can be caused by a long long list of things , some of there are ,

Low blood sugar
Drug overdose
Poisoning
infection
Previous head injury
Pregnancy

In the above case , maybe the seizures are caused by a previous head injury ?

Q: My daughter is almost 14, born premature at birth, has a seizure disorder, bi-polar, etc. What to do?
I have applied for social security and been denied. She is in a behavioral school, has an iep and she will be an adult soon. I am in Chicago please if someone can help please do so. Thanks!

A: Apply for social security again….this time with a lawyer/advocate. Many people take multiple trys before they can get it.

Q: REALLY NEED TO KNOW the consequences of a SEIZURE DISORDER?
I’ve heard that it can affect your intelligence level. Is that true? What other effects are there? Please! I need serious informative answers ONLY!

Thanks!

A: Epilepsy doesn’t affect your intelligence, but depending on the onset and location of the seizures, epilepsy can affect mood, behavior, and emotions. Depending on how old you are, epilepsy can also affect quality of life. AEDs (anti seizure meds) can play a big role in quality of life, when it comes to side effects.

Q: Have you had a rabbit with a seizure disorder?
What do the seizures look like in a rabbit?
Whoever gave the first answer, you sound like a really sad and cruel person. I’m sorry that you have to live with yourself, it must be hard.

A: No, luckily I have not, but if you need help on what it looks like to prevent late diagnosis you can search it up on google or on the house rabbit society, they have a lot of info and if you can’t find it please email or call your vet.

Remember to always use a rabbit savvy vet and research so you can help your bunny too!

Edit:I am sorry for the person above, they do not have a rabbit and do not understand how much we love our pets….forget him…

Q: Could orgasims cause seizures for a person with General Seizure Disorder?
My girlfriend just started having seizures again after I came back from a two week visit out of town. And it only started happening what seemed after we had sex. Could orgasims cause it?

A: HI Morganna

Here is some info on seizures.

Cause
Convulsions or seizures may be caused by many medical problems, including stroke, brain tumor, withdrawal from alcohol and drugs (including prescription drugs), metabolic disturbances, neurological disorders, and trauma from head injury. All such factors must be ruled out or addressed before convulsive tendencies can be properly treated.

————————————–…

Natural Cures

Aromatherapy: Chamomile, clary sage, lavender, and neroli can help produce calm effects.

Diet: Eat normal, well-balanced meals at regular intervals. Children who suffer from convulsions should not be allowed to eat large meals since these predispose toward seizures. Alcohol is totally contraindicated as is caffeine (cola drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate). Aspartame (NutraSweet®) should also be avoided, as it has been implicated in some cases of seizure.

Flower Essences: Rescue Remedy® after seizure and for accompanying emotional/mental states.

Herbs: Lobelia, Asafetida, mugwort, skullcap, and valerian root can be helpful for inducing calm.

Homeopathy: Cuprum met., Belladonna, andCicuta can help relieve symptoms and linger after effects of convulsion.

Nutritional Supplementation: There are multiple nutritional deficiencies that can contribute to seizures, including deficiencies of folic acid, niacin (vitamin B3), thiamine (vitamin B1), vitamin B6, vitamin D, copper, magnesium, manganese, and selenium. Some of these deficiencies may relate to anticonvulsant medication, while others may be related to the cause of the seizures themselves. People who suffer from convulsions should also have an amino acid blood screen. Supplementation with the amino acids taurine, dimethyl glycine, and/or DL-glutamic acid has been shown to beneficial, as have vitamin B6, magnesium, and manganese. Working with a qualified nutritionist is very important, however.

Note: Omega-6 fatty acid supplementation can trigger or exacerbate convulsions caused by temporal lobe epilepsy. In addition, any supplementation program should only be undertaken with the awareness of the medical practitioner responsible for the care of the convulsive individual.

Alternative Professional Care
If your symptoms persist despite the above measures, seek the help of a qualified health professional. The following professional care therapies have all been shown to be useful for treating and relieving the symptoms of convulsions: Acupressure, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Environmental Medicine, Guided Imagery, Light Therapy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Best of health to you

Q: I have a seizure disorder and would like to find an effective birth control option other than the pill.?
i have been on the pill for a while but my seizures increased so i’ve gone off. however, my husband and i are ready for another child. anyone have any info on good alternative options?

A: Here are a bunch of options as well as their comparative failure rates. failure rates are for 1 year of use.
NuvaRing- vaginal ring failure rate 1.2%
OrthoEvra – skin patch failure rate 1%
Lunelle- injection failure rate <1%
Implant and Norplant- hormone implant fails 0.05%
Cervical cap- put over woman’s cervix fails 17%
Condoms- on man fails 14%
Condoms- on woman fails 21%
Spermicide- foam, gel or film fails 26%
Withdrawal- before ejaculating fails 19%
Natural family planning- based on calendar no sex for days 8-12 of menstral cycle (day 1 is when the bleeding starts) fails 25%

Q: Here is a question for the bizznes world.Why does no one want a woman with a seizure disorder to work for them
You see I have one. My currnt boss does not want me to work for her any more becouse of it. I have been trying to get a new job becouse she just keeps me on call all week. However when I explain about it in an interview. Well this look comes on a persons face and I just know that I am not going to get this job. So workers why won’t they let a person like me have a part time job?

A: Are they even allowed to discriminate like that? I’m pretty sure they’re not… You might want to go talk to one of those employment agencies.. They might help you find a job, AND clarify whether its legal for companies to not hire you based on your disorder.

Q: If u have a seizure disorder, will your drivers license be suspended?
Even if u have real mild seizures?

A: my brother has epilepsy and he still has his liscense but with a lot of restrictions like no nightitme driving, and no driving over a certain speed. etc

And he has to drive with a service dog that will bark and howl when the dog senses a possible seizure coming

Q: If u get diagnosed with a seizure disorder can u still work and get disability from the state?

A: Yeah. Depending on if you get SSD or SSI. Usually there’s a limit to how much you can earn.

As far as qualifying for disability, you have to have more than one tonic-clonic per month or at least 1 non-convulsive seizure per week.

Q: What information is there that is brief for teachers who have students with a seizure disorder in their class?

A: Learn how to manage the person while they are having the seizure.
Keep them on their side is one thing I remember.
Make sure there is nothing around they could hurt themselves on while having the seizure. You probably can find out on some websites.
Good Luck.

Q: I need help with a unknown seizure disorder?
I have fequent sezuire and i have had several test and have been in the hospital twice just getting out today. I was told today that there not nerologial,however no one can tell me why i have sezuires. I am 33 now this started when I was 32 and i’m scared. Doctors have said eveything from stress to a mental disoder does anyone know were or how i can get help? Scare and still blacking out and shaking in Maryland.

A: Obviously you’re still concerned and not happy with your treatment so you need to ask for a second opinion, demand one if you have to.

In the mean time, keep a seizure diary so you know when you’re having them, how many you have at a time, what you were doing at the time, perhaps even a wee description of what you’d done that day to see if there is a trigger. If someone is with you, record what happened during the seizure. Take this with you on your next appointment and say you can’t live like this and need something done now.

Q: What is the prognosis for someone with a seizure disorder due to a head injury?

A: With proper medication, diet and rest . . . the prognosis is excellent.

Q: do i have a fainting and seizure disorder?
i faint a lot at the most RANDOM TIMES. the same thing with the seizures. y?
i am 13 and this has been going on for about 4 years.

i eat the normal because i am 120 pounds and 5′1

A: u probably do. srry hun

Q: Is it possible for me to be a police officer if i have a seizure disorder?
I have grand mal seizures, I am 16, and have only had 4 in my life. Flashing lights do not affect me (that we know of). Is there any chance that I can still become a police officer or is it not likely for me to be hired?
am on 100 mg of Lamictal (anti convulsant) twice a day

A: no you can never be a police officer with your ailment.you would be an extreme insurance liability.you could be carrying a prisoner to jail and have a seizure.the department and ciy you worked for would be liable.i am very sorry to tell you this. you may be able to find a civilian jon in law enforcement but that would be all.best of luck.
—————retired texas deputy sheriff—————-

Q: having seizure disorder can travel on his own? Can he get back to work agai? or much better if he’ll retire?
My husband had a previous motorbike accident, he had brain surgeries and almost forgotten things, his lower frontal lobe got affect that’s why sometimes he get confuse addressing things properly, he’s not yet fully recovered now but almost…I hope he’ll be soon!

A: Yes he can travel on his own on proper medication

Q: Do you know anyone with a mild seizure disorder? Maybe epilepsy?
I just ask because I’m epileptic and am curious how many others are. I’ve been epileptic since I was 9 and I’m now close to 23 and have only met a handful of others with the disorder.

A: My mother-in-law has been for about 18 yrs and she is so far doing great. Now, she is always surrounded by family and her seizures have decrease apposed to when she live alone.

I hope the best for you and good health!

Q: Canine seizures?
Just over 4 weeks ago my 13 year old golden Nikki had a seizure in the middle of the night; by the time I was able to get to the vet she had a total of 4. Blood tests ruled out a specific cause and Nikki he was immediately put on potassium bromide to control the seizures and has not had any sense. My vet said seizures can be cause by such a wide variety of reasons, eliminating the obvious
it ‘could’ be a brain tumour. She said that the potassium bromide
eventually would not work if the seizures were caused by a tumour. Hoping someone here has more definitive info, via
experience. Many thanks. Bella

A: Naturally Treating Epilepsy
and Seizure Disorders
by Darleen Rudnick, Pet Nutritionist

Epilepsy is a growing concern with pet owners and is becoming a very common problem in veterinary medicine. Epilepsy, sometimes called a seizure disorder, is a sudden, involuntary change in behavior, muscle control, consciousness, and/or sensation. A seizure is often accompanied by an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain.
Common Types of Seizures

There are two BASIC forms of epilepsy. Infrequent “Petit mal” or “partial motor seizures” is a less severe form of epilepsy, which affects only a specific group or groups of muscles. “Grand mal” or “major motor” seizures are more severe. These include a loss of consciousness and gross body movements.

Common Symptoms your Pet May Suffer During a Seizure

Stiffness
Loss of consciousness
Urinating
Salivating
Sudden, violent shaking
Muscle twitching or slight shaking of a limb
Staring, altered vision

A seizure may last from one to five minutes. Afterwards, the pet may seem exhausted, confused and disoriented.

Major Causes of Seizures

Genetic Factors. Some forms of epilepsy are inherited. Sodium, potassium, and calcium serve the brain as ions and produce electric charges that must fire regularly in order for a steady current to pass from one nerve cell to another. If the channels that carry them are genetically damaged, an imbalance occurs that can cause misfire and seizures.

Brain Tumors. Both cancerous and non-cancerous brain tumors can cause seizures.

Liver disease. Liver disease is a degenerative inflammatory disease that results in the hardening and scarring of liver cells. The liver becomes unable to function properly due to the scarred tissue, which prevents the normal passage of blood through the liver.

Severe worm infestation. Parasites release toxins that have an adverse affect on the central nervous system.

Low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia, which brings on feelings of fatigue and stress, may be a factor in triggering seizures. Scientists have estimated that between 50 to 90 percent of all epileptics suffer from low blood sugar, and 70 percent have abnormal glucose tolerance levels.

Lead, Chemicals, Additives and Poisoning. Toxic metals such as lead, copper, mercury, and aluminum have also been known to cause seizures. Some pets are very sensitive to such metals, and exposure is common through aluminum cookware, auto exhaust, industrial pollution, household cleaners and copper water pipes. Flea sprays, collars and yard sprays are also toxic to pets.

Vaccinations. Because vaccines may contain proteins and/or organisms, they may produce an allergic encephalitis inflammation of the brain.

Infections, cysts and cancer.

Head Trauma. A blow to the head from an auto accident, abuse or other accident can lead to life-long seizures.

Renal Kidney Failure. The role of the kidneys is to remove toxins and excess fluid. When the kidneys become diseased or damaged, they may lose their ability to perform these functions, causing a toxic build-up in the body. A toxic build-up can lead to a seizure disorder.

Vitamin deficiencies. Research points to vitamin and mineral deficiencies as possible causes of epilepsy. The key nutrients that appear deficient in epileptics are vitamin B6, vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin D, zinc, taurine, magnesium, and calcium.

Types of Treatments

Types of traditional treatments such as Phenobarbital, Primidone, Diazepam (Valium) and Potassium Bromide are typically prescribed by veterinarians for seizure disorders. Although medications can be very effective, some may cause side effects that can eventually lead to other symptoms. Many pet owners are now looking into other methods of treating seizure disorders. A more natural approach is outlined below.

Prevention Plan For Treating Seizure Disorders Naturally

A prevention plan is a simple method of enhancing the level of nutrition and making lifestyle changes. It is an attempt to address any special needs your pet may have.

Rule Out Other Health Problems
Rule out other health problems such as Thyroid, Diabetes, Cancer, Liver or Kidney disease. A health problem may be triggering seizures.

Feed Homemade Diet or High Quality Commercial Food
Poor nutrition is a direct cause of many major and minor diseases. Therefore, a commitment to optimum health and longevity for your pet must include a high quality diet.

Research has shown that a low quality diet — meaning a diet loaded with chemicals, fillers, stabilizers, coloring agents, sodium nitrate (found to produce epileptic-like changes in the brain activity of rats who ate it regularly) and by-products — can lead to allergies, nervousness, hypertension, diabetes, weight problems, dry skin, and many other common ailments.

A homemade diet is recommended as this is the best you can do for your pet. If you are interested in recipes, please email our Pet Nutritionist. Home cooking does not fit into everyone’s lifestyle and if this is the case, it is essential to choose a high quality dry food.

Because of what goes into pet foods today and what does not, it is important to know how to read labels, and know the history of the company manufacturing the pet food. Purely Pets has done extensive research on many of the pet food companies and we recommend Flint River Ranch and Azmira Pet Foods. These products use high quality ingredients — healthy ingredients that are useful to your pet’s body.

Rule Out Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a medical term meaning low blood sugar, a condition that is becoming more common in pets and especially pets suffering from seizures.

It is recommended that pets suffering from seizures follow the suggestions given below to rule out hypoglycemia.

Feed a high quality diet to maintain proper blood sugar levels.

Keep stress to a minimum.

Exercise moderately.

Supplement with high quality vitamins.

Feed small frequent meals.

Symptoms of a hypoglycemic attack

Staggering or collapse

Weakness

Aggression

Moodiness

Glassy eyes, staring, dazed looked

Seizure – If this happens it is essential to administer a source of glucose. The best source is honey. Honey, is made up of 35% protein & contains half of all the necessary amino acids. It is a highly concentrated source of many essential nutrients, including large quantities of carbohydrates (sugars), some minerals, B complex, and C, D, and E. Therefore, honey will immediately raise the blood sugar putting the body in balance and stabilizing the blood sugar level. If honey is not available use jelly, karo syrup or maple syrup. Put a small amount of one of these directly into the mouth. It will be quickly absorbed.

Recommendations to Prevent Hypoglycemia Attacks

The Hypoglycemia feeding schedule is as follows:

7:00 AM Breakfast – high quality dry food or home cooked meal
11:00 AM Snack – see suggestions below
3:00 PM Snack
7:00 PM Dinner – high quality dry food or home cooked meal
11:00 PM Snack — this should be a high protein, high carbohydrate snack. For example, two plain rice cakes with peanut butter in the middle, egg and toast, chicken and brown rice, etc.

Snack Suggestions:

Celery

Carrots

Apples

Pears

Bran crackers

Rice cakes

Peaches

Hard Boiled eggs

Scrambled eggs

Oatmeal

Low sodium saltine crackers with peanut butter

Cottage cheese

Plain yogurt

Homemade meatballs

Chicken

The goal is not to put weight on your pet, but to balance out the body, stabilize the blood sugar level and ultimately control the seizures.

Eliminate Toxins in the House, Yard and on your Pet

Many household cleaners contain formaldehyde (also known as embalming solution), which could cause severe irritation to eyes, throat and skin. Some floor polishes contain chemicals that can cause cancer as well as damage to the heart, kidneys, liver and central nervous system. It is important to keep your pets in a well-ventilated area when cleaning.

Flea collars, flea sprays, air fresheners, carpet powders and yard control products are not recommended.

Exercise!

Exercise helps with muscle development, digestion and overall health. A well-conditioned body will work and perform better and increase the ability to carry blood and oxygen to muscles. Exercising burns fat and increases your pet’s metabolism.

Be sure your pet gets at least an hour of exercise everyday. However, age, health and weather should be taken into consideration. Do NOT over exercise older pets, or pets suffering from hypoglycemia, epilepsy, heart problems, etc. Pets suffer from exhaustion just as humans do.

Supplement

Purely Pets does not recommend discontinuing traditional medications cold turkey or discontinuing them at all. This is YOUR decision based on how the following program works. We highly recommend you work closely with your veterinarian.

Super C 2000
Vitamin C is known as the king of vitamins and absolutely essential to the living process. Dogs do produce Vitamin C, but stress, separation from the mother, relocation to a new home, neutering, immunizations, sickness, skin problems, ear crops, de-worming, heartworm pills, teething, weather changes, seizures and other ailments quickly deplete the little amount they produce. Medical science has described Vitamin C as one of the least toxic substances known. It is the single most important thing you can do for the health of your pet.

Mega Pet or Nupro
Vitamins and minerals are necessary to build the immune system and strengthen your pet. They have the power to neutralize the possible harmful effects of impurities and toxins present in a pet’s food or environment. They will also ensure against possible dietary deficiencies and provide extra nutrition in times of stress. Supplements make a tremendous difference in improving the quality of a pet’s life. Mega Pet Daily is recommended for pets 25 lbs. and over, because these are fairly large capsules. Nupro is recommend for pets 25 lbs. and under.

EpiPlus
This powder supplement is an alternative to the traditional medicines being used to control seizures. It has long been known that a deficiency in the B complex vitamins can cause seizures in any species. EpiPlus contains high dosages of B complex vitamins and herbs. It is an all-natural product and should be given on a daily basis. There are no known side effects unless your pet is allergic to one of the herbs in the product. If this is the case, EpiPlus can be tailor-made to fit your pet’s needs at no extra charge. EpiPlus has had success in eliminating seizures completely or cutting them down dramatically. The time factor depends on the individual pet and it’s individual biochemical status.

Keep a Positive Attitude

Positive thinking reaps positive results!! Talk positive to your pet, and be a positive person in your own life.

What to do When a Seizure Occurs

If there is forewarning, administer honey. Give about one tablespoon. For smaller pets use 1 teaspoon. In many cases, this will lessen the severity of the seizure.

Remain calm. This is so important as YOU will prolong the seizure if you scream or get upset.

Turn off all lights, TV and music. Get to a quiet, dark room and hold your pet in a comforting reassuring way. Say only positive things, “You will be okay, you will be better.”

Factors That May Trigger a Seizure

Below is a list of factors that most commonly trigger seizures. This does not mean your pet will have a seizure each time it comes in contact with one. EACH pet is different and sensitive to certain things. This list does not apply to every pet.

Some of these factors are impossible to avoid, but are listed for your knowledge.

Hair spray – Do not spray when pet is in the same room.
Wool – Wool blankets, wool sofas, etc.
Heartworm pills – A seizure may occur 1 to 1 ½ wks. after administering heartworm medication.
Cigarette smoke.
Environmental Pollution from chemical plants.
BHA – A preservative commonly used in dog foods, read – “Additives in Pet Foods,”
BHT – A preservative commonly used in dog foods.
Sodium nitrate – Proven in research studies to cause severe seizures. Sodium nitrate is found in many foods we eat. Read the ingredient labels carefully.
Carpet powders.
Air fresheners.
Fabric softeners – If exposed to clothes that have fabric softener on them.
Dryer sheets – If exposed to clothes that have been in the dryer with the dryer sheets.
Salt, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Monosodium Glutamate – in excess.
Sugar – Sucrose, corn syrup, molasses, cane sugar.
Low quality commercial dog biscuits and treats.
Low quality dry food.
Low quality canned food.
Plastic bowls – All plastics release some undetectable fumes, especially when heated. This out-gassing means the fumes can pass into the foods that are served or stored in the bowl or container. Stainless steel or glass bowls are recommended.
Cheap ceramic bowls – Cause the same problem as described above.
Fumes from all bathroom cleaners.
Fumes from bleach.
Fumes from dusting products.
Household cleaners – Pine cleaners should be avoided.
All toxic flea products – If the product states “Hazardous To Humans And Domestic Animals”, it is hazardous to your pet.
Toxic shampoos.
Toxic flea collars.
Dust – Change air filters in your home once a month, and wash curtains twice yearly.
Crabgrass.
Mold.
Eating cat or dog feces.
Stress.
Vaccinations.
Lyme vaccine.
Lyme encephalitis.
Rabies vaccine.
Head trauma.
Worm infestation.
Lead – Pets like to lick lead because it tastes sweet, and lead poisoning can result from licking or eating wood chips on which there is lead paint. This can be checked when doing regular blood work, but it must be specified that you would like a LEAD POISONING TEST which is not part of a normal blood work.
Paint fumes.
Paint chips from lead based paint.
Excessive exercise.
Overheating.
Abuse or neglect.
Rawhides – Many are dipped in a solution of salt and bleach
Cheap painted pet toys
Loud noises – Yelling, fighting, doorbell ringing
Scented candles.
Vitamins with high sodium level.
Inconsistent routine.
FALL – Research studies have shown that more seizures occur in the fall. This is due to mold and bacteria in the air.
Blinking lights – Christmas lights, bright lights, etc.
Pine cleaners.
Red food dye.
Ethoxyquin.
Fungi, Bacteria and Germs.
Mobile Phones – Research carried out on animals suggests that mobile phone emissions may trigger seizures. Check out this site – Epilepsy and Mobile Phones
Hereditary Factors.

Q: Canine Seizures?
Has anyones dog ever had a seizure?I think my 3 1/2 yr old pitbull did last night.She never fell over like a serious seizure, she just had muscle spasms and muscle contractions, and was “spaced out” It lasted maybe 2 minutes, and she layed down for a minute or so, and was then she was right back to her normal self. I live in a small town, and have heard bad things about the local vet, so I want to hear from others who have been down this road before!!

A: One of the most terrifying scenes a pet owner can witness is that of a pet in the throws of a grand mal seizure. Once seen, it will never be forgotten.

Epileptic episodes are quite common in dogs and actually show up more often in certain breeds of dogs than in others.

For unknown reasons, epilepsy in cats is rather rare. When seen in a cat, epileptic episodes may have more serious underlying mechanisms than when present in dogs. Let’s explore this disorder a bit and we will gain a better understanding of just what is going on during an epileptic episode.

EPILEPSY is defined as a neurological disorder characterized by sudden, recurring attacks of muscular, sensory, or psychic malfunction with or without loss of consciousness or convulsive seizures.

A SEIZURE refers to the involuntary contraction of muscles. Seizures can result from abnormal electrical activity in the brain brought on by tumors, blood clots or scar tissue, or from chemical imbalances such as low blood sugar or nerve stimulating drugs. Tetanus toxin poisoning can stimulate muscles to contract resulting in a seizure.

A seizure may involve all the skeletal muscles or be localized to spasms in a single bundle of muscles. When we see an athlete fall down, stretch and massage the calf muscle during a muscle cramp… those calf muscles are in a state of seizure due to lactic acid buildup from changes in oxygen availability within the muscle.

A GRAND MAL SEIZURE refers to severe, widespread cramping of the body’s skeletal muscles. Skeletal muscles in general are those that attach to bones and allow for body movement; there are special smooth muscles that don’t attach to bone that usually are unaffected during a seizure. These smooth muscles reside mainly in the intestinal tract, blood vessels and specialized organ tissues. The heart muscle is actually different from either skeletal muscle or smooth muscle. Grand mal seizures are rather shocking to see.

A PETIT MAL SEIZURE is a less severe form of seizure where the patient still has some voluntary control of movement and coordination but where certain muscle groups are “doing their own thing” and brain electrical activity is mildly disrupted. Staggering, momentary “staring into space” and other forms of incoordination may be visible to an observer.

CONVULSION usually refers to a grand mal seizure. Sometimes these terms are loosely applied to an epileptic episode. We might say a patient is having an “epileptic attack”, or “is having a seizure” or maybe even a “fit”. However we describe it, the occasion will be uncomfortable for the observer and the victim.

STATUS EPILEPTICUS refers to a very dangerous situation where a rapid successions of grand mal seizures occur without periods of rest or muscle relaxation between epileptic episodes. Status epilepticus requires prompt medical intervention.

General Description
True epileptic episodes where the triggering mechanism is not due to poison, low blood sugar or other chemical stimulants have their origins within the brain tissue. Researchers believe that there is a locus (an actual spot or area in the brain) of abnormal or damaged brain nerve tissue.

This tiny area may be of no consequence 99.9 percent of the time. But for various reasons such as dietary, chemical, or even psychological, this tiny locus of abnormal nerve tissue decides to start firing off signals. The nearby normal nerve cells are affected by these wayward nerve impulses and respond to them. This response then triggers other nearby nerve cells to fire and the outcome of this electrical chain reaction is a total loss of coordination!

The nerves from the brain that stimulate the voluntary muscles of the body (called motor nerves) are telling the muscles to get to work, but without proper supervision and control the different muscle groups are contracting without integrated coordination.

Think of this as an orchestra where all the musicians are playing the same song except that the conductor isn’t present. Each musician starts and stops the melody at their own discretion without regard to what any other musician is doing. Surely not a pleasant thought… harmony, coordination and melody no longer integrate the music. And so it is with EPILEPSY. The harmonious and finely tuned integration of nerve transmission directing coordinated muscle movement is lost. The result is a seizure.

If this occurs in your pet, your first reaction is to race to the phone and call your veterinarian for help. Fortunately almost all epileptic episodes are of short duration… one to three minutes is most common. Five to ten minute episodes are getting into the more serious range of duration; and any seizure lasting longer than fifteen minutes generally requires medical attention.

A typical Grand Mal seizure may look like this:
The dog will seem perfectly normal when, without warning, it begins to stagger just a bit when walking. Then it may appear to be backing up, will sit down on the hind legs and the facial muscles and eyelids will begin to spasm. (This is termed “muscle fasciculation”). Often the jaw muscles will spasm and the dog will appear to be “chattering his teeth” and will begin to salivate. Breathing will become forced and if the jaw is set in a closed position the forced breathing will stimulate the saliva to foam up. Now the dog appears to be “foaming at the mouth.”

On other occasions the jaw will be held involuntarily in an open position and appears as if the dog is trying to yawn… or even as if to scream out and no voice is heard. This truly can be an unpleasant and scary experience for the dog and the owner! As the event continues the dog may fall over on its side, and stretch out with legs and neck extended, eyes rolled back, mouth foaming and the entire body going into a rigid state.

Now it appears that the dog cannot breathe because of the intense muscle contractions and stiff posture. After a few seconds (surely seems like minutes!) the dog begins to relax, the breathing returns to normal and voluntary movement becomes more evident.

Here’s an interesting phenomenon:
If the breathing is so interrupted that the dog begins to lose consciousness, the oxygen deprivation to the brain shuts off the seizure! So just when you think your dog is dying the seizure stops! Anyone watching the event returns to more normal breathing, too! After a few moments the dog will sit up, begin to “shake it off” and go back to normal activities as if to say “What was the deal with THAT?”

From start to finish the entire event may last from one to five minutes… just enough time to get the veterinarian on the phone to tell the veterinarian you think your dog is dying. Commonly, the dog will act placid and quiet for an hour or so after a seizure. By the time you describe over the phone what has transpired, the dog is often up and aware and looking for that rawhide chew toy it was working on just before he was interrupted.

The veterinarian will ask you to describe what you saw and will then give you advice about what to do next. And that is to have the dog examined… maybe not necessarily immediately as long as you can stay in touch with the veterinarian in the event that other seizures follow. But surely any dog that has experienced a seizure should be examined and some blood tests should be run to gain some knowledge of the dog’s physical and biochemical status.

The Examination
During the complete physical exam the veterinarian will want to pay close attention to the heart and to neurological signs. Often the physical exam is normal… you have a physically healthy dog who happens to scare the biscuits out of you with unannounced seizures! During the office call your veterinarian will obtain a blood sample for laboratory tests to get an insight into the dog’s invisible metabolic goings-on.

The Blood Sample
Blood samples are a vital tool in determining whether or not chemical imbalances are at the root of the epileptic episodes. For example, the liver has thousands different tasks to perform and if any are not accomplished properly the effects may impact the nervous system and a seizure may result.

Blood sugar concentrations have to be regulated within certain boundaries otherwise neurological and other difficulties will arise. And electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, calcium and phosphorus all need to be present in the blood in an interrelated and coordinated fashion for healthy neurological and biochemical reactions to occur.

If the veterinarian discovers an imbalance in any of the blood chemistry values, detective work follows that may result in a diagnosis of what is causing the seizures.

The Urine Sample
A urine sample can reveal infections of the urinary tract although urinary infections rarely will affect the neurological system. Relative to seizure activity, the urinalysis may reveal sugar in the urine that suggests a diabetic condition might exist.

Ketones in the urine may be revealed which suggests the excessive utilization of protein, instead of carbohydrates or fat, for energy. Acid, protein and bile constituents may be seen in higher amounts than normal. Any abnormal urine factors are hints that something in the body’s chemistry in not right and further tests are needed.

But guess what? Over ninety percent of dogs that exhibit epileptic manifestations will have NORMAL blood and urine values! In fact, that is what veterinarians hope for when checking laboratory values in suspected epilepsy patients. They want to see that everything is functioning properly.

IDIOPATHIC EPILEPSY
So now you are asking, “If all those tests are normal, what is causing the epileptic episodes?” Veterinarians have a diagnosis for these cases. They will remark with profound confidence that your dog has IDIOPATHIC EPILEPSY. “Oh,” the owner responds. “What does that mean?” And the veterinarian replies, “That means that we don’t know what the cause is”. IDIOPATHIC EPILEPSY means the actual cause of the seizure activity is unknown.

Researchers believe that if we could look all through the brain with a tiny microscope we would eventually find a small bundle of nerve cells that aren’t quite normal. It would be this locus of nerve cells that for various reasons begin to fire off impulses on their own. Those renegade nerve firings trigger other neighboring nerve cells to respond. This starts a cascade of nerve firings that spreads out from those renegade cells and pretty soon the whole electrical harmony of the brain is upset. A seizure is the result.

What causes Epilepsy in the First Place?
What creates those little renegade bundles of nerves? One of the theories is that a head injury resulted in a small hemorrhage into the brain. As the blood clot resolves and reabsorbs, scar tissue can remain behind that interrupts normal nerve cell integrity.

Small tumors can be a source of abnormal nerve activity. That’s why any case of epilepsy that seems to be progressively worsening should have brain tumor considered as a possible inciting cause, especially in epileptic cases that have an onset in middle or old age.

Genetic predisposition for epileptic activity has been shown in certain breeds of dogs. The exact mechanism whereby the genetic determiners impart their influence on nerve cells is yet to be discovered.

Psychological stimuli can play a role, too. I know of a case where the pet owner’s little dog got so stressed every time the owner was preparing for a trip (without the dog) that the little rascal would work up to an actual seizure episode! Talk about trying anything to get your own way.

An unusual food allergy may be at the heart of the matter, too. To establish a food-related trigger for epilepsy will take a skilled and persistent diagnostician, in cooperation with very complying owners.

Prevention
What can be done to prevent epileptic episodes? The answer depends upon a number of variables. If the dog has had only a single episode and physical exam and lab tests are normal and the diagnosis is IDIOPATHIC EPILEPSY (we really do not know the cause), probably no medication is required. However if the dog begins to show some sort of pattern to the episodes, let’s say that the seizures are happening about every three or four weeks, you may wish to consider starting low doses of medication to try to inhibit the seizures.

It is very important to develop a close relationship with your veterinarian on this matter of whether or not to prescribe medication. If the dog is having a two minute seizure every six months, does that suggest the dog should be given medication every day to keep these infrequent episodes from happening?

Be sure to keep good notes: Record the date, time of day, related environmental factors, length of time the epileptic episode was evident and severity of the seizure.

If the seizures are of the petit mal variety and last just a few seconds, even if they occur fairly frequently, should the dog be medicated daily as a preventative? You see, we can’t predict when these episodes will occur so giving preventative medication is an ALL OR NOTHING commitment. If we knew that every Saturday at five o’clock the dog would have a seizure, we could start medication twelve hours prior to that, prevent the seizure, then cease giving the medication until next week. Unfortunately that scenario doesn’t happen. The situation calls for an either/or commitment.

Medication is given daily for a period of time or no medication is given at all. Some patients, after many months or years of treatment, can be weaned slowly off medication and experience no further epileptic episodes.

Treatment
Fortunately most cases of epilepsy can be controlled. Cured? Probably not, unless an underlying triggering mechanism is discovered and rectified. Also, if the seizure activity is due to a tumor it is unlikely that attempts at controlling the seizures will be successful. Many cases of epilepsy in dogs will dictate that treatment be instituted. Follow-up blood analysis is recommended at selected intervals to be sure the correct levels of medication are being given and that no abnormal blood values are starting to show up.

Fortunately, many dogs that have been treated for epilepsy over a period of time can slowly be taken off medication, and eventually not require any further medication. (Never abruptly eliminate anti-epileptic medication! Sudden withdrawal of medication often will trigger a long and difficult seizure episode).

Phenobarbital is the most commonly used medication to treat epilepsy in the dog. If given in the lowest dose required to keep the seizures to a minimum, Phenobarbital can be a very useful medication with minimal side effects. Many dogs being given Phenobarbital are living very normal and happy lives. Some pet owners are adverse to giving their dog a “drug” for long periods and look at the situation of having a pet that is “drugged-up all the time” to be unacceptable. Most veterinarians agree, too, that if the dog requires such high levels of medication that it acts and feels “drugged-up” that this scenario is unacceptable. Fortunately, the majority of cases will be helped by medication with little, if any, side effects. The “side effect” we are looking for is the elimination for those awful seizures!

A drug called Dilantin (phenytoin) has been used for years but in general has been a secondary choice after Phenobarbital.

In some cases Valium may be used when Phenobarbital cannot be utilized or when a combination of medications are prescribed. Potassium bromide (KBr) is being used in some dogs where response to traditional medication is unsatisfactory. Potassium Bromide had been used to treat human epileptics for over 100 years. It may be the anticonvulsant of choice for dogs with liver disease. Sometimes veterinarians will prescribe KBr along with Phenobarbital for patients who do not respond well to Phenobarbital alone. KBr is not easily obtained and may require a pharmacist to acquire and formulate the proper dose.

Just as the brain must be in good balance with the rest of the body, so should we look for a balance in the treatment of epilepsy. Too much medication is not good because we don’t want the pet to have dulled senses; reoccurring seizure episodes are unacceptable so we may need to use a little medication.

Any dog receiving anti-epileptic medication should have periodic blood samples evaluated for blood chemistry balance. Since many medications are degraded and eliminated from the body via the liver, an assessment of liver function is a priority.

What to do during a Seizure
If you happen to witness a seizure, there is not much you can do at home to get it under control. Try to remove any objects from the immediate area that the dog may bump in to and injure itself. Do not try to open the dog’s mouth to pull the tongue out. Although it can happen, it is extremely rare for the dog to “swallow the tongue” and obstruct the airway. Plus the strength of the dog’s jaws will probably prohibit any attempts you make to open the mouth to inspect the area.

NOTE:
If your dog is actually choking on something and is consciously gagging, hacking, salivating and in trouble breathing, you may need to intervene. However this discussion concerns how to deal with the epileptic patient displaying seizure activity as described previously. Visible choking and gagging may require that you inspect the mouth for objects.

It may be helpful to gently talk to the dog and to try to make the dog comfortable during the seizure activity by rolling it onto a blanket or padded mat. If you try to pick the dog up you will need to be very careful because the dog will be thrashing about and you very likely will lose your grip and drop the dog.

Try to turn off any loud music or other stimuli such as bright lights, and escort any screaming children away from the area. They can watch but they need to be silent. “Do something!! Do something!! ” is the high pitched phrase most often heard during one of these episodes. However, about all you can do is wait.

The most troubling thing you may witness occurs just before a Grande Mal seizure is over. The dog stiffens up, ceases to breathe, and just when you think death has visited the dog, it relaxes and begins to breathe again. In fact what has happened is that the interrupted breathing and resulting carbon dioxide buildup depresses nerve function and terminates the electrical chaos in the brain… and the seizure is turned off. Another marvel of survival! It is as if the dog’s survival center says “Seizure, you want to lock me up in a big muscle spasm and suffocate me? OK. I’ll show you. When I’m unable to breathe the brain will be starved for oxygen and shut down. When those nerve cells that triggered the seizure become deprived of oxygen they’ll shut down, too… and the seizure will stop!”

The fact is that EPILEPSY, although truly a challenging condition in the dog, in most cases can be dealt with successfully. Cured… no; managed… yes. Just as each and every pet is a unique individual, every case of epilepsy should be dealt with on an individual basis. Some dogs will never have a seizure, some will have a single seizure and never another, some will have predictable intervals between chronic seizures, and some will have untreatable, repeating and debilitating epilepsy. No two cases will be exactly alike!

Hope this helps.
Good luck.

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Q: Has anyone actually bought the Canine Seizures Breakthrough book written by Michael Dole?
I didn’t feel comfortable paying $37 with my credit card on this site. It all smells and feels like a scam… Snopes has no info on Michael Dole. When checking him out on Google, the page where he goes into canine seizures lists him living in MS; the cats ailment book site has him living in Atlanta, etc. I find his article interesting, but something about the whole thing really sets off my alarm bells….

A: I’ve not but if you feel something is off then don’t buy. There are other places to get information. There are some very good yahoo groups for canine seizures (some for specific disorders and some generalized) and you can get first hand information there from owners who have dealt or currently are dealing with them.

Q: Any one know anything about canine seizures?
I have a 6 year old Patterdale Terrier (fell terrier) that has been having seizures since he was about 1. Yesterday he had about 12 and they lasted nearly 2 hours! It is SO hard to watch him like that. Does anyone know of a REMEDY that works? I am willing to try almost anything to help him. Please help me!
OF COURSE I HAVE TAKEN HIM TO THE VET!

A: Check out http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/

For homoeopathic remedies try http://www.healwithease.com/

Q: are canine seizures treatable?
I have a dog(half beagle/half basset hound) that suffers from seizures. The seizures come about once a month and I don’t have anything that she could have gotten into that would cause them.

A: You need to see a vet. Sometimes it is best to leave them untreated because the medications can actually make things worse. However; no one here can tell you what the cause is to know what course of action to take.

Added:

Reverse sneezing is nothing like a seizure!!! A reverse sneeze is just a spasm in the throat. Often brought on with excitement or stress.

Q: Differentiating between cause of Canine seizures??
How do you tell the difference between seizures caused by poisoning and seizures caused by canine epilepsy?

When I cam out of the shower the other day, my dog had me scared. First he would scoot on his butt then poop (he did this about 3 times). Then he just started having a seizure. Every time he tried to get up, he would fall over. His pupils were dilated and he was drooling. At one point he stretched his body out completely and his body was very rigid. After a couple of minutes he just ‘came to’ and was acting like normal.

I have been trying to get in touch with his vet (phone tag), but do any of you have any experience with this? I know dogs can get poisoned by eating certain plants, but what’s strange is he was completely fine after this episode. No lingering effects. Thanks.

A: You’ll need to have the vet do blood work. They’ll test for common poisons and also liver/kidney disease, etc.

If the bloodwork comes back negative, it’s usually written off as ideopathic epilepsy. Some dogs have one seizure and never seize again. Other dogs have regular seizures and end up on medication to control it.

Until he sees the vet for bloodwork there’s really know way of knowing what you’re dealing with. You can learn a lot more here:

http://www.canine-epilepsy.com/

Q: does anyone have info on Bulldog/canine seizures?

A: here you go this will help you:

http://www.canine-epilepsy.net/basics/basics_index.html

Q: Question about canine seizures!!!?
I’ve asked a few questions about my soft coated wheaten terrier. We’ve had a rough couple of days on our house. On Saturday he was completely fine! And over the course of Sunday – Monday he deteriorated rapedly. We took him to the animal ER on Monday morning, where they said he was starting to have seizures. He continued having seizures all day at his vet’s yesterday. He was on an IV drip all day with phenobarbatol (for seizures) and fluids. We brought him home for the night, to be in a familiar place, and so we could be close by if anything were to happen. Vets in our area don’t keep animals in need of IV’s over night, just the ER vet who’s waay too expensive. He’s been having petit mal seizures, and had them throughout the day yesterday, even when on meds. Last night his medicine had worn off, but he seemed to be a little better. His seizures were few and far between. However, he’s constantly sedated and can’t eat, he can’t drink, he can’t hold his bladdar, and this morning my husband noticed if you touched him he would have a seizure. Or if you talk to him he would seiz. again. So I guess any kind of stimuli sets him off at this point.

We’re devastated completely, he’s only 2 years old! I saved money for this dog by selling my plasma for 4 months and he means the world to our family. We have a little boy who absolutely adores him.

Anyone gone through something similar with a success story? Or know about seizures in dogs?? Our vet said if he’s not better by tomorrow morning we should think about letting him go.

I don’t really want any negative responses, we’re looking at the inevitable, we just don’t want to lose hope yet.

I should say, his blood has been tested for toxins, heart worms, lime disease, etc. And all his tests have come back normal.

Any ideas what could be causing this to continue?

A: A dog may seizure for any number of reasons. do u know if its Distemper? u really need to find exactly what the dog has to be able to advice u on this.
Seizures can occur for no apparent reason — and no reason can be found despite careful examination. This type of seizure activity is referred to by some vets as primary epilepsy, or idiopathic epilepsy. Most of the time the onset of seizures in dogs with primary epilepsy is between one and five years of age and there usually is a fairly long interval between the first seizure and subsequent seizures when they occur. While primary epilepsy is common it is not the most likely problem .
There are three components of a seizure,
Aura.- Certain signs of an impending seizure may be evident, such as restlessness, whining, shaking, salivation, affection, wandering or hiding. These signs may persist from seconds to days in duration and may or may not be apparent to you.
Ictus.- During ictus, the seizure occurs. The attack may last seconds or minutes. Your dog may fall on his side and may look like he is kicking or paddling. He will salivate, lose control of his bladder, and be unaware of his surroundings.
Postictial stage-. This stage occurs immediately after the seizure. Your dog will appear confused and disoriented and may wander or pace. He may still exhibit salivation and may be unresponsive to you. Or he may come to you for comfort. The period may be short or it may last for days.
Warning signs that require emergency veterinary attention -Seizures that last longer than 10 minutes
Seizures that occur more than twice in a 24 hour time period,
Seizures that begin before your pet has completely recovered from the previous seizure.
Do not panic. If your pet is having a seizure, he is unconscious and he is not suffering. Your pet may seem like he is not breathing, but he is.
Time the seizure. Actually look at a clock or watch and note the time; although it may seem like forever, it may only be 30 seconds.
Note what type of muscular activityHol-ee Mol-ee Extreme
For the more aggressive chewer and larger dogs, the JW Pet Company Hol-ee Mol-ee Extreme offers the same fun as the famous Hol-ee Roller plus added du… or abnormal behavior does your pet exhibits during the seizures? Your veterinarian may want you to keep a record of the date and length of time of each seizure.
i hope this has helped in some way, good luck and all the best

Q: Can anyone tell me about canine seizures?
My dog (age 2/Cocker Spaniel) had what I think was a seizure yesterday. He had trouble getting up (from a quick nap) and had trouble getting into the car (had to lift him). By the time we got to the vet minutes later, he was fine. His check up showed vitals okay. We’re waiting on blood test results. I had another Cocker Spaniel years ago who had infrequent mild seizures. Fortunately, he never needed medication and lived a long, otherwise healthy life. Does anyone have experience with this situation and/or any tips? This situation was scary, especially for my kids. Thanks!

P.S. My other dog’s seizures seemed to have been aggravated/triggered when female dogs were in heat. Our cat is currently in heat. Though the vet doesn’t think this would affect the dog, I believe it can.
thanks much, panache. this website is incredibly informative and supportive. appreciate both answers and encouragement. thanks!!

A: http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com/
Here is info on canine epilepsy

Q: Canine Seizures Scary The Hell Out Of Me?
Okay it started 3 months ago ( when I got Jager ) He had a seizure about 6 am and then another one about 3 minutes after that one. They consist of the thrashing around, uncontrollable urination and foaming at the mouth. It is a very scary sight. Well its now 3 months later and again he had a seizure well 3 this time. They are always at night after hes been sleeping. I am so scared and do not know what to do. I am just here for someone who’s experienced this to help me through it. Don’t just say take him to the vet. That’s an obvious one! I will when they open but we are from a town that doesn’t have a 24 hour vet clinic.

A: I know it’s not the answer you want, but the sensible option is to take him to the vet to get this checked out. If he has come out of the seizures okay and they have not lasted over 5 minutes, then you don’t need to rush him to a 24 hour vet right now, but should take him to your usual surgery as soon as you can when they are open again.

It is impossible to say what is causing the seizures just by what you’ve described, just some of the possible causes of seizures include: ingestion of poisonous substance, head trauma, brain mass/tumour/bleed, genetic predisposition etc. Until you get him checked you won’t know what is causing them, and won’t be able to get them under control. Many dogs can lead long and happy lives with anti-seizure medication.

Q: will canine pancreatitis every go away? will the seizures stop too? if treated by a vet w/ amoxicillin?
the vet took his blood and it showed his had low glucose and canine pancreatitis, they put him on amoxicillin and an anti-flammitory pain pill and put him on blane dog food with fiber for 2 weeks. He’s never had this problem before til now. His a brindle boxer that’s 10yrs old. the vet said his seizures came from this.

A: Listen to your vet!

Q: My dog has Canine Tonic-Clonic Seizures…what to do?
Before you say take him to the vet…yes, I know. But there’s no money honey.
I have a chihuahua…mix? Have had him for two years since he was six months old. Three days ago he was showing signs of what I thought might have been parvo. Dehydration, regurgitation of anything he attempted to eat. Being on a limited income we followed the instructions given to us from prior parvo outbreaks (different dogs, still allive) and put him on a 5cc/hr Gatorade diet. “if anything is gonna help, this will. It is the budget friendly alternative to the $300 no-guaranteed overnight IV at the vet if we catch it early enough.”
It seemed to be working but today at about 6pm right when I was giving him his dose of Gatorade he stiffened up, his neck stretched back and he began shaking, his eyes bulged out and he wasn’t breathing. Checking online and conversing with friends that have dogs with mild seizures, the Tonic-clonic seizures description lists the symptoms or characteristics of what he is experiencing.
So far he has had a cluster of seizures each at 6pm, 10pm, 11:30pm 12:15am and a very small (like beginning only) one at 12:25am. They average about 3-5 minutes each (remember, I’m mom, these are eternal to me) and the last one was only a few seconds.
I am the type of person that will fix a pet any way I know how but this seems neurological and out of my league. BTW: No poisons kept at home within his reach.

Can someone tell me, with the info given, is it best to put him to sleep? Put him up for adoption by a family that can afford to pay the vet bills? Do I have that kind of time? or What? I really don’t know what to do and as I said, I’m broke. What is my best option?

Another baby (small, few seconds) one at 12:33am. Another at 12:43 until 12:45am. Will it ever stop? Please help me! Please guide me!
Thank you. I only asked about the adoption because I’ve seen it myself. The information you provided only verified what I was afraid of but I do believe I just needed to know I’m not rushing nor making a hasty decision. It has gotten worse so I will be putting him to sleep. Than you. ‘
Just FYI everybody.
I am very much aware of the vet requirements. I ask questions because I have been charged up the wazoo by vets for stuff I can handle at home and in some cases with no results (from the vets actions). Others have already experienced the same situation therefore I get my guidance from them to take care of my pet. I do what is best for him whether it be myself or finding a more appropriate home but at midnight with the hardship (which weren’t present before) that we’ve come across as a family (pets included) my options are limited.
The symptoms worsened and within about seven hours, between 10 and 2 being the bulk of it, he passed away. (2am) The hardest part being the sudden increase of seizures and their severity.
I have a straight shooting vet that I normally ask but he’s on vacation. With the urgency of this situation I turned to you all. Thank you for your help.

A: Generalized Seizure: Tonic-clonic (may be Grand Mal or Mild): In the
grand mal seizure, the tonic phase occurs as the animal falls, loses
consciousness, and extends its limbs rigidly. Respiration also stops
(apnea). This phase usually lasts 10-30 seconds before the clonic
phase begins. Clonic movements include paddling of the limbs and/or
chewing. Other signs that appear during the tonic or clonic phase are
dilation of the pupils, salivation, urination, and defecation. The
mild seizure involves little or no paddling or extension of limbs, and
usually no loss of consciousness. Generalized seizures are usually
associated with primary epilepsy.

Status Epilepticus: Status can occur as one continuous seizure lasting
30 minutes or more, or a series of multiple seizures in a short time
with no periods of normal consciousness. It can be difficult to tell
status epilepticus from frequent cluster seizures; but both are
considered life-threatening emergencies. Most status patients usually
suffer from generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Though status
epilepticus can occur with either primary or secondary epilepsy, it
may also suddenly arise in dogs with no previous history of seizures
(traumatic brain injury, toxins, or disease). (Dyer & Shell,
Managing).

http://stason.org/TULARC/animals/dogs/canine-epilepsy/03-Types-of-Seizures.html

Number 1; Do you think someone wants a dog who consistantly seizures? Not many, you’ll have a heck of time trying to rehome a seizure.

Number 2; Its your dog and your responability.

Number 3; He almost guaranteed to die without treatment

Number 4; Sadly i think the best option is to take him to the vetrs and put him down-the kindest & humane thing. borrow money from a friend or relative.

Q: could this possibly be a canine seizure?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKhDVyjrLjM
my dog has constantly been to the vet we have tried everything!! weve seen a neurologist and internal medicine this is one of the last things we are going to test for. hes does it every couple of hours all day. the vet doesnt know what it is.

A: Seizure wouldn’t be my first guess, no. It does seem unusual. How often does this happen? What is he like going in to/coming out of it? Is there a time of day that it happens more often? Is there anything that seems to precipitate it?

I’d want to have my vet have a look at that video if it were me. Bring him for a checkup, and bring the video with you (or ask if you can e-mail them the link before hand).

Edit to add: The other answerer is describing a grand mal seizure. There are other types of seizures that don’t involve this behavior (my dog for example has focal seizures. He remains aware of his environment throughout the seizure, and is responsive)

Edit: Not sure how you are going to ‘test’ if this is a seizure… I suppose you could hook up some electrodes to him and record his brain waves in hopes that he’ll do it. If its frequent enough, you might get lucky. Seizures can present in weird ways, so I wouldn’t rule it out, but as I said, it certainly wouldn’t be my first guess. Could always do a trial run on phenobarb and see if the behaviour stops.

Best of luck,

Q: What are any and all causes for canine blindness?
Roamy was diagnosed with acute blindness in Oct 06. Teams of Ophthalmologists, Neurologists, and Internalists have examined her. Extensive blood work, an MRI, and CSF Analysis have been performed. The MRI revealed lesions (or possibly fluid-filled cysts) in her brain. The Specialists have assured me the lesions have nothing to do with her blindness.

I am making a list of every reason for canine blindness so I can compare it against tests already conducted. She is 8 years old – spayed female – mixed breed – 118 lbs (most of which has been gained in the last 3 months while on Prednisone). Her condition first presented in Sep 06 as clear nasal/eye discharge and shuddering through the shoulders with lethargy. She started having Grand Mal seizures immediately after administration of L-Thyroxine. We stopped the med and she is now on Kbr/Valium and has been seizure-free since 19 Dec 06. If anyone out there can help please contact me. Thank you so much for your time.

A: CAUSES OF BLINDNESS & VISION LOSS
There are numerous causes of ocular problems and blindness in dogs. Some of the causes are congenital while others are non hereditary in nature. Some of the more common and serious canine eye disorders are:

Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a disease which results in an increase in the fluid pressure within the eye. It is painful and can result in permanent blindness. This disease can be genetically inherited (primary glaucoma) or it can be the result of injury, of functional diseases, of cancer or of infections of a bacterial, viral or even fungal nature (secondary glaucoma.)

Cataracts: As with glaucoma, cataracts can be genetically inherited or caused by disease, infections or injury. A normally transparent lens becomes opaque preventing light from reaching the retina.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy & Progressive Retinal Degeneration: Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and progressive retinal degeneration (PRD) are inherited diseases which cause the cells of the retina to deteriorate. Although this disease is not painful, both eyes are affected.

Suddenly Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome: As with PRA and PRD, suddenly acquired retinal degeneration syndrome (SARDS) involves the deterioration of cells in the retina, affects both eyes and is not painful. However, dogs with SARDS go blind very quickly, virtually overnight. Caroline Levin, author of the book Living With Blind Dogs, says that dogs who go blind from SARDS may require more understanding, assistance and time to adjust. “For dogs, the sudden onset can cause depression, aggression and dependency to a greater degree than is seen in cases of gradual blindness. Even more apparent to the dog owner is the fact that the dog has had no time to adjust or build a mental map of his environment. Dogs that lose vision slowly start building a mental map of their home environment. A dog that becomes blind suddenly will eventually do this too, but the process typically takes several months.”

Q: How effective is Vitamin E for dog seizures?
My Germanshepard has been having seizures for the past nine months now, our vet started her on 2000 mgs daily and now we are up to 3000. I’ve looked up some canine sites, but there was nothing there about Vitamin E, just curious if any one else is familar in using this for treatment.

A: I haven’t heard of Vitamin E being prescribed for seizures. Maybe your vet is taking a very cautious approach or something new??

My epileptic dog takes phenobarbitol and potassium bromide.

Q: Has any one heard of Kittens having epilepsy or seizures?
A few weeks ago I woke up to a strange knocking sound and it was my kitten of about 3 months spinning in a circle seeming to try to scratch her head while her mouth watering profusely. The spell stopped she seemed fine. I kept and eye on her for a while and there was nothing out of the ordinary. A few nights ago I heard the same noise and found her in the kitchen in basicaly the same state, except this time it was much worse. She was laying on her side convulsing and drooling. I showed my mom what was going on and she said she was having a seizure! It lasted much longer (abt 20 sec.) but she seemed fine yet again.I had to go to leave the next day but she told me she would look after her a possibly take her to the vet. She was reluctant about it because she knew it would be VERY expensive (she’d pay for it. and doesn’t like the cat as much as I do) Has anyone have or ever had a cat with who has seizures or know a cat that does? Please share your experiences.

A: Kittens can have seizures. Seizures are not as common in younger animals as older animals. True seizures (which sounds like what you’re describing) are always caused by a problem with the brain. The difficult part is figuring out what the problem is.

In any animal seizures can be cause by things outside of the brain or inside of the brain. Things outside of the brain are things like toxins or poisons, trauma (example, kick to the head), drugs/medications, etc. Things inside the brain can include an inherited brain problem (in other words, abnormally developed brain), infectious causes (viruses, bacteria, protozoa), cancer, or epilepsy (in animals, epilepsy means that we can’t find any cause for the seizure, yet they are still having them). Young animals are much much less likely to have seizures due to cancer.

Your kitty definitely needs to be seen by a vet because seizures can get to the point where they are life threatening.

In the meantime make sure she can’t get into any medication, empty bottles of medication in the trash (just licking the edges of empty bottles can provide enough exposure to cause problems in cats), make sure you aren’t applying over the counter flea drops to her (such as Hartz or Sergeants), careful with flea shampoos and flea collars, make sure that she isn’t drinking any spilled chemicals, make sure she isn’t walking over chemicals and licking them off her feet, be careful with air fresheners, carpet cleaners, carpet powder, uncapped pens or markers she could chew on, cigarette butts/tobacco leaves/marijuana leaves she could have eaten, bugs or lizards she may chew on, etc etc.

Good luck

Q: Can people with epilepsy reduce seizures by cutting out caffeine from there diet?

A: Some people can, if the caffeine is linked to their seizures. For others cutting out caffeine would make no difference. There are drugs that reduce and help control epileptic seizures. That would be the first course of action. Of course, if a person notices that caffeine brings on a seizure it would be advisable to avoid caffeine.

Q: I have epilepsy (grand mal seizures) I have a great deal of side effects to most convalescents, suggestions?
I see some of the best Doctors in the feild – NW Epilepsy Center. I have undergone a week long non-stop EEG in the hospital. Yet, no medication can either stop the seizures completely or the side effects are so great that I would rather just go jump off a bridge as to deal with them. Right now I have told my doctor that I want to continue to see him but I want to be cut loose from the meds – to get a base line diagnosis with nothing in my system. Good idea, bad idea? I have had two seizures in the last week since I have cut down on the meds. Am I just parinoid?
I do see one of the top doctors in the feild for epilepsy. I go to the NW Center for Epilepsy. They have top rating all over – I was sent there after having such severe reactions to every med that I was put on by the regular Neuraligist I began seeing once I was first diagnosed about two years ago. Most of my worst side effects are phscosis, anxiety and a simple loss of will to live. I appreciate the answer about brain surgery however, I have already checked into that and my type does not react to it. So that is not an option for me. I just want to have a life again instead of sitting here all the time unable to sleep, constant headaches and just waiting to find myself on the floor. Because most of my time is spent alone and one of my best friends from childhood just died during a grand mal seizure I am just plain scared!

A: The meds are in all probability necessary they wouldn’t be prescribed to you otherwise. Anti convulsents are serious medication they don’t dish them out like M&M’s.
That said you can help yourself, diet and sleep patterns are the most important with epilepse.
A diet high in starchy foods like potatoes,rice, bread & cereals,
often helps. These are all foods which release energy at slow and regular intervals, so you mantain a balanced blood sugar level.
Also try to get lots and lots of sleep. As an epileptic you should be aiming for at least ten to twelve hours sleep a day.
Unfortunately both the above can sometimes result in weight gain, so you may well find you have to watch your intake of fatty and sugary foods, as well as maybe exercising more to keep your weight down.
Another thing to avoid where possible is bad posture don’t sloatch
when sitting watching TV ,try to maintain a streight back and keep your head up.
This will allow your body to breath with less effort increasing your oxygen intake.
Avoid things which cause eye strain watching TV too long or reading small print.

Q: are multiple epilepsy seizures dangerous to a 7 yr old child within an hrs time? 3 to 5 of them?
these have been where he is semi conscious repetitive hand movements some jerking

A: of course they are. He needs to be taken to the ER ASAP!

Q: Will my dog still have seizures on medication if she really has epilepsy?
My dog had a several seizures about 2 months ago and we put her on PB. She’s been taking a really low dose, about 8mg’s a day and she has not had another one. The vet said she would still have seizures on the med’s if she really has epilepsy. Is this true?

A: Not necessarily if you got lucky with the dosage the first time around. A lot of times there’s a substantial amount of trial and error while the vet figures out the dosage and medication types that work for the specific dog. In your case, maybe they got it right the first time and you’ve been good about making sure to give her her medication every day. Even on the proper medication and dosage, it is still possible to have a seizure, but I know several epileptic dogs with seizures that are very well controlled on medication, to the point where they only very rarely or never seize any longer.

Q: My mother has epilepsy, she has seizures ever so often but shes a healthy smart person, she is not brain dead!
Although she has epilepsy, she is very independant and can work, is there a job oppurtunity she can take up. What kind of job can an epileptic person do, please be open minded she is not brain dead or mentally retarded. She is independant and smart and is skilled, what jobs would she be fit for or what jobs could she do part time that wont shoot her down. Right now she works at a business store selling merchandise and stationary etc etc. The job is fine but is there a better suited job. Are there any courses on Staten Island NY she can take
? Please reply and be kind.
some jobs may be such as working in a book store or at the mall or barnes and noble or a library, would it be good? would she have to take any special courses? she doesnt want toooooo much mental stress.

A: Your mom can do ANY job she is interested in and that she is qualified for, just like anyone else, with the possible exception of jobs that involve driving, if her seizures are presently not medically controlled.

The fact that she has epilepsy is not really relevant to the discussion. Seizures suck, and meds suck, too, but people with epilepsy can live very productive, mostly “normal’ lives. I’ve had epilepsy all my life.

The chief justice of the Supreme Court just had his second seizure a few weeks ago. Obviously he’s very intelligent, in spite of his seizures.

I’d really like to email you about your mom’s situation, but you don’t allow email through Yahoo Answers. Please consider sending me an email at painfuloasis@hotmail.com.

Take care, and say hi to mom for me.

Q: Anxiety disorder and epilepsy or seizures linked?
hey all,every so often i have a anxiety attack i feel as if ( what i feel is going to be a fit) i have no previous past of epilepsy ( that is where you like shake uncontrolably and go all weird isnt it?) and noone in my family has either, i was just wondering if it can suddenly just come onto you or do you need to have like a history?

A: Anxiety and seizures are both linked to too little GABA and too much GLUTAMATE. Anxiety meds increase gabas effect and anti-seizure meds decrease glutamate release. So basically doing the same thing in leveling out the gaba and glutamate but in two very different ways. But yes the ratio of glutamate to gaba is too high in both.

Q: If someone with epilepsy dies from a seizure, is it possible to find out about other seizures they had?
Could an autopsy tell you if the person had seizures in the past week, month, year, etc? Is there any physical proof left behind?

A: Not usually.

Q: Can seizures early in life due to a high fever but not epilepsy cause frequent fainting later in life?
My sister had a few seizures during her toddler years due to high fevers. They rules out epilepsy and everything else seemed fine but since she was 11 years old shes been passing out out of the blue. Today my 19 year old sister passed out at the dinner table sitting down. I wasn’t there but my mom said she was shaking and her head just hit the table. What could this be?

A: It is possible, but they aren’t necessarily related. Febrile seizures (seizures in young children due to a high fever) sometimes cause brain injury, somewhere around 5% of the time. It is possible that there was something done that causes her to pass out, but I don’t think it would go unnoticed for 10 years.

I know different types of anemia can cause fatigue and even fainting. Have they checked that?

Q: Describe your simple partial seizures – epilepsy patients?
The most common symptoms are deja vu, bad smells etc etc What feeling do you get from these seizures, that is grantide you have epilespy. Tell me about your experiences and also even the average person will have a couple of these episodes in their lifetime. I had a corrective craniotomy for epilepsy but still have simple partial seizures or auras. My main thing are the olfactory hallucinations, dam I hate those. I don’t take any meds no more because it seems the side effects are worse than the dam seizures. Also have you found a medication that stops these where the side effect are not as worse as the episodes themselves? Thank you in advance

A: I can’t remember the first tie it happened, but it has been a while. Probably since I was around 5-sih.

When my eyes close the room feels like it’s huge and my mouth is full of cotton. As well my hands feel very puffy. I have numbers goping through my head very fast..12345 12345 12345 12345 12345 12345…. and it lasts about 2 minutes even though I feel like it goes on forever. What really helps is when somebody puts thier hand on me and rubs me a little bit. It gives me a sense of distance back, so that the room does not feel like the grand hall. When I open my eyes everything is out of focus for a while but returns soon enough.

I never knew what this was until about a year ago.. My doctor told me that it’s a form of seizure. What disturbs me is that I have been having them all my life then, even whwn I was a little boy.

Disturbing. The last one I had about a week ago was the largest one I have ever had, it came with my body twitching out of my own control.

Q: Do you have seizures or epilepsy ?
What kind of seizures do you have ? Can you describe them ? What are they like ? What kind of medicines do you take ? Do you find that you are discriminated against because of your condition ? If so how do you handle it ? Are there any new cures for epilepsy ? What kind of medicines do you take ?
=======
Please only serious answers.

A: I have had epilepsy since I was 7 years old, for the past 23 years. I have had tonic-clonic and absence seizures. The tonic-clonic seizures are the ones that cause loss of consciousness and convulsions for a couple minutes and the absence seizures are the ones where you blank out for a little while, like you’re daydreaming.
I take Tegretol and Neurontin for my seizures and 3 years ago I also had Vagus Nerve Stimulator surgery. The VNS is basically a pacemaker for the brain, it sends a jolt of electricity up through the vagus nerve to the brain to keep the brain on a steady beat.
I never was really discriminated against because of my epilepsy, but that is mainly because as soon as I knew exactly what it was I made sure everyone I knew was educated about it to. Information is the only way to clear up prejudices which are caused by fears and misunderstandings.
There are cures for some epileptics but not all epileptics. Some can cure their epilepsy through brain surgery if the doctors can tell where in the brain the seizures originate. Some people are lucky enough to actually outgrow their epilepsy. Others are just stuck with medicine for the rest of their lives.

Q: Has anyone heard of seizures that are not epilepsy but can be bought on by anxiety/panic disorder?
My son is having regular seizures – not epilepsy – very traumatic to witness, is hospitalised each time. Has had 2 major episodes that have involved us being flown out as we live remote – had all tests = all clear. no drugs involved. latest theory is panic/anxiety disorder…..can anyone help me with more infor or good websites? Thanks with love

A: google it, plenty to look at….t

Q: Can I join the Navy with a history of a couple seizures but no epilepsy?
I am now 21 years old, and years ago I had a couple seizures. I got checked out each time, took all kinds of expensive tests, and each doctor reached the same conclusion that I had no neurological disorders, nor did they put me on any medication. They said that I had a nasty reaction with some medication (anti-depressants) I was on at the time, which I haven’t taken in years and have had no problems since then. Would this disqualify me from enlisting?

A: as long as seizures are from isolated incidents (heat injury, reaction to meds, etc) then they are not a disqualifying factor. the anti depressants are more likely to be an issue than the seizures, but that really boils down to WHY you were on them and how you are NOW. if you dont have any psych issues, you should be fine. might still need to get a waiver, but its doable.

Q: If somebody has seizures due to a certain medical illness would it still be called epilepsy?
If somebody had seizures due to a condition like Lupus or a brain injury would it still be considered epilepsy?

A: Epilepsy is the occurrence of 2 or more “UNPROVOKED” seizures. Once that happens a person is diagnosed as having epilepsy. If a person has more than one seizure due to a tumor etc, then they are diagnosed as having secondary epilepsy.

Q: my husband suffer from chronic epilepsy seizures?
my husband is the only person in the family who was born with this problem only him nobody else in his family has this problem i mean his brothers are healthy his aunts 2 his uncle 2 his parents 2 and his grandparents 2 all of these people are healthy.thank u for ur help.
so my question is what could cause the problem with him that he was born like that what can it be?

A: The prevalence of active epilepsy is roughly in the range 5–10 per 1000 people. Up to 5% of people experience non febrile seizures at some point in life; epilepsy’s lifetime prevalence is relatively high because most patients either stop having seizures or (less commonly) die of it. Epilepsy’s approximate annual incidence rate is 40–70 per 100,000 in industrialized countries and 100–190 per 100,000 in resource-poor countries; socioeconomically deprived people are at higher risk. In industrialized countries the incidence rate decreased in children but increased among the elderly during the three decades prior to 2003, for reasons not fully understood.

Q: seizures……………………..?
I would like to know people who have seizures i started having seizures about 4 yrs ago it was really scary for me i would like to know how people who have them how do they deal with them.Thank god i have seizures once a year.I would gladly appreaciate your stories =)

A: Gabby,

Always sorry to find yet another person who must deal with seizures; help anyway I can.

I personally have had a few different types of Epileptic seizures, for the moment or until you say otherwise, I assume your question and your seizures are Epilepsy related.

I vaguely recall my first few years (seizures) though recall quite well the desire to speak with those who also go through what I was going through.

In my opinion, my story alone is not that helpful, whereas my suggesting a few sites (ones I used) would be exactly what you are looking for.

As a resource:

http://www.epilepsyontario.org/client/EO/EOWeb.nsf/web/General+Information

For resources, reading and conversing with others who are dealing with seizures (forums and resources):

http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=144

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=11

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/epilepsy/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=1

http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/

These sites have been the tools that have helped me more than any one person ever could.

I have an absence seizure and or simple partial seizure as often as every day though most often three days out of nine, thankfully my complex partials ‘appear’ to be controlled; currently controlled. Tonic-Clonic Seizures have not returned making it five years of control for me.

How I deal with them, hard question to answer simply as that varies depending on the situation. The most important lesson was learning what might trigger seizures for me, and therefore what to stay away from or how to protect myself when in those situations. Learning these adaptations took years and I learned most of it from those websites I mention above (or at least they gave me direction).

One thing you need to hear (supportive), how many seizures someone has is not how the forums typically compare, for that matter most often they do not (compare) as that is not logical; one or a hundred, in either case, to many and hard to adjust life around.

Personally, I am beginning to suspect ‘more frequent seizures’ can be less scary because you do not adjust as (((you))) must.

If you feel I can help further, feel free to send an email to me, it would be my pleasure to help. Just know that I am slow to respond.

toad

Q: Seizures??
Could a person who has a history of seizures develop a seizure by not eating enough or not sleeping enough?

A: you sure could, these are two big reasons you would have one. diet and sleep both effect health directly, and stress to the body and mind.

Q: How does epileptic seizures affect the heart?
I have seizures about every week and it has been going on for 1-2 years. My mom says that I need to step up and take more charge of treating them. I’ve had one seizure a week for almost a year. Should I also be concerned with other symptoms that can affect my body? I have been having problems controlling my hands, written and some verbal dyslexia, and constantly tired. What part of my brain is this affecting and what do I do?

A: Epilepsy does not cause long term effects on the heart. During a seizure your heart rate can increase, but this is temporary. Your epilepsy is not well controlled if you are having seizures every week. Poorly controlled epilepsy can be associated with status epilepticus, which is potentially life threatening. Status epilepticus could also lead to permanent brain damage. It is defined as a single unremitting seizure with duration longer than 5 to 10 minutes or frequent clinical seizures without an interictal return to the baseline clinical state. It can occur if antiepileptic medications are discontinued abruptly. I am not saying this will happen in your case, but for this reason you need to make sure you follow your Neurologists instructions and take your medications. It is hard to say what part of the brain is affected in your case without knowing the type of seizures you are having. The other symptoms you are describing, such as fatigue may or may not be related to Epilepsy. You need to discuss this with your Neurologist and work with him/her to control your epilepsy better. Good luck.

Q: Can I start having seizures from playing video games?
I recently fainted while eating at a restaurant. I read about seizures, and it seemed I might have had one. I had a strong headache before it. Is it possible that a video games may be the cause of this? Also, why would this happen now to me and not years before.

A: Video games won’t cause you to start having them. I’d say that you played video games long enough your eyes got fatigued, causing the headache which made your blood pressure drop suddenly which is what causes fainting. Especially when you’re eating, because you start absorbing sugars and such which effects your body chemistry. Not to mention your vagus nerve controls breathing, blood pressure, and the sensation of if you’re hungry or not. So that was being stimulated too. I’d say it was all the wrong triggers at just the right time. You fainted. I would be more concerned about your thyroid if that’s happening. That can cause blood pressure issues, headaches, and fainting.

Q: How effective is Carbamazepine in preventing generalised seizures?
2nd go here at finding an answer. It’s shouldn’t be a difficult question, after all it’s prescribed to prevent seizures, so how effective is it? I would have thought it would have been the first question asked when prescribed any drug. How effective is it? I’ll put it another way, if 100 children are prescribed this drug how many of them are likely to stop having seizures? None of the UK epilepsy charities can answer the question, the drug company won’t tell me and the consultant won’t give a straight answer.

A: Try these links…hopefully they will help you find your answer.

I googled “effectiveness of Carbamazepine for seizures”

Good luck!

Q: What can cause a perfectly normal healthy dog to start having seizures?
My parents have a toy poodle she is 6 years old. She was always healthy and playful. Then suddenly she started having seizures about 3 months ago. The vet said the seizures were being caused by pet treats. The treats were immediatly stopped and thrown away. But she continues to have the seizures. They are coming more often, lasting longer, and seem to be getting stronger and more violent. We no longer think they were caused by the treats. What else could be causing the seizures?

A: A sudden onset of seizures in an otherwise healthy dog could be several things. It could be some sort of poison the dog ingested, but with most things you would see other signs in addition to the seizures and it probably wouldn’t go on for 3 months. Some bloodwork including some specialized assays for toxins would be useful to rule this out. It could also be a sudden onset of epilepsy, although this is usually recognized at an earlier age i believe. Epilepsy is basically a seizure without any evident structural problem in the brain, and can usually be controlled at least for a little while with medication. Another option considering the age of the dog (i know 6 years isn’t that old for a small dog but it isn’t exactly young either) is some sort of brain tumor, which if still growing would explain the worsening of signs. Some brain tumors are operable in dogs, but it can be expensive. The only way to tell is by getting an MRI or CT scan. Nobody on here can tell you exactly why the dog is seizuring – your best bet is asking your vet and possibly getting a refferal to a university clinic or someone specializing in neurology if that is an option. In the meantime, i hope that your vet has given you some medication for the seizures such as phenobarbital or potassium bromide. FYI, alternative medicine like acupuncture often has very good results in treating seizures, assuming there is no structural problem such as a tumor.

Q: Can emotional stress trigger seizures in a dog?
My dog has been diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy and even though he is in medication, he still has severe seizures, some lasting almost one hour, which makes us run to the vet’s. I have noticed that he normally has seizures after either going thru emotional stress or intense physical activity, such as running on the park, or long walks. Is it possible that these are triggering the seizures or is it just a coincidence?
Any suggestions or tips on how to cope with this? How to avoid it?

A: It could. I came across this one article on another chat site where they were talking about how what kind of food can contribute to seizures. It makes a lot of sense.

http://board.dogchannel.com/Topic51065-36-1.aspx

Q: What is the likelihood of a neurologist diagnosing a person with seizures if your eeg’s are normal?
I had a head injury and have exhibited some kind of partial seizure symptoms since falling, my eeg’s were normal and now I am going in for a sleep deprived eeg. If it is normal can they still diagnose seizure? I am afraid of losing my drivers license and don’t want that to be diagnosed with seizures.

A: what

Q: I want to adopt a dog with seizures what is the average cost for medicine?
My husband and I are look at adopting a 3-year old Corgi/Basenji cross who has recently been diagnosed with seizures. I have read a little about the possible medications for the dog, but i’m looking to find out what the average costs are associated with these medications. Any help you could provide would be so helpful.

A: Many epileptic drugs are not expensive. Phenobarbitol is pennies per day, and even the addition of potassium bromide it is still quite inexpensive.
Though, the blood tests that need to be run periodically to check levels are expensive– so you have to get all the information on the use of the drugs.

Q: What is the difference between primary generalized seizures and partial seizures?
I know that there are types of seizures defined under each category, but is there any underlying commonalities between the two? Specific traits to tell the difference? Something common between all the seizures under either type? Thanks!

A: What is the difference between primary generalized seizures and partial seizures? another way for a doctor to say he/she has no clue…..

Q: What video games are most likely to cause epileptic seizures?
I have a friend who is prone to epileptic seizures while playing video games. What games should I avoid to ensure a safe, but fun time with my mate?

A: games with flashing lights. sounds won’t do it but flashing lights and flashing scenes will be a trigger.

Q: If someone has seizures would they be able to be a flight attendant?
If someone gets the kind of seizures that only go on for about 10 or 15 seconds would they be able to be a flight attendant.

Does it depend on the airline it is.

Thank you.

A: It’s definitely not a good idea– F/As need to be totally healthy to do the jobs they do… even if your seizures only last a few seconds, there’s always the possibility that something could happen in the middle of the flight, requiring an emergency landing, or in the middle of an emergency procedure. Other than these extreme occurances, F/A seizures could unsettle and disrupt the passengers. No airline in the aviation industry will want to have that as a liability… sorry. I’m sure you could get positions in administration or possibly groundstaff, though

Q: How to transport a dog with a history of seizures?
I have a three year old lab and I am moving from Alaska to Florida. He has seizures and the thought of him flying stresses me a little bit. I can drive from Seattle to Florida but I can’t drive the Alcan highway this time of year. What do I need to do to fly him for four hours?

A: This is something that you’re going to need to discuss with your vet, and also whoever coordinates animal transport within the airport and airline.

You say he has a ‘history of seizures’. Is he currently on medication (e.g. phenobarb or KBr) to control the seizures? If so, is he stable on his medication? When did he last have his drug levels measured? How long since he has had a seizure?

If his condition is well controlled, I think honestly that he should be okay. If he’s on phenobarb, you’re probably giving him a dose twice a day, so as long as nothing disrupts his medication and feeding schedules I don’t think it’s going to be a huge problem for him. If his seizures aren’t under good control, it might be a different matter.

Don’t give him any additional drugs, despite what the ‘Advanced Animal Linguist’ is trying to tell you…

As I say, talk it over with your vet. I’m sure something can be worked out so that he will be safe. Good luck with your move.

Q: How many people have dogs and there dogs have seizures?
How many of you have a dog or dogs with seizures?

A: i have a dog who has seizures

Q: What could be causing seizures and memory problems?
My friends dad is having seizures and was recently discovered doing random activities at night with no recollection of having done them. He was hard to wake this morning and has no memory of having visited his daughter all day yesterday. Any information as to why this could be happening will be greatly appreciated. He has seen doctors and they say it’s some kind of post traumatic stress disorder, but nothing they are doing is helping. Each episode gets worse!

A: Please tell your friend her dad needs to see a good neurologist.
PTSD does not cause seizures!
ptsd can cause lots of things, including behavior as if they are somewhere else, loss of memory esp when they act like it’s another time, place.

Seizure can be caused by many factors – head trauma, congenital (from birth) defect, or imbalanced electrolytes (sodium, chlorides, potassium etc).
Seizure – if it’s a classic seizure – will cause drowsiness & lethargy afterward.

Only neurologist can determine cause and treatment!
If he has PTSD and it’s from war, he needs to go to nearest VA clinic (not hospital, but clinic if possible!).

http://www1.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1

Q: seizure???
Last night my boyfriend was in the bathroom and had a seizure and blacked out for a couple seconds. He’s never had a seizure before. he has an osteo-condroma on the back of his neck but i don’t know if that would have anything to do with it. What could cause a random seizure like that. he fell down and chipped a tooth on the bath tub. Any ideas?

A: Some people have a siezure and never have any again- and no one knows why.
Some people start to have them about 20-25 years old.
Also, my cousin had them in her sleep for years but didn’t know – then she started having grand mal siezures about age 22.
Does he have mornings where its totally hard to wake him up and he feels like he’s really slow in the brain, or if his pillow is ever totally soaked with drool?
That could be seizures – he can go see a specialist, but they can only measure seizures when you actually have them, so sometimes it’s hard for docs to know what’s going to happen – if it happens again, he needs to get some meds so he doesn’t have them when driving or something.
Good luck

Q: Seizure???
My 9 week puppy was sleeping a second ago. He started shaking and trying to cry like eh eh eh. And at first I thought he was dreaming but his eyes were open! They were’nt the hiccups because he has the hiccups before and they were different. Is this a seizure?

A: Even though his eyes are open he could still be asleep.. my dog was actually just doing this….

but if not….

first check his coloring and refill rate (press on his gums to see how fast the pink coloring comes back) the pinker the better. If it doesn’t refill fast it’s because he is not getting enough oxygen. Have someone hold the dog while you DRIVE TO THE VET!

Just see if you can sit him up and wake up….

if not…. VET NOW!

Q: How do seizure dogs now about a seizure before it happens?
I read a piece in a magazine and the person says that they got a dog specially trained to know when they are about to have a seizure.
How does the dog know this is going to happen?

A: My little grandson suffers from Tuberous Sclerosis, a rare disorder that causes severe epileptic fits. My daughter’s little Border terrier has never been trained, but reacts whenever he is going to have a fit, by jumping off the sofa, and running around in mad circles. My daughter is pre-warned, that a fit is coming, and is therefore prepared.Recently, she was in my house with my grandson, and my great stupid lump started acting strangely, by running around eratically, and howling. A few seconds later, the little lad had a fit. My grandson’s specialist was told about this behaviour, and he was thrilled, as they had been discussing a seizure dog amongst the hospital staff. They reckon epileptic people emit a scent, just before a seizure, and the dog picks up a scent that is unfamiliar to them, causing them to react strangely.

Q: I take seizure medication after having brain surgery that removed a malignant tumor. I am suppose to have a?
I am suppoes to have a brain scan every year to see if any of the tumor has recurred. I have decided to not have anymore brain scans for reasons that is too much to explain on this site.
My question is this, because i don’t want anymore brain scans can that cause a doctor to no longer renew my seizure medication prescription. I still would like to get the seizure medication, i’m just wondering if the brain scans is connected to the seizure medication?

A: Your doctor can stop your medication refills, but I don’t see why he would right away. For what ever reason you decided to cut the yearly scan, you should consider scans every other year. Discuss with your doctor that you would still like to continue the medication. But if you don’t need the medicine, you shouldn’t be taking it. Seizure meds , especially Dilantin, have a boat load of yucky side effects. The brain scans are really essential in detecting if cancer is returning. If your scan appears clear, then the meds might be discontinued. the meds were given to you after surgery because surgery is tramatic and stressful to the body, and the stress from that alone can cause a seizure.

Q: How does a seizure appear during anesthesia?
How does a seizure manifest itself while under general anesthesia, and while paralyzed? Maybe elevated HR, etCO2? I had a surgeon ask me and I realize that the anesthetics we give raise the seizure threshold, but if a seizure were to occur how would we know?

A: The truth is, in a paralyzed patient, we probably wouldn’t know if they seized. Look at ECT patients – unless you isolate a limb from the sux, there really isn’t any sign of a seizure except a bit of increase in BP in some of them.

Anesthetics raise the seizure threshold, making them less likely to occur. I’ve treated seizures in (unparalyzed) patients a few times, and in an OR nurse once. It’s why I like to have Pentothal handy – it works like a charm.

I haven’t used processed EEG monitoring in ages, so I can’t help with speculation there. I don’t know what a seizure would do to a BIS tracing…

Increases in BP, HR and CO2 can have many etiologies, and seizure activity isn’t at the top of the list of diagnoses. It is also difficult to tell a post-ictal state from a groggy post-anesthetic state, so you might not be able to tell afterward.

Good question.

Q: What type of seizure is suggested by these clinical manifestations?
A 65-year-old man develops involuntary shaking of his right arm that spreads to the face, after which he collapses with whole body shaking and loss of consciousness. After 1 minute, the shaking stops and he is confused and disoriented.

What type of seizure is suggested by these clinical manifestations?

A: Secondarily generalized

….meaning it starts focally and then spreads to a generalized tonic/clonic

Q: How does a Seizure service dog know that their owner is going to have a seizure?
How does a Seizure service dog know that their owner is going to have a seizure?

A: No one knows for sure, though theories abound. The most popular theory is that they detect small biochemical changes in the blood stream by scent. This is probably the most popular theory because we all know a dog’s sense of smell is several thousand times better than ours and they can detect a great many things we cannot. However, I suspect that if this were the case researchers would have been able to identify the chemical in question.

Some think the dogs are able to detect the electrical activity, much as sharks are able to detect electrical activity. However, scientists have identified the organ (the white line) used by sharks to detect electrical activity. I would think they would have found such an organ in dogs as well if it existed.

Personally, I think the dog is recognizing minute changes in behavior. We know that dogs are very good at subtle body language. Perhaps they are seeing very tiny tremors we don’t notice. Dogs are much more attuned to tiny movements and expressions than we humans are because this is their primary mode of communication.

I do know that the ability to alert to seizures is not breed dependent. I know from a study in Canada that about 15% of dogs are naturally able to alert, and that the selection criteria used to pick service dog candidates is partially able to select for this ability because the rate among service dogs goes up to 50%. I have myself had some success in selecting candidates who later alerted based on how they observe and problem solve. In talking to others who also work with training dogs who happen to seizure alert, this is what I’m hearing from them as well.

Q: What possible ways are their to get a seizure or to get epilepsy?
I get nagged all the time for getting a seizure form using the computer or a lot or anything, and my family thinks you can get a seizure from anything. I would like to know some possible ways how to get epilepsy and or a seizure. Thanks!

A: Thankfully seizures are not like the common cold.
ACHOO!
Oh crap your’e gonna catch a seizure! LOL!
Seizures can be induced from high fevers ( it’s the brain frying out), head injuries ( or tumors), and from those who suffer from epilepsy (or other seizure disorders).
If you don’t have epilepsy then the likelihood of you seizing up because of flashing lights or computer screens is pretty much nil.
Even those WITH epilepsy may not seize up when exposed to flashing lights and the like ( my daughter is epileptic and does fine with flashing lights…..her seizures fall under the classification of “oops boss we dunno WHAT causes her to seize up).

Seizures are just extra electrical brain activity that sort of short out the rest of the system. There are many types of seizures ( from small little zoning out and staring fits to all out gran mals that people see on TV shows and the like).
Again unless you have a seizure disorder then there really is little to worry about it. If your parents are that worried about it then they can take you into a neurologist for testing ( which is painless and entails things like being hooked up to a machine that reads your brain waves for starters).

Good Luck!

Q: What are the effects of having a seizure? Whats some of the normal after effects?
My husband had a seizure about 3 weeks ago and he still isn’t normal. He is having really bad memory problems and hearing voices in his sleep. I really am worried. He is not epilectic, he had a seizure because he didnt take his anxiety medicine for 3 days. Are these type of seizures different than an epilectic seizure? I know for sure that he had what they call a grand mal seizure but, the doctors wouldn’t say much.

A: Different people suffer many different ways before, during and after seizures. For example, My sister-in-law used to just suddenly tense up, fall to the ground, and start trembling…and then she’d wake up feeling like nothing happened (as long as she didn’t injure herself falling, of course). Whereas I feel drowsy and have lots of small dizzy spells for days beforehand, then I’ll have a longer spell where I’ll either black out or be awake and simply incapable of understanding things, and then I’ll have dizzy spells for days afterward.

I had a grand mal seizure when I was 5, and I basically just slept for 4 days afterward in the hospital. I didn’t suffer any physical or mental damage. Ever since then, I’ve been on medication, and have had petite seizures off and on depending on my level of stress and whether or not I’ve kept up on my medication.

Now, my sister-in-law on the other hand, didn’t have epilepsy. She had some sort of problem with her heart (I THINK it was her heart), and her seizures only started after she had a surgery for it, and then she stopped having them after they basically went back in and re-did the surgery. She never suffered any injuries from her seizures either.

Most of the time, the seizure itself doesn’t do any damage to a person’s brain or body…the only damage they suffer is a result of something happening to them when they have it (i.e. having one while driving and crashing).

The only memory loss I’ve ever experienced has been forgetting what happened during my seizure. Based on my own experience and what my doctors have told me over the years, I don’t believe that memory loss and hearing voices is a normal symptoms of my kind of seizures. My guess is that him hearing voices in his sleep has something to do with his anxiety medicine; he wasn’t taking it for seizures, right? Hearing voices can be a symptom of anxiety, and missing 3 days worth of pills is enough to show symptoms.

With that in mind, I suggest you go back to the doctor. It is completely unexceptable for “the doctors not to say much.” He is suffering from something, and you are his wife. Both of you have every right to ask questions and understand what the problem is. If the doctor continues to not answer your questions, then find another doctor and have him retrieve all the information from this current doctor.

Q: Why is it important to take your seizure medicine?
Why is it important to take your seizure medicine?
Why is it important to take your seizure medicine?
Maybe I do not want to take it.

A: blank, you know the answer to this question. no reasonable person is going to tell you to do anything but take your meds. if you are epileptic and have anti seizure meds – your life is better with meds. if you are a driver on the road – as a fellow driver who almost always is with my kids, i DEMAND you take them.
my uncle was epileptic. i saw what happened to him when he forgot to take his meds. i also saw what happened to his car when he forgot.

Q: What’s the difference between what a seizure feels like and what passing out feels like?
Last night I either passed out or had a seizure, but I’m not sure which. I’ve never had a seizure in my life so I’m not sure what they feel like. A detailed description would be awesome. Thanks.

A: My seizures usually feel like I’m just dazing off (staring into space) and sometimes I’ll fall asleep for a few minutes (or atleast it’ll feel that way). I can usually tell when I’m going to have one because I’ll start feeling light-headed a few days before and the light-headedness will come and go for about a week. I’ll feel pretty tired when I’m actually about to have one.

When I say “I’ll fall sleep, or atleast it feels that way”, I mean that when the seizure is over, it seems to me like I’m just coming out of a daze/daydream or waking up from a nap, and my husband will ask me about something we JUST did/said/saw and I won’t remember.

It’s a lot easier for me to be sure that it was a seizure (as opposed to me just taking a nap) if there’s someone else there. My husband knows when I’m having one because he says I get a little stiff and tense (some people will tense it a lot, some won’t at all), and he’ll try talking to me…I mumble back. He says I also make a specific noise and that’s his real assurance that it’s not just me in my sleep (lol, his description is “fleum”).

I don’t remember ever just passing out, so I can’t compare the feelings. If there are any other details that you’re just leaving out in your question, you should take it to your doctor and ask him. He may refer you to a neurologist and have you take some tests like an EEG and an MRI scanning…they’ll observe your brain and try to see if there are any abnormalities.

I recommend keeping a journal until and even after you see your doctor. The MRI and EEGs only test you at that moment, and just because they don’t see anything then doesn’t mean you don’t have anything going on at other times. So keep a journal and take notes of any strange feelings you may have. Also take notes on your emotional and physical feelings: days you’ve felt stressed out, days that have been extremely hot and if you felt different then. Stress is a definite driver for seizures if you have epilepsy.

Q: How can I recognize a seizure in my new puppy?
We just got a basset hound puppy that has shaken violently a few times, but only when she is sleeping. It honestly doesn’t seem like a seizure to me, I think she is just dreaming. But, I would like to know some tips on recognizing one. Thanks!
We already have a vet appt in a few days.

A: Dreams often have grunts and other “symptoms” to them that can confuse them with a seizure. Even frothy drool has fallen from my dogs mouth during a dream. The easiest was to tell is to wake them, but waking a sleeping dog is not always a good idea. It’s before they realize you are their parent, and adult dogs have been put down for biting people when they were awoken suddenly. Calling the pups name, squeaking a toy or crinkling a bag of treats might be enough to get your puppy up and at ‘um again.

Seizures can usually be detected by using a brainwave scanner, but the puppy would need to be having one to read. A vet may be able to scan certain spots on the dogs brain where there are regions of known seizure activity in dogs, but the answer you’ll probably get is “just a dream”. But you are a good parent with a appointment already scheduled.

Q: What to do during a dog’s seizure and what is the cost of medication?
My 3 year old lab had two seizures in March of this year (really weak, not diagnosed). Yesterday my wife and I noticed he was having one. I rubbed him down and talked to him during the seizure until it went away (3-5 minutes). What else can I do? I know I have to take him to the vet and most likely get him medicated. How much money are we looking at?

A: my dog had seizures and all i could do for her is sit and pat her and let her know i was there.

Its very sad to watch it happen to them

I the end the seizures did kill her

I just found this info if its any good

During the Seizure:

- Some dogs are light or sound sensitive during seizure episodes. Try dimming the lights and keeping phones at a distance from the dog.

- Keep old towels or baby diapers handy to catch urine if your dog urinates during seizures.

- Some human epileptics say they have an easier time if the seizure is allowed to run its course. Calling the dog’s name to bring them out of the seizure may not be the best thing for your dog. Try it each way and see which is more comfortable for your particular dog’s seizure.

- A fan blowing on the dog, or rubbing the feet and belly with cool water may help cool the dog down. Of course, in any case should the dog seem to be overheating due to repeated seizures or not coming out of a seizure -IMMEDIATELY bring the dog to/or contact a vet since overheating can be very dangerous.

- Many dogs are confused and even blind right after a seizure. Keep the dog in a safe area where they cannot fall down stairs or hurt themselves.

- Keep a careful journal of the seizures. As soon as possible write down the exact time the dog started to seizure and the time the seizure ended. A stop watch or watch with a second hand can be helpful. After the seizure is over and you have time – write down all circumstances surrounding the seizure, such as unusual food eaten, activities that happened during the previous day, medications or vaccinations recently given. A detailed journal can be helpful when bringing your dog to a new vet or neurologist.

- Be prepared to transport a dog that cannot stand up and walk, or is even in the middle of a seizure. Hard plastic children’s sleds can be used to carry or drag the dog to the car. A heavy blanket folded can also act as a stretcher. If you are alone with a very heavy/large seizing dog, call the vets office for instructions. Depending on where you live you may want to try calling the police for help in getting the dog into the car if no one else is available.

Safety:

- Seizure proofing your home is important since most of us cannot be there to watch our dogs at all times. Seizures may occur when the dog is home alone. Many people crate their dogs while they are not there. An airline type crate (Vari-Kennel or Furrari) minimizes the chances of the feet getting caught up in the wires.

- While crating, or even when leaving the dog home alone, make sure the dog is not wearing a collar (especially with tags) that could get caught while the dog is thrashing. Choking can result.

- Some people make a special room for the epileptic dog, clearing out any objects/furniture that may injure the dog during a seizure. Crating or making a ‘doggy room’ may be the best idea should you have a ‘catapulting dog’, that is one that throws itself across the room during seizures.

- Never leave an epileptic dog alone near any water deep enough to drown in. If you need to, investigate getting a doggy lifevest for your dog.

- If you are concerned about your dog seizing while swimming, doggie life vests are available.

- Protection or separation may need to be considered in multiple dog households. A seizing dog can trigger the ‘pack’ instinct in which an injured animal on the ground is attacked. Monitor your dogs until you know their reactions to the seizing dog.

- Baby gates can be invaluable to block off stairways or confine the dog to a certain room.

- Be careful of leaving windows open should you have a dog that spends time near one. Screen windows can easily fall out of the framing as well as your dog.

- Prop a large piece of styrofoam insulation against a sliding glass door if you are afraid of your dog hitting against it.

- Buy a new or used baby alert monitor to ‘hear’ your dog if he sleeps in a different part of the home. Just put the receiver part in your bedroom -this may help you sleep better if you are constantly trying to ‘listen’ to hear if the dog is all right.

- If you really want to know what happens when you are not home, buy a voice activated tape recorder. It only records when significantly loud noise is heard. This will not only let you know if your dog has seized, but if he has been barking all day. Some also videotape their dog during the time they are gone. They then fast forward thru the tape to see if anything unusual has happened during the day.

- Keep phone numbers to your vet and all emergency vet hospitals near all phones. 2:00 a.m. in the morning is not he time to decide if your dog is in status and then figure out what to do. Drive by the emergency vet so you know exactly where it is. When traveling, get emergency numbers in advance or immediately find the hospital nearest you when you arrive. Keep the number handy at all times.

- An ID tag on a lost epileptic dog is very important. It’s scary enough to think of a lost dog, but a lost dog without medications is even worse. Medical alert tags are available at most pharmacies, pet supply catalogs or from your vet. It can even be engraved and worn with your dog’s regular tags.

- Train all your dogs for basic obedience. You may need it someday if you are walking multiple dogs and your epileptic seizures. The situation would be much easier if the other dogs will obey a sit or down stay.

Q: What happens to your brain and body during a seizure?
I have had a seizure disorder my whole life. I had brain surgery a few years ago to stop them, but I get them now and then. I’ve been on many meds, but can somebody tell me what happens to your brain and body when a seizure is happening?

A: When you get a seizure, the neurons in your brain start firing at unpredictable intervals, thus making you do and think things that aren’t normal, and that are sometimes hazardous.

Q: What do you experience during a seizure?
During a full on seizure or mini ones, what happens in your head leading up to during and afterwards. I heard it’s different for everyone.

A: There are many types of seizures. Some are as simple as staring out into space, some involve only one limb and others may produce unconsciousness and jerking movements. The last are call grand mal seizures. Before one of these a person may have some sort of aura- either- a flash of light, funny smell, a faint feeling, but it will become known to them.

There are also triggers which can cause a seizure. These may be:
a blow to the head, stress, injury, or inheritance.

For more information see www.Epilepsy.com or google this subject.

Also, it is rude to call seizures, “fits” and after one the person may need to sleep for a long period of time and may be confused so be kind.