Petit mal....to grande??ADVICE PLEASE!

[lou74]

Hi,I've been aware since my teens that I can be prone to petit mal attacks on very rare occasions.It's always linked to lack of sleep,stress or alcohol(sometimes all three together)But it was so rare and minimal that I never worried about it.A few days ago I experienced a couple of small tremers after a late night out,but had a lot to do so I ignored them.Apparently resulting in a fall at home-I dont remember what happened as I was totally unconscious-and woke up in hospital having cracked my head on the floor&bitten my tongue badly.I'm in my 50s by the way.Of course I had a range of tests,all were fine.The doctor prescribed Keppra(which made me feel awful)I really do not want to take this drug-does one episode mean I must take this drug?I don't feel happy about it at all.Please give me some good advice!Unfortunately there are few people I can talk to about this.

[lou74]

Thanks so much for your feedback-I really appreciate it!

[melvinkathlene]

Yes you need second opinion if you are unaware of what exactly happened and all tests come back normal, eeg's,mri's.  The eeg should be done without meds and done in hospital under video monitoring. Many things can cause you to go unconscious not just seizures. Just because you were likely to have them as a young adult doesn't necessarly mean you will have them later. You need to be completely honest and recall everything you can about the evening which will be helpful to the doctor. I am sure you don't recall but maybe someone you know might know. Being on seizure meds and having your license taken away is awful!!! Good luck to you!

[lou74]

I only had one major episode,fell to the floor,bumped my head and was immediately knocked unconscious.So I have no recollection as to what it was like!I now have headaches and a horribly bitten tongue,but all my test results showed nothing.Why then should I take this medication?I guess I need a second opinion?It's really confusing!
I'm so sorry about your situation though.This is a terrible affliction!Take care of yourself.
xoxo

[melvinkathlene]

I was diagnosed with petit mal at the age of 19 after severe carbonmonoxide poisoning for 2 years I now have partial lobe seizures I am 43. I have been on 20 some pills all failed. I have to have brain surgery. I am on Keppra I hate it it's her last hope for me, it's not working. I understand. Did you have seizures and get diagnosed or exactly what happened? I understand you are prone to them but have you had a video monitoring eeg without meds? What are your seizures like?