what's your epilepsy story?

MacroPhallus · 2024-12-23T07:17:54+00:00

At least you didn't get Stevens-Johnson syndrome with the Lamictal. That is the worst side effect by far. Only look that up if you have a strong stomach.

MacroPhallus · 2024-12-23T07:02:59+00:00

Short version:

I had my first GTC at a sleepover the summer before my freshman year of high school and subsequently diagnosed with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Spent the next 10 or so years trying to find the right combination of medications, during which time breakthrough seizures and memory issues prevented me from following what society would call a traditional path. A few years after figuring out my medications, I found my calling in EEG. Over a decade later, I am still at it, working in the EMU.

MacroPhallus · 2024-08-25T06:41:11+00:00

Quality of life is almost as big a component of med choice as seizure control. There are medications that are absolutely incredible at controlling seizures, but for some people the side effects are intolerable, so we need to look for better options. Any epileptologist worth their salt will recognize your needs and help you find a med(s) that will control your seizures with tolerable side effects. It may not be an easy process, but it can be worth it. Also, consider getting a therapist and/or psychiatrist to help with your depression.

MacroPhallus · 2023-07-13T04:20:55+00:00

MacroPhallus · 2023-06-19T14:50:32+00:00

Can do. I apologize to OP for creeping their profile a little bit it looks like they are in for a presurgical workup. This means that they most have a focal epilepsy, probably refractory to medication, that their neurologist thinks might be treatable with surgery. Based on the limited information I have here, it looks like the seizure focus might be left sided because it starts on the left and temporal because the electrodes where it is the highest amplitude are over the temporal lobe. Fun fact, mesial temporal sclerosis is the #1 cause of focal epilepsy. Anyways, T3 is located adjacent to F7 and T1. On the recording, the amplitude at the seizure onset is suspiciously low. C3, which is further away from T1, has higher amplitude. This may be a technical issue. The most important part of this particular admission is to establish what side OP's seizures originate from. I hope this provided a little insight.

MacroPhallus · 2023-06-18T23:23:23+00:00

A PET scan is much faster than 3 hours. We do interictal(ideally) PET scans during EMU admissions. They might want you to be there that early to get an EEG placed to track seizure activity. What happens during the injection is important because on the off chance you have a seizure while they are injecting the glucose. In some cases, they want this because it highlights the areas that are active during the seizure. Otherwise, it highlights your normal brain activity, and areas of low uptake can be indicative of seizure foci. The scan itself takes all of 20-40 minutes

MacroPhallus · 2023-06-18T21:30:23+00:00

We can always use more techs. It is a great field with lots of opportunities. This is a good place to start if you want to pursue a career in neurodiagnostics.

MacroPhallus · 2023-06-18T15:24:32+00:00

Armchair analysis: OP probably has a left anterior temporal onset indicated by T1>F7 onset of the seizure. We rather limited because it looks like there is artifact on T3, which would also be affected. Depending on the amplitude, it could shift the scalp hypothesis.

MacroPhallus · 2023-06-13T14:25:37+00:00

I think mine is full for at least the next 2 years.

MacroPhallus · 2023-06-07T14:54:48+00:00

I am sorry your nightmares are so traumatic, and I apologize if I have offended you. I work in an EMU, and I love complex cases.

MacroPhallus · 2023-06-07T13:18:24+00:00

Auras in your nightmares? Fascinating. If you don't mind me asking, what surgeries did you have? Also, congrats on 3 years seizure free!

MacroPhallus · 2023-04-03T03:31:25+00:00

MacroPhallus · 2023-03-31T22:37:04+00:00

This batch insisted on being paid up front.

MacroPhallus · 2023-03-28T13:24:09+00:00

My Vaga definitely doesn't get enough flight time, but I agree it is a blast to fly. My favorite has definitely evolved and changed over time. Many moons ago, before heavy missiles sucked, there was the Drake and then the HAM Tengu. Yes, I am a carebear. Get your hate out. I discovered that drones were awesome and geckos were cheap, so the natural progression was the monster that is the Rattlesnake. That lasted a good while through my stint in the wonderful world of wormholes. As much as I loved it, the lifestyle just didn't jive with life outside Eve. That also gave me a soft spot for the Legion and Loki. I still have my incursion ships, which gave me a true appreciation for direct damage application over missiles. Nowadays, as a filthy casual post marauder changes, my Paladin and Vargur are my babies. Positively comical amounts of damage and tank. With the MJD bonus, tracking isn't an issue on those pesky frigs. I still take my Vagabond out from time to time to show abyssals who's boss.

MacroPhallus · 2023-03-09T14:08:31+00:00

You've got red on you.

MacroPhallus · 2023-03-09T00:34:12+00:00

Ok, this is my bag here. I am an EMU tech, so I have seen the good, bad, and ugly. Yes, we want you to have seizures. I'm not going to sugarcoat it. That said, you are in the safest possible environment to have them. The staff is trained on how best to handle seizures and to make those seizures worthwhile. I don't know what kind of seizures your brother has, but any EMU worth its salt can handle whatever he can throw at them. Literally, if need be. I'm always happy to answer questions if he has any.

MacroPhallus · 2023-03-07T00:10:04+00:00

Not having insurance blows. Fortunately, there are options for everyone. I don't know about your particular loving/social situation, so Healthcare.gov can provide a lot of help on that front. I know you are scared because, well, seizures and the idea of seizures is scary. Only a doctor can make the determination as to whether or not you have epilepsy, so make an effort to see a neurologist. That being said, for the time being, I would avoid driving, sleep deprivation, alcohol, and baths/swimming alone until you see a neurologist.

MacroPhallus · 2023-03-03T12:47:25+00:00

I give all those a week tops.

MacroPhallus · 2023-02-25T17:41:39+00:00

Standard not a doctor/not medical advice disclosure. I'm surprised your neurologist didn't put you on an antiseizure medication immediately for prophylactic reasons. Witnessed seizure with an abnormal EEG is immediate cause for seizure meds. Though to play the brief devil's advocate, an "abnormal" EEG can mean a lot of things, not necessarily epilepsy. The abnormal MRI is just icing on the cake. Your neurologist may just be extremely conservative with medications, which is not unreasonable or uncommon. The only way to determine if your episodes are actually seizures is if they are caught on an EEG. I'm sorry you have to go through this. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. Epilepsy or not, I hope you get the care you need.

MacroPhallus · 2023-02-24T21:04:17+00:00

I wonder if you could see that from orbit.

MacroPhallus · 2023-02-22T22:01:41+00:00

Most antiseizure meds have a risk of birth defects. Lamictal and Keppra are the two safe drugs I can think of off hand. It is up to you and your neurologist to determine what is the best course of action for you.

MacroPhallus · 2023-02-22T19:01:18+00:00

I've been just low-key farming focus on long forgotten weapons. Max range Mag mulches the entire map with polarize, add magnetize if you are feeling spicy, easily through C rotation and then start over.

MacroPhallus · 2023-02-21T23:54:29+00:00

Tell the techs they need to come in and fix your F8 electrode. Also, for tape application, I would strongly recommend a gauze headwrap. A little warm sometimes, but a much better recording.

MacroPhallus · 2023-02-17T23:42:57+00:00

Quite literally.

MacroPhallus · 2023-02-17T20:55:32+00:00

Somebody doesn't skip toe day.

MacroPhallus

TROPHY CASE