What kind of Epilepsy does my Wife have?

She was diagnosed with absence seizures at age 11. Medications were prescribed to her but to no avail. At age 21 she began having bigger seizures, some consist of convulsions, foaming of the mouth, while other seizures consist of her head turning to the right and her arms going up in the air for about 30-45 seconds. She is completely unaware and unresponsive during these episodes. She is also continuing to have at least 10-15 absence seizures a day as well. We have tried at least 8 different medications and 3 different doctors......................Could someone out there please help us?!!!!!!!!!!

If 3 different doctors haven't been able to explain your wife's diagnosis and obtain seizure control, we sure as heck can't do that here. LOL!

Your description sounds as though your wife is suffering generalized seizure disorder. Absence seizures, tonic-clonic ("grand mal") are in that category. The other seizure briefly described *could* be a complex partial seizure. That's for the doctor explain.

Unfortunately, obtaining seizure control can be real tough. I've had epilepsy for about 35 years- and have been on many medications, combos, dosages, you name it. It can be extremely frustrating, I know. ((hugs)) There are some surgical options: http://www.webmd.com/surgical-options . I can't recall or explain them all, check out the link.

Avoid and/or limit seizure triggers: lights sounds or smells, stress, alcohol, sleep deprivation, excess caffeine. If you aren't working with an epileptologist (preferably at a top 25 epilepsy treatment center- such as Mayo Clinic) get one! Your wife needs a doctor that she connects with. One that will look at all of her options. In order to determine the best option for her.

Clinical trials are a possibility, when you both are desperate to try whatever you have to, in order to gain control. Best of luck to you both!!

Have you ever been to your local Epilepsy Foundation. This will often turn out to be a one stop solution for people like your wife. I work for The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida & can tell you from personal experience that the difference that they can make in the life of someone suffering through seizures can be dramatic.

Have you spoken to anyone about Vagus Nerve Stimulator. This is a pacemaker like device that is inserted in the chest (attached to the vagus nerve). It is really very helpful in many cases of intractable epilepsy reducing daily seizures by a large percentage.

Good luck to you.

It sounds like she has primary generalized seizures along with absence seizures. primary generalized are also referred to as Grand Mal/Tonic Clonic seizures. I have Grand mal seizures. I havent experienced too many absence seizures. I have had petit mals though. Try to find an Epileptologist in your area. You can locate a doctor in your area at www.epilepsy.com. She could possibly benefit from a VEEG. (video eeg)

do u really think that after THREE doctors, some random on yahoo! Answers is gunna know?

I have epilepsy. The problem I have had with neurologists is they in my opionion (at least the ones I have had) don't really know what they are talking about. My doctors don't know what kind of epilepsy I have or how I became epileptic, but I have been on a medication that works really well. It's called carbatrol. Ask your doctor about it. I have had small siezures, but I havent had a big siezure in years. I have had one just by missing 1 pill. That's how bad I have it. If you have to switch doctors, so be it. I have had 3 doctors and I am switching again. I guess the best advice I can give is keep switching neurologists until you get the problem solved also, if she has another bad one even though she might loose her drivers lisense, take her to the hospitol. Have them refer you to someone and they can also give advice. To be honest I have had more anwers to my questions with doctors in the ER verses primary or those in neurology. Good luck and I hope she gets well!