New to forum and would like to know if anyone has information on "Drop Attacks"?

Diseases & Conditions Epilepsy
1
Hello, I am new to the forum and would appreciate informationor adivce on Drop Attacks.  For the past couple years I have been having some health problems, starting with a possible mini - stroke. A month after this incident I started having what my doctor calls "Drop Attacks". I have had two abnormal EEG's but all blood tests, a cat scan, and an MRI has been normal.  I had a slight elevation in my homocystine level, but that is all.  I am 27 years old and never experienced any trouble before this. I have an episode at least once every day. I have been going to a neurologist and he has placed me on Tranxene. Yet, he has not officially diagnosed Epilepsy, I have no real idea what is wrong and it is difficult not knowing when I am suddenly going to fall. The only definite from the neurologist is that it is not related to blood pressure because I have these episodes sitting, lying down or standing. Thank you very much for taking the time to read.
2
I know the feeling of all of a sudden having health problems.  That's how my epilepsy started almost 10 years ago.  Not fun.  The only experience I had with drop attatcks, assuming I am understanding right, was when babysitting in high school.  Before I got epilepsy.  I remember it specifically because that is where I learned to make sure her face was turned so she could breath.  I remember another teacher (it was in one of those classes where you get a grade for teaching) saying something about her face was in the bean bag and she couldn't breath.  It didn't register to turn it at first.
 
Sorry I can't help you.  I wish you luck.  And I hope you have good insurance, since sometimes the financial part of all this health stuff can be just as frustrating or more than the problem itself.  Let us know what the doctors are saying.
 
Uhura
3

Hi Raven-

Welcome to HW.  Sounds like you've already had quite a work-up with an EEG, blood tests, cat scan, and MRI.  When you said the EEG was abnormal, what did the doctor tell you?  Did the neuro suspect that you have epilepsy based on the abnormality?  If you have at least one episode a day, it seems that your doctor would discuss the best ways to see actually monitor that episode - like a video EEG if a seizure was suspected. 

What happens when you have one of your drop attacks?  Are you unconscious or are you aware of your surroundings?  Any warning signs?  How are things on the Tranxene?

Hope you get some answers about what's going on from your doctor.  Hang in there, Try to stay positive.  Use caution in whatever you do, so as not to hurt yourself if you should fall.  And TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, 

HUGS,  Glenda :-)

complex partial seizures since 22
lamictal 200mg 2x/d
zonegran 150mg 3/d

4
Thank you both for your response and warm wishes! Health insurance has been quite a signifcant issue. I had very good insurance with my former employer, I did follow with the COBRA plan, but months later they raised the premiums. Insurance companies will not touch me with a ten foot pole, at least not on an individual plan. My last quoted individual rate was 759.00 a month. So needless to say I am somewhat nervous about undergoing more tests. I am with a new employer and will find out how the insurance is, I am relieved to be insured again, I had to go quite a few months without it.

When I have a drop attack I usually have no warning and just fall to the ground. I believe I am conscious, but usually confused. I think I loose a few seconds at some point. I do sometimes get a strange feeling in my head which allows me to hold onto something so I don't fall. Sometimes I also throw things from a spasm in my right arm or hand. Tranxene seemed to help a good bit, except before illness. But about 4 months after taking the med I started to get a terrible rash around my mouth and nose. Against my better judgement I stopped the med and the rash went away. When completley healed I started it again, 4 days later the rash appeared again. So I have stopped the medicine, still hoping my episodes just disappear on their own!

I had a 72 hour video EEG. As you know, they chain you to the bed. I only have my attacks when I am active and going about my daily business. Or really tired. They sleep deprieved me the first night. But nothing abnormal showed. My abnormalities on the other EEG's was some kind of "organic" abnormality, and the other showed brain wave patterns similar to that of someone with Epilepsy.

Thank you so very much for your concern and help!!! I wish you both the best.
5

Hi Raven-

It's too bad you had a video EEG and nothing much showed.  It wasn't until the 4th day of my video EEG that I had a seizure off my meds.  Until I had the seizure, I was beginning to wonder how long it was going to take!  So, if you were only hooked up for 3 days, I can see why they didn't catch an episode on the video.  I've heard of people that stayed for as long as 10 days for their video EEGs. 

How sad that even with insurance, it's a terrible drain on the wallet to get the necessary medical care.  Hope that works out with you. 

You say the attacks occur when you are more active and associated with being tired.  Just remember to take  care of yourself!  Get plenty of sleep and reduce stress in your life whenever you can.  Be GOOD to yourself.     

HUGS,  Glenda :-)

complex partial seizures since 22
lamictal 200mg 2x/d
zonegran 150mg 3/d