Brain diseases
My sister had a car accident before, but she was fine, so we didn't pay much attention to it.
After a year, one day she suddenly started to react slowly, and then she couldn't recognize who you were or say your name.
We took her to the hospital for examination, but they couldn't find anything specific.
They only mentioned that she has epilepsy and some issues with the function of her right brain, and that she needs to be monitored further.
They also placed a lot of electrodes on her head for EEG monitoring.
However, she has been hospitalized for almost a month now, and there has been no improvement; her condition fluctuates between good and bad.
Sometimes she can't close her mouth, and at other times, she keeps repeating a single word.
Although there are moments when she recognizes who you are, her cognitive abilities seem to be declining, and she often doesn't know what she is doing.
Could these symptoms be related to epilepsy?
Terry, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/09/22
Dr. Lai Xiangrong reply Rare Disease
Regarding your question, since we have not seen the patient, we cannot make a complete assessment of the EEG.
However, the electrodes placed on the scalp can observe the electrical activity of the brain, which is the best auxiliary tool for diagnosing epilepsy, rather than for treatment.
Reply Date: 2006/09/22
More Info
I'm sorry to hear about your sister's condition. It sounds like she is experiencing a complex set of neurological symptoms following her car accident, and I can understand how concerning this must be for you and your family. Based on the symptoms you've described, it seems that her situation may involve several neurological issues that could be related to her previous head injury.
First, let's clarify some of the symptoms you mentioned. The sudden changes in her cognitive function, such as difficulty recognizing people, trouble speaking, and memory issues, could potentially be linked to a variety of neurological disorders. While epilepsy can cause seizures and may lead to temporary confusion or altered awareness during or after a seizure, the persistent cognitive decline and the specific symptoms you've described (like difficulty with speech and memory) suggest that there may be more going on than just epilepsy.
One possibility is that your sister may be experiencing post-traumatic epilepsy, which can occur after a head injury. This condition can lead to recurrent seizures, which might explain some of her symptoms. However, the cognitive decline and the specific behaviors you described, such as repeating words or having difficulty with facial movements, could also indicate other neurological conditions, such as traumatic brain injury (TBI) effects, post-concussive syndrome, or even a more serious condition like a brain lesion or diffuse axonal injury.
The fact that she has been hospitalized for nearly a month without significant improvement is concerning. It suggests that her condition may require more intensive investigation. Diagnostic imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, can help identify any structural abnormalities in the brain that may not have been detected initially. Additionally, continuous EEG monitoring can provide valuable information about her brain activity and help determine if she is experiencing seizures that are not immediately apparent.
In terms of treatment, it is crucial for her medical team to closely monitor her symptoms and adjust her treatment plan as necessary. This may include antiepileptic medications to manage seizures, cognitive rehabilitation therapies to address her cognitive deficits, and possibly psychological support to help her cope with the changes she is experiencing.
It's also important to consider that recovery from a brain injury can be a slow and unpredictable process. Some individuals may experience gradual improvement over time, while others may face ongoing challenges. Engaging with a neurologist who specializes in brain injuries or epilepsy could provide additional insights and treatment options tailored to her specific needs.
In summary, while some of her symptoms may be related to epilepsy, the broader range of cognitive and behavioral changes suggests that a comprehensive evaluation is necessary to understand the full scope of her condition. I encourage you to advocate for her care, ensuring that her medical team is aware of all her symptoms and concerns. Open communication with her doctors can help facilitate a more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
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