Suggest treatment for partial focal seizures
Patient: I have a history of partial focal seizures since I was 8. I am now 67, and just had my first grand mal about 1 month ago. I was taking Sudafed 5 he energy and mountain dew before the seizure. I have since stopped all Sudafed, all 5 he, and mountain dew, I have not had any partial focal nor grand meals since the last one over a month now. All reg, MRI, cat scans and blood work are normal. Is there anything else I need to do? I went to go, they said come back in 3 months, but no driving for 6 months and no need for referral to neurologist, unless I want lot. What would a Neuro do for me? Not excited about meds. Am I being too lacadazical about this? Doctor: Hello,  It is very possible that the trigger for your seizure was an ingredient in one of the items you mentioned (ephedrine from the Sudafed, excessive caffeine from the 5 hr. energy drink, and of course, nobody really knows what's in Mountain Dew or why it glows in the dark!    Therefore, I would avoid those substances in the future.  It doesn't sound as if your seizure is under that good of a control and therefore, I highly recommend you see a neurologist and get on to medication to control these episodes.   Otherwise, you are highly likely to continue to have them and they will become more frequent and more lengthy in their duration, and if nothing is done about them more difficult to control or get rid of.  I absolutely recommend seeing a neurologist or even epileptologist if one is available in your area.  You may benefit from a good detailed workup to see if a cause can be found and addressed.    Again, THAT is what a neurologist could do for you. Look for things that could be triggering these seizures and making sure you are fully protected.    I agree with the no driving for yours and everyone else's safety on and off the road.  You SHOULD KEEP  A SEIZURE DIARY which the doctor should check on your next visit.    A good neurologist will insist on a diary and check it over with you to discover things of importance or events that have happened.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Take care  Regards, Dr Dariush Saghafi, Neurologist