Epilepsy or not please reply…eeg results attached - #11731

Hello dear See eeg or electro encephalography is a diagnostic test for brain functioning and related disorders. It is usually associated with detection of epilepsy, trauma or injury to the cerebral cortex Ingestion of eucalyptus oil can cause toxicity but if swallowed in very hight amount As per these tests conducted, generalised epilepsy is there. May be you could be prescribed below medication Carbamazepine Sodium valproate Gabapentin I suggest you to please consult neurologist in person for better clarification Please take medication only after recommendation from concerned physician Hopefully you recover soon Regards

Hello Beulah, thank you for sharing your concern. I went through your history and EEG report and here is my advise for you -

1. Eucalyptus oil is known to cause seizures in some people.

2. The EEG findings are typical of tendency for generalized epilepsy. But such findings do not appear in normal people after eucalyptus ingestion after the toxin clears out.

3. So the eucalyptus oil probably triggered the first seizure. But the EEG suggests she has an underlying predisposition to epilepsy (otherwise the EEG would have been normal). So, even without eucalyptus oil in future, she may still be at risk of seizures.

4. Phenytoin and Levetiracetam are standard anti-seizure medicines. They help control seizures and prevent recurrence. Duration of treatment depends on clinical course and your neurologist’s advice (often at least 2 years seizure-free before considering taper).

5. Lastly, Prognosis is generally good if medicines are taken regularly. Please avoid all possible seizure triggers (sleep deprivation, alcohol, missed medicines, certain oils/camphor, flashing lights in sensitive individuals).

Feel free to reach out again.

Regards, Dr. Nirav Jain MBBS, DNB D.Fam.Med

The eucalyptus oil likely triggered her first seizures, but the EEG findings are not explained by eucalyptus toxicity alone. They are consistent with underlying generalized epilepsy.

1. The EEG report shows frequent bursts of sharp and slow wave discharges on both hemispheres, which is a typical finding seen in generalized epilepsy.

2. Eucalyptus oil in high doses can act as a toxin and trigger convulsions in some people, but its effects are usually short-lived and do not produce lasting EEG changes.

3. The abnormal activity in your EEG taken days after the episode suggests that there is an underlying seizure tendency, not just a temporary effect of eucalyptus oil.

4. The medicines prescribed, phenytoin and levetiracetam, are standard anti-seizure drugs and are appropriate for controlling generalized epilepsy.

5. Having two GTCS seizures on the same day and then an abnormal EEG pattern supports the diagnosis of epilepsy rather than a one-time toxic reaction.

6. With regular use of the medicines, seizure control is possible and most people can lead a normal life when they stick to treatment.

7. To confirm further, your neurologist may repeat EEG in follow-up, and continued monitoring will help decide how long you need medication.