Saturday, August 30, 2008

Diagnosis and Prognosis

Having spent one week in hospital. Pumpkin is now back home.
The diagnosis is she is suffering from epilepsy. More specifically, thanks to my research on Wikipedia, it is a rare form of epilepsy known as ADNFLE (Autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy).

The symptoms fit the description with involuntary fist clenching and arm movements (too insignificant to mention to a doctor) coupled with screaming that has been dismissed as nightmares.

Her condition now is that of a helpless childlike state, with difficulty communicating- verbalizing thoughts and a tendency to go through motions of normal activity without being fully conscious of what she is doing. For example, putting on a pair of jeans when she is already wearing jeans.

Prognosis is that she will need home care (feeding and administering medication) and this may possibly be long term although I sincerely hope she will return to normal with the aid of medication.


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5 comments:

Jeannie said...

I hope you are provided with help at home or you have friends and family to step in and support you both. My heart breaks for you - it will be such an adjustment even if temporary - it's the shock of sudden change that's so hard. Bug the doctors for the best treatment.

none said...

Damn man. I am so sorry to hear this. I used to use valarian root to treat epliepsy episodes maybe that would help.

Take care and I hope things get better.

Lexcen said...

Having observed Pumpkin for 24 hours I can see that she has perfectly lucid moments as she did this morning. Later during the day she tried to nap and had seizures whilst in bed and of course she was disoriented and confused for hours after that.

Anonymous said...

That has to be really difficult Lex. I can't imagine it. I hope that she gets better as much as she can and that you have some support as well.

Jim Belshaw said...

I add my best wishes, too, Lexcen. My thoughts are with you both.

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