Alyiah Odubunmi
Case Report
1.
Which diagnostic test revealed the cause of Ms. Gaston’s seizures?
The EEG (electroencephalogram) is a procedure that measures the electrical activity in
the brain. While her neurologic examination was normal, since performing the EEG, I
was able to detect diffused spike-and-wave discharges with a left-sided frontal
predominance and ictal activity in the left frontal lobe.
2.
Which specialist will treat the cause of the seizures?
The specialist that will treat the cause of her seizures would be a neurologist. They can
diagnose, treat, and manage the episodes of epilepsy Ms. Gaston is having. As an EEG
technician I cannot treat the seizures, but I can operate special equipment to measure the
electrical activity of her brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. Along with Dr.
Solis, he can only perform the surgical procedure needed to remove the glioma, we
cannot go into depth on how and what to do.
3.
What is the current name for her “minor spells?”
The spells that Ms. Gaston deals with daily is called absence seizures also known as petit
mal, where she stops interacting with her surroundings for a few seconds.
4.
Which diagnostic test came back as normal?
The CT (computed tomography) came back normal, while the others came back with
some form of abnormal aspect.
5.
Were the medications effective in controlling the seizures?
The medications were ineffective in controlling Ms. Gaston’s seizures as these were not
able to provide relief. The patient may have another diagnosis other than epilepsy. This
was evidenced by the MRI results that revealed the presence of a 20-mm diameter mass,
which lies adjacent to the anterior horn of the left ventricle. Hence, the neurologist
referred Ms. Gaston to a neurosurgeon for possible neurosurgery to treat the seizures that
cannot be controlled by the medications.
