Absence Seizures?? or What else could it be?

September 30, 2011

Hi. Looking for input from anyone who may be able to relate:

Kara is 7y/o. Diagnosed 4 years ago with autistic disorder. The

school/therapists/psychologists became increasingly concerned over the last year

or so about Kara's behaviors. It is difficult to explain everything and way too

long.....but I will try to condense it....

At one point she was hitting herself in the side of the head when she became

frustrated or a demand was being put upon her, either in the school setting or

at home. Her communication is greatly impaired so she is not able to tell us

what is wrong when the head hitting occurs. Soon the head hitting began to occur

when there were no demands upon her. NO ANTECEDENT OR IDENTIFIABLE TRIGGER OF

ANY KIND.....during free time at school, appearing to be happy when suddenly a

change would come over her facial expression and this head hitting behavior

would begin.

That being said, eventually her R eye began to veer outward toward her ear. THE

PEDIATIRIC OPTHAMOLOGIST FROM CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF PGH said it was a muscle

issue, patch the good eye to strenthen the bad eye. This did not work and months

later the other eye began to do the same. Eye doc still insists it is a muscle

issue.

Went to the neurologist per the schools request, they want to rule out any type

of medical issue that may be present. Neurologist sent me home with

signs/symptoms of seizures??? Felt from what I told her she was not having

seizures and to let her know if anything else happened.

A few weeks ago the TSS was recording Kara during a speech session at school.

Over the last few months she has been doing " head bobbing " , not sure whether it

is a stim or something to do with her vision. The doc determined she did not

need glasses. On the video, she begins to " head bob " , eyes flutter, chin to

chest and then she goes limp.....I have never seen her go limp, SHE NEVER SITS

STILL...So needless to say I was freaked out. It lasted about 10 to 15 seconds

and then she began to snap out of it.

The head hitting, the veering eyes, changes in behavior with no trigger or

antecedent...............now the possible " atypical seizure " ....I am insane...We

have an EEG scheduled for next week.

If anyone had the patience to read this and could provide me any information or

support that might pertain to my situation it would be so greatly appreciated.

If you are so inclined, the video of Kara can be seen on YOU TUBE, by searching

CONCERNING KK. Thanks so much for your time.

Kara's Mom

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