Misdiagnosed with Epilepsy

Relax brah

As a child I always had issues with fits and fainting.

Later into my life it continued to happen so I went to see a specialist in St. James’s, this “specialist,” diagnosed me with epilepsy following a half an hour consultation.

Told me I couldn’t drive for a year and wanted to put me on strong medication to manage it. Anyone who knows these type of med’s know that they come with severe side effects including depression.

I went and got a second opinion from a professor in the same hospital and was diagnosed with low blood pressure.

Point here is, how many people are being misdiagnosed and incorrectly treated in such a severe manner? Im fairly certain the “doctor” who diagnosed me was a student doctor and clearly had no idea what he was speaking about (hence the misdiagnosis,) if I had gone down that road I would’ve been unable to drive, heavily medicated and my life would’ve taken a different path (my career requires me to be on road.)

Its concerning to see and eager to get peoples thoughts on how common this is

Pauliedragon

I've been on Epilepsy medication for years and have had zero side effects. It's a very mild drug. I don't want to be saying your wrong or anything but how do you know the second doctor wasn't wrong and first guy was right? Doctors are well trained but they are still human and a lot is down to opinion. I've seen 2 neurologists over the years and the second one disagreed with the first guy telling me I could off the pills.

Ya I was misdiagnosed multiple times before reaching a diagnosis but it's more that there's a lot of trial and error still. Loads of conditions are incredibly similar so tracking down the exact cause takes time.

Also I'd be surprised if the consultant hadn't arranged followups and scans etc. No harm in getting second opinions etc. But I do think we're getting a very limited picture of situation with your description.

mohawk

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058201731/misdiagnosed-with-epilepsy

Did you even get an EEG before getting the Epilepsy Diagnosis? If you didn’t then that would be shocking. As seizures can be caused by more then epilepsy.

Ted_YNWA

Long Term Illness might be a better forum for this.

https://www.boards.ie/categories/long-term-illness