Epilepsy can be hard to diagnose. Symptoms are often subtle and can occur over time. Small tremors or muscle jerks that result in the occasional spilled drink or dropped pencil may not cause alarm, especially when the patient is a child, like Paige Cocchiere. Two years ago, Paige, now 14, started to exhibit some of these symptoms.
Paige's parents grew concerned. They made an appointment with their pediatrician in nearby Bayville, who suggested they see a pediatric neurologist at the Epilepsy Center at K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Before her parents could take her there, though, Paige had a mini-seizure. She was rushed to the emergency department (ED) at Jersey Shore, where she was then admitted to K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital for tests under the care of Roopal Karia, M.D., a board certified pediatric neurologist.
Expert Care at the Epilepsy Center
To better treat a potential epilepsy patient like Paige, the medical team must first determine if the person had a seizure and then identify the type of seizure or epilepsy syndrome that best explains the event.
"To make a diagnosis, we performed a video electroencephalography (EEG), which allows us to monitor how behavior during seizures is related to the electrical activity in the brain," Dr. Karia explains. "Based on the results of Paige's video EEG, I prescribed medication to treat myoclonic seizures, which are part of her epilepsy condition and consist of brief, irregular muscular contractions."
That worked for some time. Doctors were able to get Paige off medication because she was doing well and side effects affecting her mood might be reduced. But a few months later, Paige needed to be put back on her antiepileptic medication as she experienced a seizure following a bout of chickenpox.
Dr. Karia continues to follow Paige closely and work with the family to optimize her treatment. She has reviewed seizure precautions with the family and discussed general safety, as well as Paige's treatment options. The goal of treatment remains the same: to eventually get Paige off medications and have her become seizure-free.
Adjusting to Life with Epilepsy
"This has been a roller coaster. It is such an important time in Paige's life," her father, Tom, says. "She had to be homeschooled for a time and hasn't been able to participate in all the activities she wants to do. And there have been plenty of sleepless nights for the whole family."
While Paige continues to need medication for epilepsy, her symptoms are under control. Paige has the attitude that this will not beat her, Tom says. Through perseverance and hard work, she is back in school and thriving. She made the honor roll, plays softball and volleyball, and sings.
About the Doctor
Roopal Karia, M.D.
Board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology
Neptune | 732-776-4551
