Question
-------------------------Could he be having petit mal seizures? Is this caused by his medication?
Followup To
Question -
My husband has had a few back surgeries, including a laminectomy, over the past couple of years. He now has to just live with the pain, with the help of a lot of medication. But lately he has been falling down. I don't know how to describe to you what happens, but it is almost like he is blacking out. This usually only happens in the morning. Also, sometimes when he talks, it is like his mouth "freezes up" and his words are not coming out! We have a doctors appointment, but not until December. The doctor said it sounds like "lazy leg." But could this be if it only happens in the morning? And what about his speech? Are these symptoms of a disorder that you are familiar with? Could it be from his medicine? He is taking Methadone, Flexeril throughout the day and night, and also Elivil at bedtime. If you are not familiar with this, do you know where I can find information?
I really appreciate your time and help.
       Susan Johnson
Answer -
Dear Susan,

Flexoril is known to "dope people up," so his speech difficulties may be related to that plus the pain and stress of his condition.

It's about time your husband got relief from his back pain.  I  suggest you get him to a Hanna somatic educator.  This new clinical discipline relieves the muscular contractions that usually underlie back pain. I, myself, have had clients who had had laminectomies and had consistent (and almost 100%) success with this approach.  Fewer than five sessions are generally required for stable improvement.

Learn more by reading the articles on back pain at somatics.com/page4.htm.  Locate a practitioner by clicking the Practitioners link at the top of each page.

If no practitioners exist within reach, the self-help program, "Free Yourself from Back Pain" is a good second choice.  Ask, if you need more information on that program.

regards and good wishes,
Lawrence Gold
Hanna somatic educator

Answer
Susan,

Petit mal is a form of epilepsy and is not caused by drugs.  Epilepsy is a neuro-electrical phenomenon of the brain.

It is an untested speculation of mine that somatic training can help control epilepsy by its organizing effect on the brain's electrical patterning.

Lawrence Gold