Yes your doctors are trying to make you have a seizure in a controlled environment. When I’ve gone into such a setting the doctors normally hook you up to an EEG to see what part of your brain is active when you have a seizure. Unfortunately when in such a setting I was never able to have a seizure. Most doctors do try you on additional seizure medication to see if they will help. But as you’ve said the two medications although similar medications worked for you. So if it’s working why question it. I understand where the other neurologist is coming from. However despite the medication being similar it works for you. That’s what I would tell that neurologist. I understand why’d you question it because why take additional medication if you don’t need to.

I wish you nothing but the best in sorting through all this.

“One hospital-based neuroloist suggested I be put in the hospital for 5 days with no seizure drugs to bring on a seizure and determine their cause.” I believe this is called a “sleep study” and it can reveal a lot of info on what type of epilepsy you have, and where in the brain seizures originate. I had one done about a year after my diagnosis. Wish I’d done it sooner. They put a series of electrodes on your head to capture any activity. I “performed” on my first night so was able to go home after a day. We now know what type of epilepsy I have, and where my seizures originate. This gives my neurologist more info on meds and treatments that may work.