Epilepsy

[mama rae]

I am new to forums, so please bear with me. I have a friend who has had epilepsy most all of his life. We have known each other for several years and are beginning to discuss more personal issues with each other. He has opened up to me about his illness and expressed concern about a fairly new onset of symptoms. I know very little about epilepsy and suggested to him to "search the web", join a chat forum, group, etc. He is very compliant with his medications and his follow-up appointments with the neurologist. He has seen this same physician for some time and I asked him, "Do you think your doctor is really listening to you?" "Is he spending enough time with you?"
I do not know his doctor and I am certainly not judging him. I just want to make sure that my friend is getting the care he needs and a treatment plan that he is confident with.
My friend has been having tingling sensations in the back of his neck, on up into the occipital region of his skull. He describes it as a type of "chill sensation, tingling". I asked if it was like an adrenal rush and he said "maybe". When this happens he just kind of freezes for a second and his pupils are dilated. He knows that its happening and doesn't lose consciousness. This does not last very long. He also looks pale after an episode.
His concern is that the doctor just keeps increasing his medicine but the episodes are still happening. He tells me that his medicine now runs him about $500 a month. He is on disability and has to travel 3 hrs. round trip to his doctor. This is very costly to say the least, but most of all he's not getting relief from his spells. Thanks for your input.