Connection between Epilepsy and Parasites?

[Rastafari]

Hi friends,

Im new here, and though I do not have epilepsy I do have a brother suffering from it and I wanted to ask a few questions that have been boggling me.


My mother told me that when I was 3 years old that I suffered two seizures in 24 hours. Following the seizures I fell asleep for 6 straight hours and woke up to suddenly have another one both from which I slept. The docter checked me out and tested me. His diagnosis was that I did not have epilepsy and that it was in fact a parasitic infection, worms in my intestine,that caused it. He was right. I never experienced anything after that and im 26 now.

My brother on the otherhand was diagnosed with epilepsy two years ago. He gets a seizure about every 6-10 months (one of which cost him his job). He's a great guy and I wish this wasn't the case.

What I have been thinking though is that because our family has absolutely no history of Epilepsy that maybe this infection could be caused by a parasite? The only thing else he seems to suffer from is a nasty case of athlethes foot! He developed this illness at about 19 years of age. Unusually he seems to recover from a seizure right away, following his seizures he usually just has a cigarette and says "oh well sh*t happens". Last week he went to the gym one hour after having a heavy seizure (lasting 3 minutes or so) and did not feel a bit sleepy or jaded from it which I have heard from epileptic friends is most unusual.

Im looking for the advice of people here on this question which is wrecking my head at the moment.

Cheers.

[Nakamova]

Hi Rastafari -- Cheers, and welcome to CWE!

It would be unusual for your brother have seizures caused by parasites without him showing other symptoms of such an infection (like headaches and balance problems). But if there's even a small chance that your brother may have been infected by parasites in time before his seizures developed, then it's worth having him see a doctor to get checked out.

Of course it's quite possible that his seizures are not parasite-related; the majority of seizure disorders are of unknown origin, with no known family history. If your brother's seizures are becoming more frequent, it's important for him to try and get them under control. Otherwise, the brain can get in the habit of seizing, and the seizures can become worse.

Best,
Nakamova

[epileric]

It is true that certain diseases can cause isolated seizures, especially in infants without them actually being continuous epileptic seizures. I don't know if intestinal worms can cause them but I see no reason not to believe the doctor.

As for your brother, I don't see how athletes foot can have any sort of neurological effects. It isn't uncommon for people to be born with epilepsy despite no history of it in the family (like myself).

Also, I moved your post to the foyer so everyone can welcome you & give their input.

[DadofTwins]

Welcome Rastafari,

Although I cannot personally aid you with this question, I wanted to welcome you to CWE. I hope this site's community can help you find answers.

Tom

[amandalc]

I have never heard this connection before but since you both suffered from it and your was beacause of a parasite. I dont see why he shouldnt get an appointment and check it out. Anything that gets checked out could be one more step closer to solving his epilepsy. Interesting thought I wonder how many doctors didnt overlook a case like yours?