Just diagnosed with seizures

[Homer Horn]

Brain scars have lead to seizures. I am on Dilantin and my speech is affecting my work. We cannot tell if its dilantin which is making it worse or the seizures.. Any clue? I have aphasia, I believe. I am going to get a second opinion since my first doctor doesn't seem to say anything about this. Do you know if aphasia gets worse over the years. I am in my 60s. Smells and tastes goes off beat at times. The real concern is speech for my job. How do some of you deal with this?

[Meetz1064]

and how do you do, Homer? It's nice to meet you!

Welcome to CWE! You'll find plenty of friends and information here--and nooks and crannies to hang out in, as well.

Brain scars, eh? Yeah, they'll cause E. Bummer deal. Aphasia is also a PItA, having had it for quite some time, off and on, myself. No, aphasia doesn't necessarily get worse over the years--it's an entirely individual thing. For me, some days are great, and I don't miss any words (important as a writer and substitute teacher)--other days just flat out suck a hill o'beans.

Have you considered trying some other meds to control your E, instead of the Dilantin? Dilantin is one of the first meds that is tried by many docs to stop E, and even though it is one of the older drugs, still works very well.

Of course, the drugs chosen will depend on what type of E that you have--simple partial, complex partial, tonic clonic (to name a few). Speaking of which, the smells and taste that you refer to--are you saying that you are smelling and tasting things that aren't there? Or that what you really are smelling and tasting is totally wrong? Because if you're smelling and tasting things that aren't there--you're having an aura, which is a simple partial seizure.

DO go get another opinion. Doctors are NOT gods, although some like to think so. And your input should be carefully considered by them as well. If it's not, it's time to ditch them. Remember, you DO pay THEIR salary. You may not like the end results, but they DO need to listen to you.

If you haven't done so already, keep track of anything that may be a trigger for you to seize. Sure the brain scars are the REASON that you have E, but what can TRIGGER the seizures to occur? Keep track of those things, and you may help to limit the seizures, too. Some of my triggers are high stress, little sleep, and food issues.

Take care, and good luck. With any luck, someone will bring around some decent coffee, as I keep burning it. Enjoy the dinner party that's going on, it's proving to be quite fun. Mr B has built us quite an AWESOME home to hang out in...........

Cya!

Meetz

[Nakamova]

Howdy Homer, welcome!

The meds affect everyone differently, so the aphasia could be due the Dilantin, or it could be the seizures themselves. What dosage are you at? It's worth asking your doctor or neurologist if you can back of the dose slightly to see if it makes a difference. And do be persistent about finding a neurologist that "gets it" and will be able to make some sense of what you are experiencing. Second, third, fourth opinions if necessary.

Also worth checking out are alternative approaches such as diet or neurofeedback. You can get an intro to them here: http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/...ive-treatments

Best,
Nakamova