New to board- complex-partial seizures

[Mom2boysx3]

Hi! My name is Shannon and I have recently been diagnosed with Epilepsy(complex-partial seizures). I feel like the diagnoses could be wrong, mainly because my symptoms seem to be slightly different than what some of the definitions state.

These began about 2 1/2 years ago, after the birth of my 2nd child. They happened mainly while driving. I would get this deja vu/ jamais vu feeling, but I would not lose consciousness. I just felt really wierd. It would pass in a few seconds.

As time has gone on, they have progressed to where I know completely black-out/ faint. I get the same deja vu/ jamais vu sensation, which I am told by neurologists is an aura, and I quick have to go to lay down because I know I'm going to pass out. When I pass out, I feel as if I'm in a dream-like state, not aware of anything around me really, but aware of something. Sometimes I "dream" but do not recall what I dreamed about when the episode is over. I feel like I'm out for just a few seconds, which from those who've seen it happen say the same. Nobody has seen me make the automasims that some talk about, like lip-smacking, etc.

I had an EEG done about a month ago and it was normal, as well as an MRI a couple weeks ago, which was also normal. The dr's tell me roughly 50% of people diagnosed with Epilepsy have no cause involved, that is, show no signs of why this is occuring. They just go based on the symptoms patients tell them.

I am pregnant with my 3rd (and last!) child and the neurologists want me to begin taking Dilantin until I have the baby, then switch to Tegratol, which they say is best for complex-partial seizures. I have so far refused to take the meds for fear of side effects/ long-term implications. I would much appreciate feedback on this.

One of the neurologists said taking a magnesium supp wouldn't hurt, so I began taking 250 mg about 2 weeks ago. I didn't have any episodes for about a week, but they started up again about 4 days ago.

One thing that I find strange is all of my episodes generally begin in the bathroom when I am getting out of the shower. They also occur at night when I get my kids out of the shower. I'd say 95% of them begin in either of these 2 ways. I have not had one while driving in about 2 years, but have had one while walking in the mall (fell down when I passed out) and recently 2 in my sleep (they did wake me up and I had the uneasy feeling I always have after they're over).

So, that's my story. I hope to learn a lot on here and would appreciate any advice/opinions/stories from anybody who experiences similar happenings. Thanks!

Shannon

[Bernard]

Hi Shannon, welcome to the forum.

When Stacy was pregnant, her doctors told her that the most danger to the fetus (from complications to anti-epileptic drugs) is during the first trimester. There is less risk for the baby in the later stages of pregnancy.

Stacy's seizure patterns worsened with each pregnancy. I hope that you don't have the same experience. It was scary watching her have grand mal/tonic clonic seizures while 8 months pregnant (with child #2).

[RG]

Hi Shannon,
Has anyone mentioned that your seizures could be caused from the hormones during pregnancy and after? I know someone whose seizures started during perimenopause. The specialists told her it was because of the fluctuating hormones during this phase of her life. Maybe once your hormones have stopped fluctuating so much, the seizures will stop. I hope so! RG

Hi! My name is Shannon and I have recently been diagnosed with Epilepsy(complex-partial seizures). I feel like the diagnoses could be wrong, mainly because my symptoms seem to be slightly different than what some of the definitions state.

These began about 2 1/2 years ago, after the birth of my 2nd child. They happened mainly while driving. I would get this deja vu/ jamais vu feeling, but I would not lose consciousness. I just felt really wierd. It would pass in a few seconds.

As time has gone on, they have progressed to where I know completely black-out/ faint. I get the same deja vu/ jamais vu sensation, which I am told by neurologists is an aura, and I quick have to go to lay down because I know I'm going to pass out. When I pass out, I feel as if I'm in a dream-like state, not aware of anything around me really, but aware of something. Sometimes I "dream" but do not recall what I dreamed about when the episode is over. I feel like I'm out for just a few seconds, which from those who've seen it happen say the same. Nobody has seen me make the automasims that some talk about, like lip-smacking, etc.

I had an EEG done about a month ago and it was normal, as well as an MRI a couple weeks ago, which was also normal. The dr's tell me roughly 50% of people diagnosed with Epilepsy have no cause involved, that is, show no signs of why this is occuring. They just go based on the symptoms patients tell them.

I am pregnant with my 3rd (and last!) child and the neurologists want me to begin taking Dilantin until I have the baby, then switch to Tegratol, which they say is best for complex-partial seizures. I have so far refused to take the meds for fear of side effects/ long-term implications. I would much appreciate feedback on this.

One of the neurologists said taking a magnesium supp wouldn't hurt, so I began taking 250 mg about 2 weeks ago. I didn't have any episodes for about a week, but they started up again about 4 days ago.

One thing that I find strange is all of my episodes generally begin in the bathroom when I am getting out of the shower. They also occur at night when I get my kids out of the shower. I'd say 95% of them begin in either of these 2 ways. I have not had one while driving in about 2 years, but have had one while walking in the mall (fell down when I passed out) and recently 2 in my sleep (they did wake me up and I had the uneasy feeling I always have after they're over).

So, that's my story. I hope to learn a lot on here and would appreciate any advice/opinions/stories from anybody who experiences similar happenings. Thanks!

Shannon

[jeff1958]

Hello Shannon, I agree that they could be increased by hormonal changes. I used to have an epileptologist that specialised in pre surgery and female hormonal problems. Being a guy, I never had that problem so have no experience with that. Try to find a doctor that specialises in female hormonal problems and seizures, they are out there. Good luck and good control.