Newbie

[SeizetheNight]

Hello. First off I want to thank everyone who is on this forum. I have been reading for a while and have found some very helpful info and comfort. I am 31 years old, married with 2 kids. I had my first seizure almost a year ago. It was after working an overnight shift, while I was sleeping, my wife heard a weird noise coming from the bedroom and went in to find me having a Tonic/Clonic. Of course, she called 911 and I was taken to the hospital and all that, and it was very scary for the both of us. After seeing a neurologist, we thought it was most likely a one time thing from being overstressed. My MRI was fine and although one of the two EEG's had some weird activity, it didn't seem too significant. It might have happened again about 2 months later, while I was taking a nap, but there was no one around to witness it. I woke up feeling like I was 'about' to have a seizure, but looking back on it, I think I had actually just had one. Anyway, 4 months after the first one, again while I was sleeping, I had another t/c. This had a lot worse results, because I was not in bed at the time, and ended up with a broken nose, and black eyes. But it could have been a whole lot worse. At that point, my neurologist put me on keppra 500mg morning and night, and I thought we had it under control. But again, 5 months later this time, I woke up in the morning for work, decided to snooze an extra half hour, and the next thing I knew I was recovering from another seizure. I think this last one has hit the hardest, because at this point I can not just say it was a 'one time' stress related thing. I had been taking the medicine exactly as told, and it still happened. So anyway, my doc doubled my prescription, and we will see what happens from there. Thanks again for being such a helpful community. Take care.

[Nakamova]

Hi StN, welcome officially to CWE!

I know the moment when you realize the epilepsy isn't going away is a tough one.

I hope the increased dose does the trick for you. Finding the right dose or medication(s) can sometimes take time. It's frustrating, but as you probably know if you've been reading this site, there are other things you can do to be proactive about dealing with the epilepsy. Keeping a journal can help you find stressors or triggers that might be lowering your seizure threshold. Since fatigue is one of the prime triggers for seizures, perhaps working the night shift is taking a toll.

Best,
Nakamova

[RobinN]

Hi SeizetheNight -

After being led through conventional approaches, my daughter was worse, so I felt a strong need to be proactive. I will ask you the question that I asked myself. If you were seizure free for... 30 yrs, how do we get back to a state of health?

The medication only treats the symptom. Seizures are the symptom. What I might have you consider is to work on raising your threshold and improve overall health so that you reduce seizure activity. The sooner the better, so the brain doesn't learn to seize (called kindling).

[skillefer]

hi StN! Welcome to CWE. Since you are on Keppra, my one piece of advice would be to consider taking a vit. B-6 supplement if you notice any grumpiness, irritability, or mood swings. Keppra has a history of causing mood swings, nicknamed "kepprage" in people. Also, start a journal and see if you can pin down anything that might be triggering your seizures...things like lack of sleep, not eating, too much coffee or stimulants, and stuff like that. I think there's a complete list of what to write around here in the library... hope this helps. ANd don't forget, you aren't alone....so feel free to vent when needed, ask questions, or just chime in.

[SeizetheNight]

Once again, thank you for your responses. Every one on here is a great source of inspiration for me. My doctor told me about the main side effect of keppra, anger... ANd I did experience that for about the first month that I was on it. But i think my laid back attitude eventually won through, and I stopped being angry. My increase in Keppra seems to have brought the anger back, but I am working to keep it at bay. As far as stressors go, they have pretty much been eliminated since my first seizure. I was immediatley switched to the day shift, mon - fri 6 to 2. The main stress factors in my life are gone, but I still continue to have seizures. I think the biggest stressor in my life now is if I am going to have a seizure... One thing I am thankful for is that they only happen when I am asleep though. THe bad side of that is my wife has to deal with the brunt of it, and I think my 5 year old daughter has witnessed some of it...