Sleep Apnea and / or Eplipesy?

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katyt

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Hello All! I am delighted to find this forum, because I am trying to come to terms with a recent diagnosis of epilepsy - and I am desperate for more information.
It all started 2 years ago when I had a wierd episode, which I chose at the time to ignore! I woke during the night gasping to take a breath. There seemed to be something blocking my throat, and I could not take a breath in. It was all very dramatic, and went on for some time as I struggled loudly to get a breath in, but after the episode I went back to sleep and slept soundly. One month ago, it happened again and was then repeated over a few nights.
Following the reoccurance, I went to the Doc. I thought it was Sleep Apnea - a nurse friend suggested this. My doctor thought it might be seizures and ordered an EEG. Sure enough, this was abnormal, indicating epilepsy mainly involving the left anterier temporal region. An MRI was clear, so that was great news.
Other than that, I know nothing as I am now waiting on a Neurologist and a Sleep Specialist - as it could be both! It is all a bit startling, and difficult to accept!
Katyt
 
katyt,
There is TONS of information and personal experiences on this board.
At the top of this board, click on "sleep apnea"

Randy
 
Hi Katyt and welcome!

Sleep apnea and seizures are interrelated -- apnea can cause seizures, and seizures can cause apnea. Either way, it's good you're getting checked out. Since the episodes have happened relatively infrequently, have you noted anything that might be responsible for them? If you keep a seizure journal, you can record the frequency and duration of your seizures, and track other things (sleep, stress, diet, metabolism, hydration, hormones, etc.) that might potentially be triggers.

Best,
Nakamova
 
Actually, you are quite right, something did trigger this bout. It was actually a medication I was on for a totally unrelated issue. I had been on it for 3 weeks before I made the connection. There were wierd things happening every night, only a few were the major 'I can't breath' things. I came off it and straight away began to sleep normally again. The EEG was done during the day when I was awake.
Thanks for your help folks. I have been doing some reading, and it is helping!
 
katyt,
What was the medication you were on for the "totally unrelated issue".
If it was a cold or flu medication that contained antihistimine then THAT'S YOUR TRIGGER.

Randy
 
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