New to seizures - helpful info for 1st timers

[Augusto]

As some of you might have read, I had my first (and hopefully last) tonic-clonic seizure last Saturday night. After a night in observation at the hospital I am now "waiting" for an MRI and neurologist´s appointment. In the meantime I have been reading and looking for stats on the likelihood of this happening again. It was not easy but I finally hit upon a decent piece of research that indicates all sorts of interesting stats on recurrence. My main take aways are that: 1) approximately two thirds of recurrences are within 6 months of the first one (hey, at least now I know how long this "waiting game" is likely to last !), 2) 30-50 percent of unprovoked seizures are likely to recur (my positive reading is that 70-50 percent wont recur...wishful thinking), 3) on the other hand, more than two thirds of people who incure a second seizure are likely to continue experiencing seizures, 4) half of the people who get one seizure are likely not to have a second one (I am praying to be in that group!). Now the "waiting game" continues. I hope the following link will be helpful to anyone in similar conditions to mine, curious about the feelings, emotions and probable evolution after a 1st tonic-clonic experience. I found all the above info here: oops, looks like I have not been here long enough to be able to post links to the source of these stats...Pitty, I think it is a helpful article for "first timers"...If you care, look for "first seizure and its management in adults" in the bmj website (british medical journal)

[BuckeyeFan]

Thanks for the info Augusto.



Stick around and visit for awhile. I hope you understand our reasons for limiting links to new members. Far too many spammers/hackers out there trying to harm others. I am sure with the information you provided from a reputable source, others will visit the BMJ site.

I had my first tonic-clonic at the age of 20 (many years ago). Maybe it was the age, but early on I didn't worry about having another, even though I spent 6 days in the hospital undergoing tests at the time. I started taking the Dilantin that was prescribed and am still taking it 27 years later.

I think my second seizure came within 3 months of the first. They were not frequent, but always strong tonic-clonics.

I agree with you. We will all pray you are one of the 70%.

I wish I had all this information available to me all those years ago.

[Bee91]

Hi Augusto!
Welcome to the site!
I really hope you are in the 70%
But if you're not, just remember that there is plenty of things that you (and your doctor) can do to stop you seizures. And usually, 80% of people will never have another seizure after being on a medication. Or there are several diets or other special things you can do to stop seizures.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed!!!

[Augusto]

Thanks to all for your support. I have now spent several days reading A LOT on the subject and am feeling better about it. I still wont know the results from the MRI for a while (10 days). So it turns out that my main concern are now tumors and not epilepsy. But I am assuming there are no tumors since everything came out fine in the CT and the EEG. I intend to see a cardiologist and an endocrino after the neurologist confirms all is OK; you know, just to cover all the bases. Hopefully this was a one-off (waiting...) and if not, let´s hope everything else is in order and I only have to take a pill every day into the next decade. I guess that would not be so bad after all... Luck to all, great site.

[Bernard]

Thanks Augusto, I added that article to the epilepsy 101 thread.