cold/sinuses and increased seizures

[mejohn1]

I've had a sinus infection for the last week and have had increased aura's and partials. Yesterday alone I had an aura just about all day. When I had my last tc I also had a sinus thing going on. So I'm curious, has anyone else had increased seizure activity when you've been sick?

 

[Nakamova]

Infections can lower the seizure threshold, so it makes sense. It's probably a combination of the stress of your body fighting the infection, plus the secondary stresses (fatigue, respiratory problems, dehydration, etc.). I assume you aren't taking them, but certain cold medications can also lower seizure threshold. And just to make things extra-fun, some of the anti-seizure meds can depress the immune system...

Here are some threads you might want to check out:
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f23/cold-flu-meds-seizures-13948/
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f23/can-aeds-effect-immune-system-13691/

Feel better soon!

 

[MAB]

I've had a sinus infection for the last week and have had increased aura's and partials. Yesterday alone I had an aura just about all day. When I had my last tc I also had a sinus thing going on. So I'm curious, has anyone else had increased seizure activity when you've been sick?

Absolutely. I have partial seizures from time to time but last year when I had a sinus infection I had olfactory auras that lasted a couple days. Or maybe there were lots of shorter seizures that just ran together. The fatigue I felt for a sinus infection was completely over the top. I actually went to the doctor and asked for a prescription saying I needed to stay in bed for 4 days. Doctor wrote a letter to my boss for me.

Now at the first sign of a sinus infection I have a routine I use. I take 2-3 Sudafed. 15 minutes later I use a shot of Afrin in each nostril, 5 minutes later another shot of Afrin and 5 minutes after that a 3rd shot. 10 to 15 minutes later I use a Neti pot. So far no more major sinus problems. I'm in the process of using this procuder right now to fight off a sinus infection.

 

[masterjen]

I'm lucky I don't get sick that often, but I try to be very careful (some might call it paranoid lol) because I've had two illnesses - one intestinal and one a chest infection - in the last 3 1/2 years. Both resulted in worsening of seizures, and after the chest infection I never did rebound from the worsening and this resulted in a permanent increase in seizure medication.

 

[mejohn1]

Thanks all. I was taking Advil severe congestion, and though it worked very well for breaking up the pressure in my head, on the second day I was in constant aura and thought I could go any second (though i never had a full blown seizure). I remember I was suffering from a sinus issue in May when a grand mal hit, though at the time I was not on any meds for seizures. After being weirded out all day saturday with aura's I quit taking the sinus stuff and slept for about 12 hours. Haven't had any head issues since; though my eyeballs squeak when I rub them from all the pressure in my head, which really grosses my daughter out

 

[MAB]

Thanks all. I was taking Advil severe congestion, and though it worked very well for breaking up the pressure in my head, on the second day I was in constant aura and thought I could go any second (though i never had a full blown seizure). I remember I was suffering from a sinus issue in May when a grand mal hit, though at the time I was not on any meds for seizures. After being weirded out all day saturday with aura's I quit taking the sinus stuff and slept for about 12 hours. Haven't had any head issues since; though my eyeballs squeak when I rub them from all the pressure in my head, which really grosses my daughter out

I'm working on stopping a sinus infection that is trying to take hold. Most of the day I have been smelling incense burning. I have asked 2 people that came into my office if they smelled incense burning and of course neither one did. Not sure what's going on. Other than the annoying odor I have no other symptoms of a partial.