Epilepsy 101 - Part FAQ, Part tips and advice

[Kristina112380]

still dancing,
Hey girl! me again,lol. I am here to listen ,ok? love ya's hugs.

[stilldancing_98]

You are to cool. Thank-you Kristina. Hugs back.

[Ruth]

Teresa and Alex

[stilldancing_98]

Thank-you everybody. Alex will be getting monitored on the fourth of May. We shall see. Pray just. pray.

[Ruth]

Teresa and Alex

I am there for you!! I will pray for you.

[PhylisFeinerJohnson]

Lots of things can contribute to a seizure...I know stess is an instant seizure turn-on for me. But here are a few other things that can help trigger a seizure...

Inadequate sleep. Inadequate sleep can set off seizures in some people (Although I was one of the "lucky" ones who had seizures in my sleep!)

Food allergies. One study indicated that food allergies might provoke some seizures. Consult an allergist if you suspect any food sensitivities, allergies, or a reaction to food additives. (Like MSG.)

Alcohol and smoking. Alcohol and smoking should be avoided, although light alcohol consumption doesn't appear to increase seizure activity in people who are not alcoholics or sensitive to alcohol.

Flashing lights. I was a member of the disco generation and boy, was that ugly. Those mirrored balls with flashing lights were a killer. They also didn't do much for my dating life!

There are plenty more...but I hope this information helps...

[stilldancing_98]

Well we did find out that Alex is terrible with the lights.

[skstrange1]

Hello Cinnabar,

I'm fairly new here. I've been scared of what I can learn. I also have been diagnosed with temporal lobe seizures because of a lesion on the left side of the brain. Can you explain what you mean about neocortical symptoms? My lab and my oldest cat seem to be able to tell though. Thanks for your Help and any advice that you could offer.

[Cinnabar]

Hi S, it is typical for Neocortical Epilepsy to be cause by a lesion to the brain and such other physical damage. The symptoms include: strange sensations, changes in behavior or emotions, muscle spazms, convultions, sudden loss of awareness.

I hope this helps. And by the way, welcome.

[C0urt]

my seizure triggers arent not light usualy, they are mostly surpising noise, or getting to far on either end of the emotional scale. like angery or happy. and video games.

I do seize in my sleep sometimes.

I would reccomend learn how to let things go, and relax a lot of things in life just don't really matter. And of course, it could always be worse.

[ngas]

• Postictal - You should know that following many types of seizures is a state called postictal. During this post-seizure phase, the subject is *not* conscious. They may laugh, be confused or angry, talk gibberish and/or have a spaced out look in the eyes and seem somewhat conscious - but unresponsive to those around them.

Yes , the postictal phase after seizures is unknown to most people (even some proffesional paramedics).

[Ruth]

I'm fairly new here. I've been scared of what I can learn.

Welcome to our forum. You do not need to be afraid of learning. Learning can only help you. The more you learn, the less afraid you will be.

The Social Groups have a calming effect on me. I belong to The Creative Writing Page. It is great. I hope you will join us.

[LastSteps]

skStrange, I'm just as you are on the forum here, but my issue, similar to yours, began in '97. Mine might not be the best path to recovery, but it was all based on what I learned about myself throughout my ordeal. The site here is excellent for info about how-to and support, as you feel fit.

Learning about my options turned out to be a great motivator toward convidence, during and after the shock of my situation. Feel free to jump back on the site and tell/ask whatever you're thinking. And, of course, good luck.

[ddr1166]

Hello, and welcome. My husband and I just found this site, and it's the best one so far. He has had three seizures since Jan '10, so this is very new to us. I agree that information is the best way to relax - the more you know, the better. Friends and family are great for general support, but they really don't fully understand (although the try to). Hang in there - I also agree that you have to be very proactive with the doctors. I'm learning this. And take notes, make a list of questions, and get every one of them answered. That's what they're there for. I'm also learning we have to be patient, as there isn't a pat answer or quick fix for everyone - everyone is unique. Good luck. - D in Texas

[Joby]

I had back-to-back seizures two nights ago and I'm feeling a little more like my ol'self, however last night I tossed and turned most of the night knowing full well lack of sleep was most likely the trigger that brought the seizures on to begin with. I know the drugs slow my thinking process down but I'm sure hoping this is a temporary thing and I'll come back to "normal". This is the worst it's ever been. i.e. I go to reach for something and it's not there/say something and the words just aren't there like they should be. Frustrating and it makes me feel people think I'm stupid.

[Joby]

Hi Bernard,

Thanks for your reply. I am currently taking Lamictal for PartialComplex but it just seems like it's taking longer to get back to normal. Perhaps I am just impatient!