Myoclonic jerks vs partial seizures and other ramblings

Trinity · #1 11-28-2007, 04:24 AM

Well, i'm really confused because my history of epilepsy has involved mainly tonic clonic seizures, at least as far as I know. I think i've probably had other seizures in the past but not thought much of it. I know that recently I have had involuntary jerking and my neurologist mentioned that he thought it may have been a small seizure. I thought he meant a simple partial seizure, just based of my limited knowledge and I didn't think to clarify with him. Not that it matters really I guess what label is put on it but i'm wondering what the difference is between a simple partial seizure and myoclonic jerk. The jerks I have are single jerks/twitches of my hand, arm, leg or even my head. Recently they have been happening several times a week. I would say it happened 3 times just yesterday and twice today. I'm thinking I should probably keep a record of what is happening. From what I know simple partial seizures can effect movement and can cause involuntary movement and twitches so how does this differ? Does it have to do with consciousness, because i'm totally conscious and I am able to speak (I know a friends mother who has partial seizures says she is aware of what's happening but can't speak) and what not.
This is all so confusing and i'm not used to this after so many years of well controlled epilepsy. Also does tiredness effect these jerks that happen because today I was out at the shops after school (i'm a teacher) and I was bloody exhausted from all the walking (now that I can't drive i'm going to have to walk more often) and that is when I had a twitch/jerk of my head.

I know this is not related but I also have hand/arm tremors due to side effects of the Epilim. I've always had that and some days are worse than others but lately it seems that there have been a lot more 'bad days' with that. I assume that is likely because i've been on the Lamictal as well and the tremors are a side effect of that too.

Sometimes I think I don't just have Epilepsy but also dementia and parkinsons as well

j/k

I feel really frustrated with this and i'm so glad to have found this forum. It is so nice to be able to discuss these things with people who actually understand. As a child my Epilepsy didn't really bother me but it bothers me more now. I think it's because I know how much more it can effect my job and my life - nobody is going to kick you out of school as a student because you have Epilepsy and you can't get a drivers licence when you are 10 so you are no different than any other kid. Also if you are whacked out tired and can't focus on your homework Mum writes a note but unfortunately a note from Mum doesn't work anymore and you have to deal with deadlines (even though I do have a very understanding supervisor, you don't want to push your luck). Also if you are home alone with the kids or in the car (with the kids or alone) and have a seizure you know that what happens is going to effect not only you but them as well. I know my big sister would cry when I had seizures as a kid but I don't think it really hit just how intense it was for her to see me like that. I always though - ah yeah, big deal - whatever. Life is much more complicated as an adult - why did I need to grow up.

**Bernard** · #2 11-28-2007, 08:07 AM