Prevention of a seizure, promise of future success

[BillK]

Although my seizures are of biological origin (EEG soon to verify that!) I have noticed, of course, that stress seems to make them more likely to occur. I've been noticing that occurring more often lately, kinda like a worry spiral where fear of a seizure in a particular place or at a social event sets off trying to figure out how to prevent one. And then my thinking becomes more frantic and increases stress and thus the likelihood of a seizure.

I recently responded differently and I'm pretty sure had success. Instead of trying to figure out how to prevent one, I instead tried having compassion for myself, as someone facing a difficult situation. And perhaps even better is having compassion for all beings facing a similar situation. If anyone is familiar with Tibetan Buddhism, the specific practice I used was tonglen where you traditionally begin with yourself and then expand to others. Anyway, I did it about 10 times and the fell asleep in a relatively peaceful state!

 

[lindsayschu2]

I've used the exact same technique! And I really think it helped stop seizures when I was having a repetitive series of partials. I haven't had to use it in quite a while but I do think it helped.

 

[BillK]

I hope that's because your seizures have largely ceased!

 

[AlohaBird]

I know what you mean about worry becoming a self perpetuating spiral. My seizures are nocturnal and one of the biggest stressors that make it worse is lack of sleep. But if I am lying awake worrying about having a seizure then I am just making it more likely to happen.
That sounds like a lovely meditation technique which also might help quiet the hamster wheel of my brain so I can get to sleep. Thank you for posting this.