Distorted Visual Perceptions

[Trinity]

Well, i've only ever been diagnosed with tonic clonic seizures - my first was when I was 14months old and my last was 8 years ago. I am 36 now and although officially (according to neuro) seizure free there are still some abnormalities on my EEG (slowing usually although just a few years ago there was some increased 'spike' activity on my EEG during the photosensitive part of the test). Anyway, i've had a number of different symptoms which my neuro has put down to anxiety such as numbing and tingling sensations in different parts of my body (face, arms, hands, legs, feet etc). After numerous tests it was put down to anxiety and i'm thinking perhaps he is right, although for the longest time I was convinced he was wrong. Anyway... another symptom i've had which I don't think is anxiety related is distorted visual perception. If I am driving or travelling past trees or buildings with light flickering between it I will have a certain visual distortion. It will feel like I am actually still and everything is moving past me. Does this make any sense? I don't know how THIS could be anxiety related but I can see how it could be related to photosensitivity and possibly a simple partial seizure (I don't lose consciousness and am aware that whilst it 'feels' like everything is moving around me it isn't really). When I mentioned this to my neuro he didn't say this particularly was related to anxiety but he didn't really say anything at all. When I said I don't lose consciousness or awareness he just kind of shrugged as if it was no big deal. I understand that honestly but even if there is no treatment i'd like to know what it is (or even the understanding that yes it's possible that it is E related) so I don't feel like i'm totally losing my mind. I remember having these things happen when I was a teenager and being so frightened to say anything in fear of losing my license so I kind of expected a different reaction than what I got. I obviously don't want to lose my license (i've had that happen due to E at times) but I do want to address the issue if you know what I mean. So, does anyone know if it is possible for this sort of visual distortion to be associated with anxiety or is it possible that it is related to the medication (I am on 2000mg of sodium valproate which i've been on since I was 13 - not that same dose the whole time - with only about an 18month break in that time). Thanks for any comments or advice.

 

[Pink Panther in heels]

Hi Trinity this is Pink Panther in Heels Epilepsy is just like a mud slide Fear and Epilepsy should be Married I've always tryed to blend in as normal until it showed up I've been married had intercourse and it showed up leaving me in acomma for 5 minutes and those paarts I don't. Remember hard to hide an Absence Seizzure People just don't like being staired at I told a friend don't stop enjoying what's great even if its bad we both had sick children that advice became real because my daughter died two years latter but I still keep a smile and help anyone who needs it even though epilepsy makes me un well if you just help someone it will feel great while you help yourself:e:

 

[Nakamova]

Have you had your eyes checked out by a vision specialist? You could be experiencing a simple partial, but another possibility is a side effect of valproate called ambylopia (lazy eye). Ambylopia can affect depth and motion perception, so it could be contributing to your visual symptoms. You might also want to try special sunglasses that can help minimize flicker.

 

[Trinity]

I went for an optometrists appointment today and my eyes are good. Apparently my prescription has changed very little over the course of 4 years since I last had them checked. I do sometimes wear polarised sunglasses but haven't got any prescription ones so I will need to look into that.