Another seizure....

[Stinkpot]

I have catamenial epilespy. Ever since I was put on depakote in 2010, I hadn't had a convulsion(still have simples partials) untill Feb. this year. I was then increased another 500 mg of depakote. My simple partials have dropped great, sessions are not as long, and haven't had a convulsion ever since - untill this morning.

Last night was absolutly horrible! Last night, I went to sleep at 9 and woke up at 2:30 - and for 3 strait hours I had a horrible session of simple partials and even a complex partial! Of course, during my period(I'm having right now) seizure activity is active. But that complex partial was very weird and simple partial sessions usually last 15-30 minutes. After it, my whole body was shaking uncontrollably, I could grasp things either without dropping it. After the complex, my simple partial session ended and I went back to sleep.

Then an hour later, my mom woke me up to take my pills. I started having simple partials AGAIN. After taking my pills, I went to the bathroom to pee and change my pad. Whilst changing it, I went into a convulsion seizure(grandmal). Luckly my mom was nearby to catch me before falling off the toilet.

Like the convulsion seizure I had in Feb., the postical moment was short lived only lasting 10 minutes. I went back to sleep afterwards for about an hour. Haven't had any simple partials so far.

I was increased on Depakote and things were going great! Why did I have another convulsion? This was completely unexpected! There was nothing I did to trigger it! How am I going to be prepared for these changing episodes?! Apparently increasing me on depakote is just giving me temporary relief - but depakote is also responsible for my arthritis. I'm only 26 years old. Continuing to shove more pills down my throat is actually doing worse than good.

Are my hormones changing? I'm thinking I might need hormone therapy, but I'd still like to know why I had this 3 hour session of simple partials, a strange complex partial, - and a convulsion. I don't want this to happen again, and who knows what changing patterns are in the future! I could end up having one tomarrow, or another today, or one everyday - who knows! I'm going to end up losing my job if I start having them at work!

Please give me some advice, just so I can be prepared for what else could happen. I'm so worried!

Thanks!

 

[valeriedl]

When I was first diagnosed with epilepsy I was taking Depo-Provera (the shot) and then had a hysterectomy so I never had a period. I know however many people on here have said that they are more likely to have seizures when they are having theirs because of their hormones. Someone should be able to give you more advice about that.

If you think that some of the meds might be reacting with others that could be causing the seizures then talk to your neuro about that and see what he thinks.

 

[Cint]

Last night was absolutly horrible! Last night, I went to sleep at 9 and woke up at 2:30 - and for 3 strait hours I had a horrible session of simple partials and even a complex partial! Of course, during my period(I'm having right now) seizure activity is active. But that complex partial was very weird and simple partial sessions usually last 15-30 minutes. After it, my whole body was shaking uncontrollably, I could grasp things either without dropping it. After the complex, my simple partial session ended and I went back to sleep.

Any time a seizure lasts for more than 30 minutes, you need to call 911 or go to the ER, regardless of whether you have only catamenial seizures.

Then an hour later, my mom woke me up to take my pills. I started having simple partials AGAIN. After taking my pills, I went to the bathroom to pee and change my pad. Whilst changing it, I went into a convulsion seizure(grandmal). Luckly my mom was nearby to catch me before falling off the toilet.

Like the convulsion seizure I had in Feb., the postical moment was short lived only lasting 10 minutes. I went back to sleep afterwards for about an hour. Haven't had any simple partials so far.

I was increased on Depakote and things were going great! Why did I have another convulsion? This was completely unexpected! There was nothing I did to trigger it! How am I going to be prepared for these changing episodes?! Apparently increasing me on depakote is just giving me temporary relief - but depakote is also responsible for my arthritis. I'm only 26 years old. Continuing to shove more pills down my throat is actually doing worse than good.

Have you had your Depakote levels checked since the increase? This med can mess with women's menstrual cycles, as can epilepsy itself, so speak to your neuro about it.

Are my hormones changing? I'm thinking I might need hormone therapy, but I'd still like to know why I had this 3 hour session of simple partials, a strange complex partial, - and a convulsion. I don't want this to happen again, and who knowswhat changing patterns are in the future!

Please give me some advice, just so I can be prepared for what else could happen. I'm so worried!

Your hormones could definitely be changing. Epilepsy definitely does effect a woman's hormones, therefore causing catamenial E. Finding a good neurologist who knows about female hormones and a good endocrinologist would be a good start start.

Have you checked this out?:
http://professionals.epilepsy.com/page/catamenial_patterns.html
http://professionals.epilepsy.com/page/catamenial_treatment.html

 

[Stinkpot]

Thank you guys very much! Clint, I did not nor have never had a seizure that lasted 30 minutes. My convulsions last only a minute and my simple partials last only a second, but they come in sessions(more than one), and my complex partials only last about 10-12 seconds. Sorry if I confused you.