Avoidance of social interaction post-seizure

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masterjen

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After a strong nocturnal seizure it takes all the next day and evening to recover due to fatigue, feeling disconnected/out of sync, electrical sensations/tingling, and headache. Nothing unusual there. But I also feel compelled to avoid human interactions. I'm fine on the phone speaking with immediate family members who check up on me (I live alone), but I want nothing to do with the every day interactions we might encounter. So for this recovery day I stay inside. Admittedly the safest place for me to be, but I don't understand this strong need to avoid contact with people. Does anyone else experience this? Can anyone offer an explanation? Thanks!
 
I can't speak with medical certainty about why you feel a strong urge to avoid contact with people. I know that I feel the same way after a seizure. All of mine of been nocturnal and safe for two (that I know of) they have all been Grand Mal seizures. Afterward I can barely look people in the eye. For me I think it maybe more psychological, a fear of people not understanding, a fear of what they may think of me, perhaps even a bit of embarrassment. Epilepsy is difficult and uncomfortable for the 'uninitiated'... do you think that may be adding to the discomfort of social interaction after a seizure?
 
That could be part of it, but it also is something along the lines of not being completely "present", as though I am in a slightly different phase of existence (Star Trek would have fun with that one wouldn't they lol). Something like that sort of feeling.
 
Sometimes, depending on the type of seizure, the recovery time does take a day or two before you're completely "present" again. Sort of like getting your bearings again after being lost in a forest for days.
 
people

I avoid human interaction w/o a seizure! Seriously, after a tonic clinic I am in no mood to interact with anyone. Recovery can take up to a week for me. Be patient and kind to yourself:-)
 
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