Dizzy Lizzy

[Lizzy630]

Hello!
My name is Liz, and i suffer from Grand Mal seizures. I had my first around the age of 15/16 (2004). I ended up having another that year, so I was put on Depakote. I remained on that till about two years ago, when I was switched to Topamax. I've also remained seizure free that whole time till this past month and a half. I've had 4 seizures. Docs have have only suggested with me that mine could be caused by sleep deprivation. But it just doesn't explain why all of a sudden while i'm medicated all this time. Also, both times it happened, i had a drink the night before. Wasn't drunk, because i dont like to drink a lot. Just a mixed drink(bbq and graduation). But i've done that before too so idk.

Also, I know this is REALLY WEIRD, but my mom has a theory that the altitude effects me. Is that even possible? Cause when i first moved here...i had the first one, then we moved and i was fine, now i'm back and having probs again.

 

[Soniag]

it could be both of them causing it, but sleep deprivation is more likely if doctors have told you that

 

[Nakamova]

Hi Liz, welcome to CWE!

There are all sorts of potential seizure triggers out there, and it to make it complicated, they can work in combination and can change over time. I know it's tough to find triggers if you only have the occasional tonic-clonic, but if you can, write down everything you can think of that might have played a role --what you ate and drank, how tired you were, how much activity you had engaged in, whether there were flashing lights, what kind of alcohol was in the mixed drink, etc.

Fatigue is the #1 trigger, so that may have done it. But other triggers to consider include fluctuating hormones (estrogen and thyroid), food sensitivities (alcohol, caffeine, msg, aspartame, gluten), metabolic/nutritional issues (low blood sugar, dehydration, deficiencies), general health (infection/illness), environmental stress (flashing or fluorescent lights), and emotional stress.

And for some, things like changes in barometric pressure or altitude can sometimes trigger folks as well. It may have to do with how their breathing and/or sleep are affected. The threads below discuss altitude as a factor:
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f23/epilepsy-high-elevation-13287/
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f27/does-high-altitudes-flight-effect-your-epilepsy-6438/

Best,
Nakamova

 

[Lizzy630]

Thank you!! That really helps a lot. I didnt realize so many other things could also help trigger. I'm just scared right now because I was doing "so good" and all of a sudden these few happened. So I just wanted to hear others opinions.

I'm leaning towards sleep deprivation, possibly caffeine (because I just started drinking soda again this year), low blood sugar, and find out more about the elevation effects.

 

[DadofTwins]

Welcome Lizzy!

Hello and Welcome!

You should feel safe and comfortable here. You are among the most caring group of people that I have ever met.

Sleep deprivation is often associated with seizures. Do you keep a log of your activities, foods, drinks and sleep? It is pretty easy if you have a smart phone.

I hope that the current seizure frequency diminishes and you return to a hppy place.

Tom

Searching for the new normal!

 

[Lizzy630]

I don't normally track my food intake, but I think i'm going to to start. Along with taking caffeine back out of my diet.

These last ones happened in pairs and both on Sundays too, where my sleep was definitely affected as well. There are a lot of things i'm considering now. Thanks for the opinions and advice! It means a ton!