Epilepsy and Eating

[Bergoomay]

I was diagnosed with Epilepsy in late June 2010 and one thing I have noticed recently is that each time I eat, the following happens:

My head gets a funny feeling,
I can't open my eyes; almost like they roll into my head and won't open and
My heart starts to beat at a faster pace,

It normally last about 30 seconds - 2 minutes and then I am fine.

I have tried 2 types of medicine and neither have helped. I return to the Dr's office next week and will be discussing this with the Dr as well.

 

[Endless]

Does your doctor think those are seizures? There are some seizures that have physical symptoms.

If seizures have a physiological cause then medication might not work. The root cause for the seizures has to be treated in order to get rid of them. Look for Robin's posts in here. Her daughter Rebecca had seizures brought on by hypoglycemia. I'm guessing yours, if diet related, would be a different problem though because it happens when you eat, not when you don't. Celiacs disease, food allergies, or diabetes could be some triggers. YOu may want to try an elimination diet to see if that helps. Include eliminating gluten at some point - it's in a ton of stuff. Here's a guide on elimination diets. http://www.eliminationdietrd.com/?gclid=CP-NxJ_vw6UCFRRKgwodM1sWZg

Do you keep a food and seizure diary? Be sure to write down exactly what you eat, and if seizures occur what kind and a description. Over time you may see a pattern. Here's a link to a string with different kinds of diaries. Since yours may be food-centered, a different format than the ones given may be better for you.

http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f23/seizure-journals-10776/

 

[Nakamova]

Seizures caused by eating can be a kind of reflex epilepsy (like seizures caused by photosensitivity or certain sounds or smells). It's often associated temporal lobe epilepsy. The trigger could be the sight or smell of the food, or the sensation of the food in your throat or stomach.

 

[Bergoomay]

Thanks Endless and Nakamova. I am starting a diary today of what I eat as I am also starting to train for my next half marathon as well. I am wondering if it is the chewing that is causing the issue. It normally happens within 5 minutes of me finishing a meal regardless of the type of meal. I can eat a granola bar or a Thanksgiving fest and it still happens. I am going to bring it up to my neurologist Thursday to see what they might have to say about it.