Hi, I've had grand mal epilepsy since I was 17, and it's fairly well controlled now. However, I'm researching the relationship between symptoms of "inattentive ADD" and epilepsy. Are there symilar symptoms ? I'm not motivated, I'm confused, disorganised, forgetful. These are apparently symptoms of inattentive ADD. There are other ADD symptoms I could tick off. I've had a history of this behavior my whole life, but have coped reasonably as an adult through having an "in the moment" career of press photography. I find myself in relationships with strong controlling women, perhaps as a crutch for my own behavior. I end up driving them nuts with my chaos. Right now my relationship is on the rocks. She's been very supportive but is reaching her wits end. The question is…am I missing an opportunity to get past these symptoms with appropriate treatment for ADD…Are they just symptoms of the epilepsy and the medication ? Or is there a chance I'm also ADD. I've read it's possible ...can that be treated. I'm grateful for stability to seizures but I'm hoping there's a chance I can improve my lifestyle. Many thanks
Inattentive ADD symptoms from epilepsy ?
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Kaitybugsmom
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Welcome to CWE TJ!
I can not speak on the epilepsy medication portion as I have no first hand experience with the medications. Our son has ADD/ADHD and takes Adderall XR 20mg a day in the morning. While it helps him tremedously the way the pharmacist and his Dr's say it works is to 'stimulate' the part of the brain that is not functioning or not functioning properly. Basically every morning we are giving our child amphetamine. I am not sure how that would work with anti-epileptic medications. Definatly something worth talking to your Dr about.
I can not speak on the epilepsy medication portion as I have no first hand experience with the medications. Our son has ADD/ADHD and takes Adderall XR 20mg a day in the morning. While it helps him tremedously the way the pharmacist and his Dr's say it works is to 'stimulate' the part of the brain that is not functioning or not functioning properly. Basically every morning we are giving our child amphetamine. I am not sure how that would work with anti-epileptic medications. Definatly something worth talking to your Dr about.
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Hi TJ and welcome,
What AED are you taking? The symptoms of confusion, forgetfulness, disorganization can sometimes be side effects of seizure meds also. Have you discussed these with your neurologist? and since your unmotivated, that could be a symptom of depression, another side effect of epilepsy/AED.
What AED are you taking? The symptoms of confusion, forgetfulness, disorganization can sometimes be side effects of seizure meds also. Have you discussed these with your neurologist? and since your unmotivated, that could be a symptom of depression, another side effect of epilepsy/AED.
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Hi TJWalton --
It can be so hard to separate out symptom from side effect. Regardless, one thing you might consider trying is neurofeedback -- it's med-free therapy that has shown results in treating ADD/ADHD (as well as seizures for some folks). The downsides can be commitment required (usually minimum 20 sessions) and the cost, since it's not always covered by insurance. More info here:http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f22/eeg-neurofeedback-501/
Best,
Nakamova
It can be so hard to separate out symptom from side effect. Regardless, one thing you might consider trying is neurofeedback -- it's med-free therapy that has shown results in treating ADD/ADHD (as well as seizures for some folks). The downsides can be commitment required (usually minimum 20 sessions) and the cost, since it's not always covered by insurance. More info here:http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f22/eeg-neurofeedback-501/
Best,
Nakamova
Re: ADD and epilepsy
I'm on Epilim and Lamictin with Rivotril to give me a deep sleep. I'm seeing my neurologist on Monday and wanted to discuss the ADD aspect with him.
His position generally is…."difficulties are to be expected ...be grateful you're stable." So I'm looking forward to going in armed with some more information if I can.
I'm on Epilim and Lamictin with Rivotril to give me a deep sleep. I'm seeing my neurologist on Monday and wanted to discuss the ADD aspect with him.
His position generally is…."difficulties are to be expected ...be grateful you're stable." So I'm looking forward to going in armed with some more information if I can.