Issues with Memory/Concentration

[Starburst]

It has been almost a year since my son (age 18 ) was diagnosed with epilepsy. We now know that it is temporal lobe epilepsy. Most of his seizures occur during sleep, and they are not yet fully controlled.

I know that people with epilepsy can have memory/concentration issues but I would like to know to what extent. I am finding that my son has a very poor memory and cannot seem to retain the information he studies for exams. He takes lamictal, but these issues were present before he started taking the medication. He studies hard but has failed several exams lately, and I do not know how to help him.

Has anyone here overcome something like this? He himself seems perplexed as to why he is doing so poorly in school.

 

[jemsister]

I wish I could give some useful advice. I know I have short term memory issues, absentmindedness, poor concentration, that sort of thing. I find I have to work harder than I used to to retain info, pay attention, etc. I also have to concentrate and put a little extra effort into not slurring my words. I am told this sort of issue is largely a medication issue.

I wonder if eating adequate amounts of brain food like fish would make a difference? Also, maybe doing things to keep your mind sharp, like word/math puzzles, logic puzzles, etc... I hope he is able to find a way to help himself in school. Does he come away from tests and then finds he still retains the knowledge after the fact? What I mean is, is it a temporary memory lapse issue, and the memory returns later? Perhaps the stress of testing is feeding the issue. Does he get nervous during test times?

 

[Chaz1]

My Son 23 when diagnosed, now 27. Same as your Son, he has nocturnal seizures mostly but not strictly. Not sure if its meds or the seizures that cause the memory problems, probably both... but darn common in E. My Son was same but not so much these days……yes he is forgetful but not to extreme.

There are special programs that allow your Son to take longer to complete his study or even exams; it’s been a God send to my Son. He has 5 years (in college now) to pass what is normally a 4 year course. I personally feel it’s very, very important that his school knows - so they can help...and they should help.

My son is also in neuro therapy which is brain training, another God send....

If I may suggest, would not hurt for him to see psychologist, my Son does and it is yet another God send....he can vent and open up and really talk about it all….I cannot recommend this enough, your Son is so young and it will help deal with the challenges ahead..Together with his therapist (my Son loves this guy) My Son did a memory test and it came out he had better memory than his therapist, these little things help boost confidence….

Your Son will need to learn to take more and detialed notes at school, more than most kids, if he does learn this art it will help big time and become habit...and will help at work later too.

Highly recommend Omega 3, Omega-3 fatty acid supplements (high quality) known to help boost memory. My Son takes this; we started this fast when he started the meds, when he complained about feeling depressed. A good protector for his brain and heart too.

In fact my Son takes a little list of safe supplements in conjunction with meds...And watches everything he eats/drinks (yes he eats all but junk or additives extreme min)

This Mum thinking of you and a great crew of people are all here for you at CWE…

 

[cazzy]

yesterday i had to travel from one side of country to the other over 9hrs on train my head ached migraine and when i got to paddington i had brain freeze,i went around and around trying find tube something i can do blindfold,then again at liverpool street total confusion again a journey i could do in my sleep(often do)was so bad i wonder if i got starts of alzimers,i had to take a cloberzam on route something i never do anyhow got home felt better but spending day in bed

 

[Cint]

I have TLE also and have terrible memory. I agree with Chaz in seeing a psychologist to help with the memory problems, more precisely, a neuropsychologist who specializes in these types of problems. I went to one also for memory issues and she taught me ways to deal with bad memory, a common problem with epilepsy and some of the meds.

 

[Crash]

Yes,im another with terrible memory,it's the most trivial off things i seem to forget.Its like they are there in my brain but theres something in there blocking them.I think most people with epilepsy and are medicated will complain off the same issues.

Although i must admit i have never tried a neuropsychologist as Cint and Chaz have suggested,although it certainly sounds like something to look into.

 

[Nakamova]

um-adam,
If it's available near you, neurofeedback might be worth a try for your son -- it can improve certain cognitive and attention skills (in addition to helping with seizure control).