Medication Effects versus Post-ictal State

[bentwanderer]

i have complex partial temporal lobe epilepsy. Sometimes I have simple partials as well. I also have period of post-ictal fatigue, envy depletion, flat affect, monotoned speech, etc. I seem to have something very similar when I increase my medication dosage. And sometimes I'm not aware of having a sz but have these symptoms nor have I changed my medication or its dose.

Does anyone else have trouble figuring out which is which: medication reaction v post-ictal?

 

[skyfire322]

I had a hard time figuring it out, but it comes down to how much soreness I have and how "loopy" I am.

Usually during my postictal state, I'll feel like I sprinted a marathon, have a splitting headache, and feel like a zombie (just want to fall onto my bed and pass out). Medication side effects on the other hand just make me a little groggy, and if I experience any pain, it's not muscle burning pain.

 

[bentwanderer]

I have complex and simple partials. I'm assuming by your description you have tonic-clinics. Anyone else have complex partials and have figure out how to differentiate post ictal from medication effects?

 

[Cint]

I have complex and simple partials.

Simple partials are often an "aura" to a complex partial seizure. I have Cps, too and for me the SP is actually an 'aura'. I feel lightheaded and am suddenly unable to speak. So when I can no longer speak, I know I am going into a CP, after in a CP, I cannot remember a thing that was said to me. People have told me that I just stare at them with a "blank stare" and smack my lips like I was chewing something. Nothing that's said to me is comprehended for a few moments.

Anyone else have complex partials and have figure out how to differentiate post ictal from medication effects?

When I come out of the CP seizure, it takes me about 15-20 minutes before I can begin to speak again and completely understand what is being said to me. It feels TOTALLY different than the effects of meds. The meds do make me sleepy and I tire easily, but the post-ictal feeling is EXHAUSTION and CONFUSION for a little while.

 

[bentwanderer]

Thanks, Clint. Helpful distinction.