Morning seizures

[grabo114]

Hello I am new here and was just looking for some information on why my seizures happen when they do. They seem to be under control now thanks to zonisamide. But when I was experiencing grand-mal seizures every week or two weeks they would happen in the morning. Sometimes I would get out of bed and walk around before it would happen and sometimes I wouldn't. But every time I can't remember waking up at all. I have read cases where people have seizures that are strictly in the morning time yet they remember waking up. I don't seem to remember anything...sometimes I would just wake up in another room with paramedics standing over me and my face busted open. So my questions are:

1. What are the triggers for seizures that only happen in the morning?

2. Any idea why I don't remember anything at all while some people can remember waking up before going into seizures?

I know it's a long shot but any help will do. Thanks guys! :]

-Chris

 

[Nakamova]

Hi Chris, welcome to CWE!

1. The transition moments from waking to sleep or sleep to waking are popular times for seizing. The brain can be more vulnerable then because of the kinds of brainwaves (Delta) being produced at that time. In addition to the sleep/wake state, day/night or circadian rhythms can play a role. And things like low blood sugar or dehydration may also be factors depending on your individual metabolism.

Different seizure types/origins seem to have patterns as well, although not every one matches up 100%. One study showed a correlation between the area of the brain where Partial Seizures originate, and the time of day that they occur:

-- Occipital seizure occurrence peak between 4:00PM and 7:00PM
-- Parietal seizures peak between 4:00AM and 7:00AM
-- Frontal lobe seizures peak between 4:00AM and 7:00AM
-- Mesial temporal lobe seizures have a primary peak in the late afternoon between 4:00PM and 7:00PM and secondary peak in the morning between 7:00AM and 10:00AM.

These are just averages, but there's a definite statistical link. It's not entirely clear why this correlation exists -- most likely some combination of circadian rhythms (24-hour body clock) and external rhythms (like meals and sunlight).

2. Chances are you can't remember waking up because the seizure causes a bit of retrograde amnesia. It's different for everyone, but I've also had morning grand mals where I don't remember waking up.

Best,
Nakamova

 

[MuayThaiFighter]

I hate waking up. Not like the good old days, where you were just tired. But your afraid that your going to wake up and then partially black out. My neuro said it was pretty common for the seizure threshold to lower like Nakamova said, during the sleep/waking transition. You aren't alone, I literally wake up with this every morning. I would find a way to get the times recorded and see a pattern. Best of luck to you.