New and waiting to be seen at first fit clinic

[Lolly]

New and waiting to be seen at seizure clinic

Hi all I was hoping you could help me with some info on what will happen at my appointment at the clinic. I had what my doctor thinks was an absence seizure about 6 weeks ago and I've since had another one, I was really really hoping it was a one off.
Now he's said this it's made me think that some of the things that have happened to me over the last couple of years might be connected. A few times a year I wake up freezing cold, so cold I start uncontrollably shaking, I'm fully concious and can talk and move but not control the shaking and jerking of my arms and legs. I also sometimes can't understand what people are saying it's like they have all of a sudden started speaking a foreign language. It only lasts a few seconds and then everything goes back to normal.
Any info you can share with me would be brilliant as I'm feeling a bit out of my depth here.

 

[Nakamova]

Hey Lolly, welcome to CWE!

Yes, the symptoms you describe could be what are called simple partial seizures -- the person remains conscious during them but isn't fully in control. Partial seizures can take a lot of very different forms -- twitching/jerking, sensory distortions, being unable to speak or understand, etc. You can read a bit more about them at the link below. The other links describe Complex Seizures, where the person is conscious but impaired (almost like sleepwalking), and absence seizures (which can appear like daydreaming).
http://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizures/simple-partial-seizures
http://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizures/complex-partial-seizures
http://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizures/absence-seizures

If you can, write down all the instances when you've experienced unusual symptoms or sensations -- even if you're not sure they're seizure-related. This can help the neurologist with diagnosis, and help you in looking for patterns or triggers to the symptoms. There's some good basic information here: http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f22/proactive-prescription-epilepsy-1254/

If there's any family history of epilepsy or migraine, the neuro will want to know that too. The neuro will probably do some very simple neurological tests (things like checking your eyes and reflexes). He might schedule some tests like an EEG or an MRI. Don't be shy about asking a lot of questions -- including how to get in touch with the neuro if you have more questions after the appointment. It's a good idea to bring a friend or family member with you to write down what the neuro says.

I hope it goes well, and that you get some answers soon.
Best,
Nak

p.s. some CWE members aren't too keen on using "fit" to describe a seizure. "Seizure" or "seizure disorder" are more current terms that carry a bit less stigma.

 

[Lolly]

Thanks Nakamova that's really helpful. I will change the title if I can, its actually what the doctors and hospital call the clinic...no offence meant to anyone.
The partial seizures and absence seizures sound exactly like what happens to me. Until the absences I never tied the other things together and I have had migraines every couple of months for years as well

 

[seagull]

Blimmy they call it fit clinic not sure they should do that

 

[Lolly]

I'm guessing not now seagull and I'm wondering how behind on everything else they are now

 

[seagull]

Is it US or britain

 

[Lolly]

Britain

 

[seagull]

I went to Kings colleage Denmark hill.they deal people all over country the best top notch in Europe after lot arguing with GP I got there.It bit grim in my local place

 

[Nakamova]

I will change the title if I can, its actually what the doctors and hospital call the clinic...no offence meant to anyone.

None taken

 

[seagull]

It don't bother me but been pissed if seen it on door in out patients

 

[acshuman]

! ! ! ! Welcome to CWE ! ! ! !

Lolly,
You will find a lot of knowledge from the members of CWE!
I have continued to learn about E every day since I was diagnosed because each case of E is different in some way! A person can never know too much about E because there is always the possibility of a person's E changing in some way and then they will need to know more.

acshuman