I don't have a diagnosis but after a really bad seizure 10 days ago I am terrified it will happen again the hospital have said if it happens again they will treat me for epilepsy but in the meantime I am just scared as apparently it was quite serious they said the outcome would have been totally different if I had been on my own
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Teresa54
Welcome to CWE, I know you are scared right now or as you put it terrified, if it happens again there is nothing you can do about it, its not in your power to wish it away. The hospital should some idea I think, but that is only me. Epilepsy seizures are by nature serious and you can hurt yourself, but until you know for sure from a doctor try not to worry yourself, I know that is easy say but you have to try.
Welcome to CWE, I know you are scared right now or as you put it terrified, if it happens again there is nothing you can do about it, its not in your power to wish it away. The hospital should some idea I think, but that is only me. Epilepsy seizures are by nature serious and you can hurt yourself, but until you know for sure from a doctor try not to worry yourself, I know that is easy say but you have to try.
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Hi Teresa54, welcome to CWE!
Have you been referred to a neurologist and/or had an EEG test done? If there was no obvious cause for a seizure (such as extreme dehydration), then it would make sense to see a specialist for further testing.
In the meantime, is there someone who can stay with you or check in on you periodically? It's absolutely normal to be scared -- at this point you probably have more questions than answers -- and having a friend or family member nearby may help.
Have you been referred to a neurologist and/or had an EEG test done? If there was no obvious cause for a seizure (such as extreme dehydration), then it would make sense to see a specialist for further testing.
In the meantime, is there someone who can stay with you or check in on you periodically? It's absolutely normal to be scared -- at this point you probably have more questions than answers -- and having a friend or family member nearby may help.
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Were there any unusual stressors or circumstances preceding the seizure? Either short-term (like infection/illness) or longer-term (hormonal fluctuations, chronic health issues, poor sleep and fatigue, etc.) It can be helpful to look for clues in the days, weeks and months leading up to the seizure. Sometimes the stressors that trigger a seizure can be multiple or cumulative.
About 1/10 people will experience one seizure at some point in their lives, and most of them (like 60-70%) will never have another one. If your EEG and MRI were normal, and it was a generalized (i.e. tonic/clonic) seizure, the chances are good that it was a "one-off" and you will not suffer another one. Generally you are only given the diagnosis of epilepsy and treated for it after a second unprovoked seizure, or if there are other indications that recurrent seizures are likely.
That being said, I'm sure it was a terrifying experience. However, you do not want to be treated for epilepsy if you are unlikely to have further seizures - epilepsy medications have all sorts of side effects and it is much better to avoid them if you can! While it might seem impossible right now, try not to worry. Make sure all your questions are answered so that you feel confident in their recommendations - but in most cases after a first seizure, watching and waiting is really the best course of action. If you go 6 months without a second seizure, you are very likely to be "in the clear" and the chance that you will ever have another one goes way down.
Good luck! Seizures suck, even just one!
That being said, I'm sure it was a terrifying experience. However, you do not want to be treated for epilepsy if you are unlikely to have further seizures - epilepsy medications have all sorts of side effects and it is much better to avoid them if you can! While it might seem impossible right now, try not to worry. Make sure all your questions are answered so that you feel confident in their recommendations - but in most cases after a first seizure, watching and waiting is really the best course of action. If you go 6 months without a second seizure, you are very likely to be "in the clear" and the chance that you will ever have another one goes way down.
Good luck! Seizures suck, even just one!
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lindsayschu2
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Hi Teresa--You have gotten some good thoughts from other members. I have had epilepsy my entire life, but have only had one tonic clonic type seizure that I am aware of (I may have had others in my sleep a couple of years ago as I now sleep alone and only have how I felt in the morning to go by). I will say that after the one I know about, extreme fear was also my reaction, as well as depression. This is really normal--not only is the experience terrifying, but speaking for myself here, I felt like there were actual physical brain affects that created fear and depression on their own. I was terrified to be alone. If you don't have another seizure, these feelings will lessen in time, and all you can do is be gentle with yourself, have a good support system and realize you've been through something that has many affects that may alter how you are feeling beyond your standard, normal reactions. Try to be as calm as possible--this will only help you. And do as Nakamova suggested and think about any changes in diet, stress, etc that may have happened in the week or two before. Many of us have lived with epilepsy for a very long time, and many of us have lived with it alone. You have people around you, so take comfort in that, and take things day by day. Best of luck to you and know we are here.
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This seems a red flag worth checking out. Had the clumsiness been going on for a while? Have you mentioned it to your doctor? Did it feel like balance issues or muscle weakness? The clumsiness could be due to anything including fatigue or stress, but it could also be related to whatever triggered the seizure.
thank you all for your help I feel so much better and the clumsiness had been going on for about two weeks I had been falling up the stairs rather than down I have been quite tired as well but not sleeping great so I am going to de stress a little bit
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Teresa54,
welcome to CWE
the meds will tire you out. It is normal for someone who is just diagnosed with epilepsy to be scared. Your not sure what's going on with your body or why it started, but your not alone there are others. You might be one of the lucky ones who gets control with meds right away also.
welcome to CWE
the meds will tire you out. It is normal for someone who is just diagnosed with epilepsy to be scared. Your not sure what's going on with your body or why it started, but your not alone there are others. You might be one of the lucky ones who gets control with meds right away also.