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Edie

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Hello, I am new here. I have just been told I have epilepsy.

I am 29 years old and I live in the UK. I am legal guardian to 3 children and I work part time.

I have had fits for a very long time, but now I have an actual diagnosis which means I can get medication and they might not happen so often. So it's a good thing really, but I also feel all at sea.

I grew up in Africa and when I was very little I caught the common type of malaria. It is incurable and I still get bouts of illness now. When I was little I used to get convulsions caused by getting a very high temperature, but now I keep my temperature down and I don't get those fits any more. I don't know if they are even connected.

But when I was 8 years old I also caught something called cerebral malaria, which is a bit different. I had to go to the hospital and I went into a coma. Ever since this I have had some problems with balance, stammering and also fits even when I am well. I think maybe the malaria has caused some damage in my brain, but I have not been able to get this investigated. Doctors here do not see much malaria, I don't think they know about the different types.

I like this brain :brain:
 
Hi Edie, welcome to CWE!

I'm glad you have a diagnosis -- as you say, it makes treatment possible. There are many medications out there. Which one are the doctors recommending?

It's quite likely that the cerebral malaria you had as a child caused scarring or lesions on the brain that have led to seizures and cognitive issues. You might find this link of interest: http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1474442205702477

I hope you feel free to post and chart, and explore the archives and forums here at CWE.

Best,
Nakamova
 
Hi, Edie,

Malaria is a lifelong problem. I'm so sorry you caught that, especially as a child.

I just want to welcome you to the forum, and say how glad I am that you found us and that you are here!
 
Thank you for such a warm welcome.

I have been prescribed a drug called sodium valproate. The doctor said that if it doesn't work there are many others we can try. So I'm hopeful that it can be better controlled.
 
hi edie,ive only been here afew days myself so welcome to you,im on Epillim and tegratol,hope to see you around.
 
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