Question about Simple partial seizures

[pita300]

I have a question about Auras and simple partial seizures. I've had seizures for most of my adult life but have been controled by tegretol for at least 15 years. Untill yesterday. From time to time I get I get lighting bolts in my eyes. vision gets blury and its hard to see. I know it's not a migraine because I never get a head ache. There has been times when its followed by pins and needles in my left hand that moves up my are across my face and down my right arm into my hand. Untill yesterday I never thought much about it. Now,Thanks to google I am thinking more about this. My wife thinks I should call my neurologist. The Dr. does'nt want to see my because my seizures are under control. Is this an aura/simple partial seizure? should call my GP and discuss this with him? I look forward to reading your replies.

 

[Nakamova]

Hi pita300, welcome!

You can actually have migraine aura without the headache -- that used to happen to me. But given your seizure history, you may be right in suspecting that your auras are epilepsy-related. Do you keep track of your symptoms? If you feel like they're getting worse, then you may want to contact your neurologist and discuss monkeying with your Tegretol dose. Note: the Tegretol could also be causing your symptoms -- the pins-and--needles sensation is a known side effect.

From drugs.com: (I bolded the relevant ones)

Reported nervous System side effects of Carbamazepine (Tegretol): Dizziness, drowsiness, disturbances of coordination, confusion, headache, fatigue, blurred vision, visual hallucinations, transient diplopia, oculomotor disturbances, nystagmus, speech disturbances, abnormal involuntary movements, peripheral neuritis and paresthesias (pins and needles), depression with agitation, talkativeness, tinnitus, hyperacusis, neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

 

[pita300]

Thanks its good to be here. I am keeping track of the symptoms. It seems to only be hapening once or twice a month. I knew of some of the side effects but never thought the tegretol might be causing that. Thanks again for the info. You will defiantly see me more around here.

 

[loz85]

I'm on Tegretol too and sometimes it feels like the side-effects aren't worth it because they are just as scary.
Hang in there,
Lauren

 

[pita300]

I had another Episode, Aura, Side effect whatever this is yesterday. Thats twice this week. I know it not much but to someone who is seizure free its kinda scaring me!! The episode yesterday included the voices in my office were muffeled. The ac vent above my desk was very loud and hissing. I have an appointment Monday with a new Doctor. The old family doctor declined to authrize a refill of my Tegretol. Thats a whole other story. Anyway this doctor knows nothing about me. what kind of questions shoud I ask Him? I've been out of the loop for a long time so any advice you could give me would be appreciated.

 

[Nakamova]

Is the new doctor a neurologist? That would be ideal. A regular doc is less likely to be up to speed with epilepsy info (meds, side effects, etc,). You might want to ask about options with Tegretol and for other meds and dosages -- potential side effects, ways to transition, ramoing up and tapering down. Also how to identify/distinguish symptoms from side effects, what to do if you suspect that you are having a seizure-like symptom, how to contact him with additional questions or in an emergency. Write everything down -- questions and answers -- so that you can have the info handy. And it doesn't hurt to bring someone with you to the appointment to help keep track.

 

[pita300]

Unfortunatly its a regular doctor. My neurologist does'nt want to see me untill a doctor rules every thing out and decides its a neuro problem. Keep in mind I have'nt see my neurologist for about 15 years. Everything has been under control so her job is done and handed everthing back to the family doctor. The new Dr. and neuro are both in the same hospital system. I will just make sure he keeps the Neuro in the loop