Recent changes - question

[Kat66]

Hi everyone - I'm new here. I have complex partial seizures, and have for quite some time. I am not medicated, as the keppra did not agree with me, and I am against taking anything else unless necessary. meditation and vitamins (and plenty of sleep) have really helped to lessen the number of seizures I experience. Recently though, there have been some changes and they have me worried. i want to know if anyone else has experienced anything like this.

For the past 6 months or so I've had this tingling on the side of my head from my ear up -- it comes & goes every day -- about 100 times a day. The other night, I was awoken from a sound sleep with a sharp, sharp pain in myhead -- on the same side - and I sat up and put my hand over my head -- the pain went away very quickly, but then I could not see out of my right eye for a good full two minutes. The vision came back - and I was scared to death. Two days later, on two different occasions, I have been unable to properly annunciate my words. This didn't last long either.

I thought I was having, or had had a stroke -- i went to the doctor. she says that she believes it is related to my seizures and that the neurologist needs to a complete new evaluation.

has anyone had such a change like this, or experienced anything like this that has been related to the epilepsy? I kind of find it hard to believe since it sounds so much more like the symtoms of a stroke to me.

Tahnks for any feedback.

Kathy

 

[Nakamova]

Hi Kathy, welcome!

First off, hugs to you -- it must be scary dealing with the new symptoms, especially temporary loss of speech or vision. I hope you've arranged to see your neurologist sooner rather than later, so you van get a handle on what;s going on.

Unfortunately it can be difficult to distinguish between different diagnoses where the brain is concerned. But given that you have a history of seizures, that does seem a likely place to start when considering your recent symptoms. Depending on where the abnormal brainwaves originate, they could affect your vision and speech -- it's not unusual for seizures to cause the problems you describe, and even some folks with migraines have had similar symptoms.

It's also possible for seizures to change in nature, especially if they are uncontrolled. I think it's great that you have been able to be unmedicated, but one risk is that your seizures may progress. Do you keep a seizure diary? By tracking the frequency, duration, and nature of your seizures you can see if they are increasing or worsening, and also potentially identify any triggers.

Let your neurologist know about worries about the possibility of a stroke. He or she will probably request an EEG and/or MRI, which can help determine what is going on. I hope you can schedule a prompt appointment -- and let us know how it goes.

Best,
Nakamova

 

[epileric]

Welcome Kat.

As much as I Hate anti-epileptic drugs the majority of us do need them, even if just to lessen the seizures to a tolerable level. They all have various side-effects but everyone reacts differently to them. Hopefully you can find a medication that react to you with little or no side-effects. Remember that the more seizures you have, the more you will get (to put it in a nutshell).

My personal opinion would be to get them as controlled as possible with medications & trying various alternatives, find out what works the best for you then ween yourself off of the meds.

There is one person on this board that was able to control their daughters seizures with diet, supplements & neurofeedback but I don't know of anyone else who has been able to do that.

Here are few alternative treatments that you may find interesting.

http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/index.php?p=alternative-treatments

You also might want to check out The History Book in the "library" which has members experiences with various alternative treatments.

 

[Endless]

Hi, Kathy,

Welcome to the forum! I'm glad you found us.

Changes in symptoms can be confusing and scary all at once. It really does take a good neurologist to sort it all out. A visit to yours now might be a good idea.

About the meds - what eric said is good advice. It's important to get your seizures as under control as possible - the goal is zero. Untreated seizures have a nasty habit of getting worse. The neuro will want you on meds until you've been seizure free for about 3 years.

Hugs to you. Everything is going to be okay.