Some Questions about Simple Partial Seizures

[Starburst]

These are some questions I have on my mind at the moment:

If someone's simple partial seizures are infrequent and do not disrupt their life in a major way, do they necessarily need to be treated with medication?

If someone leaves simple partial seizures untreated, are they likely to become worse over time?

If someone suspects they are having simple partial seizures, are there any common vitamin deficiencies or disorders other than epilepsy the person could check for before starting AEDs?

If lack of sleep is a trigger for a specific person, can a person manage to successfully avoid simple partial seizures by making sure to get adequate rest? Or will the seizures eventually occur anyway, like a dam waiting to burst?

 

[Starburst]

I am pretty sure I wrote AEDs in my first post. Does the forum automatically change the abbreviation to "anti-epileptic drugs"?

 

[Starburst]

Okay, I guess I have my answer.

 

[julie wishes]

Wow.... I have these and my list of questions was and remains these exact questions. I've been trying to find these answers since I joined in May. My doctor unfortunately has been of no help to me. So I found the forum. I have learned a ton... but these specific answers I still search for.

There are many opinions on this subject and maybe no definitive answers or maybe very definitive answers, but I don't feel I have found them quite yet. Maybe the studies haven't been done. One thing that seems to be apparent is that seizures get worse over time from what I can tell by reading peoples histories even when medicated.... so I assume they will get worse for me... but who knows for sure. I read one persons post who has had simples only all their life and they are medicated and they never had a tonic clonic.! I also tried medication and my seizure rate tripled in intensity, frequency, and type (thus the medicine caused more seizures and worse types in me... not scientific, just my experience)

So I continue my quest to find these answers. I'm searching for a new doctor that might actually like to help me (sarcasm).

I take b complex, b6, fish oil, and mg (over the counter regular doses) I have noticed an increase in memory, mental stamina, happiness, and less seizure activity. But that is not scientific... just my Observations. I also attempt to stay well rested which helps tremendously. I avoid extreme heat, flashing lights, and going anywhere too late at night... all with good results. I also have an excellent support system, and try to stay well balanced with proper nutrition and exercise. I try to eat foods rich in the minerals and vitamins I mentioned above. I also try to learn as much as possible, and cut myself some slack. I avoid anyone who has negative comments about my condition.

Time will tell, but so far I'm better off not medicated because I'm normal in between seizures. A normal I hold tightly to and am not ready to give up. If I suffered from complex partials or tonic clonics that caused physical injuries.... I'd probably have to choose meds. But these simples are manageable at the moment and medication side effects were unmanageable for me. My current seizure rate is way down since finding the forum and learning about supplements and triggers.... but they have not stopped.

I can't wait for more responses to this thread. Thanks for posting it.

 

[JaneC]

Hi Adam,

Can't help with many of you questions but I'm on the forum as the mother of a daughter who has epilepsy and she has simple partials ONLY when sleep deprived. I'd say in her case at least that if she gets enough rest/sleep, they don't happen.

On top of that, if she has lost a lot of sleep, she might start having absences/aura but can stop them turning into simple partials or tonic-clonics by going for a sleep.

That is just her experience, of course. Personally, I wouldn't have been keen for her to go on medication for the odd simple partial but we have had a series of events in recent months - absences , simple partials and one generalised seizure which nobody witnessed, so we're not exactly sure what it was. Therefore she is starting on lamotrigine tomorrow. Still not convinced it's for the best.

You might find it interesting to read up a bit on the British Olympic hurdler Dai Greene and how he has dealt with having epilepsy.

Hope this is of some help.

 

[leoniedelt]

this is a very pertinent question.