strange question....

[Rhea]

Has anyone experienced increased sinus drainage as a result of E. directly? I have had a cough ALL my life that no one could find the cause for. My neuro said it could be caused by the seizures, increased seizures- increased drainage- increased cough. It makes sense and could explain the life long cough. (even when I was a baby) Anyone else know anything about this??? Anyone else have this?

 

[Nakamova]

With tonic-clonics, there's usually a period of drainage going on in the recovery period afterwards, and there's an even greater likelihood with temporal lobe epilepsy. There could definitely be a connection, especially if you've been having seizures for a long time. Come to think of it, I have sinus drainage issues that I don't remember having until after I developed epilepsy...

 

[Rhea]

I have left temp lobe E. No one could ever explain the coughing. Dr.'s have tried everything to stop it and the only thing that does is Lorcet. Sometimes it keeps on for weeks at a time, then subsides for a while. But, never totally goes away. It has plagued me in so many aspects of my life, sometimes worse than E. I wonder if my seizures are totally controlled if it will go away? any input would be appreciated.

 

[Nakamova]

Hmm, just a guess here, but maybe there's a connection related to the vagus nerve, which runs all the way from the brain stem down to the abdomen. The nerve is definitely involved in both coughing and epilepsy. (You've probably heard of Vagus Nerve Stimulation, where a pacemaker-like device is implanted to stimulate the nerve and prevent seizures). Sometimes if there is a lesion or a scar or some other malfunction of the nerve, that can result in a chronic cough. So maybe you've got some kind of lesion causing both seizures and coughing. It's hard to know if control of the seizures would also lead to control of the coughing -- I guess maybe you'll find out!

I assume that your doctors have ruled out reflux/hernia and some of the other causes of chronic cough. Have they been able to recommend a successful treatment for the cough? This may sound weird, but have you tried dark chocolate? No joke -- there is a chemical in dark chocolate (theobromine) that has been found to successfully treat chronic cough. It may be one prescription that isn't too hard too follow...

 

[RobinN]

In other neuro forums there is a connection between yeast symptoms and sinus problems. I know when Rebecca's system has an increase in fungal growth, her sinus' issues are in overdrive. She also had a chronic cough as a child. To the point that we had an ENT do a scope. I know when I target the yeast / fungal growth the sinus issues go away... each and every time.

The other suggestion that I read about often, is that casein sensitivities are connected to allergies such as you mention. Asthma and sinus issues are cleared up by many with an elimination of dairy. Something worth experimenting with.

 

[Rhea]

Thanks for all the things to think about. I've tried eliminating milk, and it didn't help. Tried allergy shots, psycotherapy, just about everything. But, never thought they the seizures and cough together) could be related. I'll bring these possibilities up to my neuro. of Fri.

 

[darcness]

This is just totally speculation and me thinking out loud, but what about myoclonic seizures? I mean they can cause hiccups, which is a form of a muscle spasm. I would think a cough would be fairly similar. Perhaps a group of muscles that are irritating your throat or causing your cough reflex to go off.

Again, just me thinking out loud, but I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility.

 

[Rhea]

Shoot, anything is possible with e. That's one thing that I've learned, it isn't always textbook.

 

[Shelley]

environment

I cough because of the people at work who wear too much makeup and perfume. (It's nasty.)
Other than that, I do have sinus drainage and a cough that I've had all my life.
I wouldn't be surprised if I had TLE. Although, I have been threatened with sinus surgery to help open up the passages. (I also have a deviated septum: the piece of cartilage in your nose.)

 

[Crystal11]

I have sinus issues real bad as does my twin too. We both have had Epilepsy since age 6 but were not treated until age 14 or so. Then stopped treatment due to sleepyness then started it up again at age 23 until now at age 26. I have always had allergy troubles but never thought about it being connected to Epilepsy or seizures, or complex partial seizures rather. I think we are just sensative to molds and other allergens in the air here in Texas. We used to take allergy shots once a week for two years.
I am curious to know more about the connection though.

Take care everyone

 

[matchu]

woot! TEXAS, Houston shout out

 

[RobinN]

Thanks for all the things to think about. I've tried eliminating milk, and it didn't help. .

Did you try this for a minimum of three months. Reading all labels?

 

[Meetz1064]

Ive had

problems with chronic sinusitis for YEARS. I can't even remember when it really started..but I'm fairly certain it started with my E. I don't cough everyday though, because I'm on a regular dose of Mucinex, and unless I get another infection on top of it, the Mucinex helps keep things thinned out enough....