Wierd day

[sjconner]

Yesterday I was teaching my classes ... well watching my classes work on projects in our computer lab. At about lunchtime (11:00), I suddenly felt very light headed, my balance was off, and I felt very weak. My co-workers said I was white as a sheet. I wrote it off as low blood sugar. I ate lunch. The feeling never went away. By about 2:00, while teaching my reading class, I felt so exhausted and weak. I really struggled to come up with words, even about material I know by rote - don't even have to think about them. I had this almost overwhelming urge to sleep. When classes were over, I called my Hubby to come pick me up and take me home. When I got home I slept for a couple of hours (until 6:00) and then felt a bit better. It was a really odd day. I have never felt that way before. I don't know what happened. No one was paying any attention to me so I couldn't tell you anymore than how I felt.

 

[notime]

You should contact your neurologist or epileptologist and tell him or her about this, perhaps they can explain it. I thought it could be side effects to your medicine so I looked at your profile and found you took topamax http://www.rxlist.com/topamax-drug/patient-images-side-effects.htm here's a list of side effects.

I wouldn't think they would come on just like this if you have been taking it for a long time... Wish I had a better explanation.

 

[sjconner]

I need to update my profile. The neuro took me off topamax last April. I am now on lamotrigine (125mg twice a day) which I started in April. I am also on gabapentin (100mg three times a day) which I started Sept 4. Haven't really had any side effects on either med.

Saturday morning (yesterday) was more of the same. I laid down for a while. I got up after a while because I was afraid I would quit breathing. Weird! I had a massive headache that afternoon. I was off balance this morning too.

Last Thurs I called the neuro's nurse about some twitchyness I have been having in my left shoulder. I have an appt on Oct 8.

 

[masterjen]

Hi, sjconner
I'm not saying don't call your neurologist; you have to do what you feel is right, and what your neurologist's instructions to you have been about when to call (ie. what symptoms prompt a phone call).

For what it's worth, I've had symptoms such as what you described happened at your school; just kept track in my diary. Had it become a pattern of some kind, I certainly would have called. I can be prone to feeling similar symptoms if I am hungry or haven't eaten regular or properly balanced meals or had enough to drink for a day or two, and I certainly don't necessarily rebound right away. Reduced sleep or even an isolated reaction to medication can cause similar symptoms. Even a so-called 24 hour virus can make a person feel this way. It's important to remember that our systems are compromised to some degree, and we may be more sensitive to things like dehydration, not eating, feeling anxious, a 24-hour bug, or whatever.

Since being diagnosed I, too, have been guilty of going into panic mode as soon as something "abnormal" occurs, but it's important to remember that even those without seizures can have times when they feel off. We need to learn to be self-aware, but not so self-aware we needlessly panic and attribute everything to E. or a potentially serious problem. I'm slowly learning to do this, but I do understand it's not easy believe me!

If this is an isolated incident, I personally would not be calling the neurologist especially since you have an appointment so soon anyway. If it continues for the next few days, that may be a different matter.

 

[Nakamova]

I am also on gabapentin (100mg three times a day) which I started Sept 4.

That's not that long ago. Maybe the dizziness is a delayed reaction/side effect related to the gabapentin? Sometimes it takes a few weeks -- or months -- for the body and brain to adjust to new meds. I hope the odd sensations go away, but if they don't, try and keep your neuro in the loop. And make sure you are drinking plenty of water (not just eating) since dehydration can cause light-headedness or make it worse.