Community Forum Archive
The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
Breakthrough seizure caused by lack of sleep
Sun, 10/12/2008 - 02:58Due to some of the pressure I am under I do not get enough sleep. Last night was one of those examples where I chose to work extra and it caused me to have a breakthrough seizure after 6 weeks of having no seizures whatsoever. Is it really important to tell my neurologist about this? He will only prescribe more medicine for me or recommend that I have surgery, neither one of which I want. What is the best thing to do?
Comments
Re: Breakthrough seizure caused by lack of sleep
Submitted by ghost on Wed, 2008-11-19 - 02:35
well its just like my doctor said. there really isint much you can do when you feel a seizure coming but try to sleep as fast as you can. But what i have noticed is that when i feel shakes starting i get a little nervous about it and that helps me not sleep even more. which basically will result in me having a seizure a few minutes later. How about you? Is there something you do when you feel shakes coming ?
Re: Breakthrough seizure caused by lack of sleep
Submitted by MichaelK on Wed, 2008-11-19 - 07:30
It depends on where I am at. The time between when my arm starts shaking and when a seizure comes is a little more prolonged with me than in your situation it seems. I have anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour before a seizure will come. I try to monitor the degree of the shakes as much as possible and take appropriate action. If it's only a small amount, I then sit down and rest. If my hand is shaking quickly then I know I better go to bed soon. Usually I am so tired by then that I can fall asleep right away. Sometimes this doesn't work and I will have a seizure anyway, so it's risky.
Re: Breakthrough seizure caused by lack of sleep
Submitted by MichaelK on Tue, 2008-11-18 - 23:09
My neurologist hasn't been very clear about those questions so I will have to wait until I am referred to a neurosurgeon, I guess. I also have the same shaking problem as you. It can be caused, I think, by either too little sleep, too much physical activity, or too much mental activity. What do you do when you see your hand shaking?