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Narcolepsy & epilepsy
Sun, 02/01/2009 - 11:09I'm new here. It's one of those things that I kept meaning to do. But this has been on my mind a lot lately, so maybe someone has some insights.
I'm epileptic & narcoleptic, taking provigil and lamictol (which is also supposed to help me with bipolar disorder). I was taking carbamezapine with good results, except I wasn't functional. I walked around (when I wasn't sleeping) in a complete fog. I talked my neurologist into trying me on other meds, but so far my narcolepsy and epilepsy both seem to be poking back through to the surface (more frequent seizures and crashing at 7-8 pm, even while eating dinner). Is there anyone else around here with both? If so, what has helped?
Re: Narcolepsy & epilepsy
Submitted by Kesai-Serris on Wed, 2010-09-29 - 14:37
I was wondering too if I might be both Epileptic and Narcoleptic. I have been diagnosed with Epilepsy but do experience signs that may be indicative of Narcolepsy. I actually just completed the 24 hour EEG to try and locate the origin of my seizures and I am curious if the doctor would be able to spot Narcolepsy through that test. I did nod off countless times during my EEG. Will it be obvious?
My symptoms are:
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Nodding off frequently (in the car, while watching TV especially action)
Spaciness (feels like I am just not there most days)
Cataplexy for example a little after my daughter was born I woke up unable to use my legs at all but the doctors could find no reason for it (they did not try an EEG or anything)
Suddenly dropping items I was holding or seeming to fall asleep while standing such that I almost fall down
Sleep paralysis
Irritability and depressed mood
Placing items like the milk in the cubbard and not remembering doing it
Hallucination right before falling asleep and right upon waking
Sleepiness after drinking caffiene
My grandma has Epilepsy and also was always randomnly falling asleep and passing out
My daughter is almost 3 now sleeps through the night in her own room, my house is quiet, I get my 8 hours but I am still exhausted and nodding off/zoning out constantly its extremely disruptive!
Is Narcolepsy something I need to mention to my doctor? Or will they make the connection with the EEG and symptoms I've given them? My husband wants to deal with the Epilepsy now since I am being evaluated for surgery should I not think too much?
I was wondering too if I might be both Epileptic and Narcoleptic. I have been diagnosed with Epilepsy but do experience signs that may be indicative of Narcolepsy. I actually just completed the 24 hour EEG to try and locate the origin of my seizures and I am curious if the doctor would be able to spot Narcolepsy through that test. I did nod off countless times during my EEG. Will it be obvious?
My symptoms are:
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Nodding off frequently (in the car, while watching TV especially action)
Spaciness (feels like I am just not there most days)
Cataplexy for example a little after my daughter was born I woke up unable to use my legs at all but the doctors could find no reason for it (they did not try an EEG or anything)
Suddenly dropping items I was holding or seeming to fall asleep while standing such that I almost fall down
Sleep paralysis
Irritability and depressed mood
Placing items like the milk in the cubbard and not remembering doing it
Hallucination right before falling asleep and right upon waking
Sleepiness after drinking caffiene
My grandma has Epilepsy and also was always randomnly falling asleep and passing out
My daughter is almost 3 now sleeps through the night in her own room, my house is quiet, I get my 8 hours but I am still exhausted and nodding off/zoning out constantly its extremely disruptive!
Is Narcolepsy something I need to mention to my doctor? Or will they make the connection with the EEG and symptoms I've given them? My husband wants to deal with the Epilepsy now since I am being evaluated for surgery should I not think too much?