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Anxiety attacks or simple partial seizures and dejavu??

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 06:17

Hey there,

 I can't believe I'm typing this out because to everyone I've ever spoken to looks at me like i'm crackers. 

My name is Anna, I'm 27 years old.  I have a loving family, great group of friends, have no past traumatic experiences, no head injuries.  I am a very sensitive girl. 

This all sort of kicked off when I was 22, I started feeling very anxious about situations, I'd get terribly worked up and stressed about it.  A lot down to sistuations I was in at the tiem.  I was in my 2nd year at Uni, wasn't doing so well, was homesick and had awful living situations with the people I was living with causing me nothing but hassle and worry.  I soon started having these episodes.  Now, I cant pin down when exactly it started but I know it carried on.  I'd go into a daze, a rush of fear would sweep over me and a feeling like nothing ever before and then this hideous feeling of de javu would come on me. I couldn't speak properly, if in conversation whatever someone was saying would feel like i'd heard it before, or if watching TV I'd heard it before.  I couldn't even get the words out to say " give me a moment"  whether that was sheer embarrassment of this thing I was experiencing I couldnt understand I'm not sure.  If I did speak (i.e. to my boyfriend who knows) he'd tell me after I'd made no sense.  Then poof it was over in seconds, but what I was thinking? Not a clue... but each time I had an episode it was all so familiar. I'd sometimes dream about them, thus causing the feeling in my sleep. 

Now, i've always been a deep thinker (my worst arch enemy), and I do have the best memory ever, but the fact I couldn't remember this de javu I kept experiencing bothered me.  I wouldn't let it drop so kept trying to remember, and then i'd have more.  I was stressed and anxcious about it, and about having another one...which in turn caused another. I went to the doctors who tried to throw pills at me saying I was depressed, but even though I felt low for the fact I couldnt epxlain what was happening, I certainly didnt think I was depressed. I was sent to councelling sessions who tried to dig deep in my past and find out what I was holding back.  Making me over anyalize old situatuions wondering if they triggered all this, and the de javu was something I wanted to remember but couldnt.  It was crap because Ive got no demons in my closet! Others said it was anxiety attacks... So I just manned up and dealt.  I looked at anxiety free diets.  I cut out caffiene, I hardly drink, I try to eat fresh and organic foods. And when I get the surge that I might get one I change my activity or distract myself. However, there are the big ones when I cant. I was doing a half marathon on Sunday and at about mile 9, in the heat ( i had drank lots...maybe not enough?) the feeling came over me.  I had no way to distract myself because it was me alone running a race! I tried to keep running and hope it would brush over me... but it didnt.  De Javu. However, i've learnt to get myself out of them by saying everything is okay and it goes. i cant even tell you what I thought of other than it was that same feeling.  I taste odd tastes, I think a smell too? I swallow alot and suddenly get very hot in the face and sweaty (could of been more about the running this time) 

It leaves me feeling upset with myself for days after. Not because of the experience but the fact I cant control them and that no one understands, me included.  My family are supportive but I think they're getting bored of hearing about it.  I'm so worried about pushing my boyfriend away with this as well, we've been together 4 years now and I dont wnat to be that mental girl hes with. 

I dont know if this is any help but I was a late developer, I didnt start my periods until I was about 18/19 and then wouldn't have them regular at all... i'd go 6 months, 3 months, 5 weeks etc.  Only a few months ago after tests have I been told that I have PCOS.  Even though I have PCOS I had tests but my hormonal balance came back fine?! (still dont understand how that works!)I've read this could be linked with simple partial seizures.  Which, I guess does make sense because I didnt start periods until later then once i'd got into a pattern these episodes happened.  I have just started taking the Pill, which has leveled periods out but ive had more episodes since being on it than not.  I have taken the pill in the past and the one before made it worse.

I'm not sure but I'm feeling really alone with it all. 

I dont think I help myself sometimes though, because I'm constantly worried about having one which makes me so tense and nervous about experiencing it again.... which could egg one on.

 Is this a simple partial seizure or is it just anxiety? 

Any advice would be great.  I've booked a doctors visit next week. 

 xxx

 

Comments

Re: Anxiety attacks or simple partial seizures and dejavu??

Submitted by aggy84 on Wed, 2011-09-28 - 11:14

Yeah,  I stopped drinking coffee because of it.  I work in an extremely frantic work environment at the best of times and that teamed with caffiene used to make me constantly have them!I've even considered a career change because of the stress levels but havent a clue what to go into. 

So would you suggest to come off the birth control pills? Doctors are so frustrating, I cant tell you how many doctors Ive seen about this and NONE have ever said a bean about epilepsy.  All pointed to being depressed or having anxiety or panic attacks.  Makes you realise why people go private with health care! I have heard stories like many when you over anaylize your symptoms.  Being convinced you have a certain illness when you dont... that its all in your head. Some of the girls I saw on Youtube had said they'd been to EEG's and nothing had come up yet they experienced the mirror of what I do.  In some ways I hope something does come up so I finally know, but at the same time I want to be okay.

With the meds thing... I guess i'm wary. Knowing how birth control has caused a right pain in my life that why shouldnt anything else. 

Do you have a specific diet you follow?  Or have foods/drinks you avoid? Do you do any activities to help you?

 Thank you so much again.  i will deffo take you up on your email offer! its so weird to finally read what actually happens to me..... I really dont feel alone anymore.

I'm giving the website and yourself a massive hug! 

 

Yeah,  I stopped drinking coffee because of it.  I work in an extremely frantic work environment at the best of times and that teamed with caffiene used to make me constantly have them!I've even considered a career change because of the stress levels but havent a clue what to go into. 

So would you suggest to come off the birth control pills? Doctors are so frustrating, I cant tell you how many doctors Ive seen about this and NONE have ever said a bean about epilepsy.  All pointed to being depressed or having anxiety or panic attacks.  Makes you realise why people go private with health care! I have heard stories like many when you over anaylize your symptoms.  Being convinced you have a certain illness when you dont... that its all in your head. Some of the girls I saw on Youtube had said they'd been to EEG's and nothing had come up yet they experienced the mirror of what I do.  In some ways I hope something does come up so I finally know, but at the same time I want to be okay.

With the meds thing... I guess i'm wary. Knowing how birth control has caused a right pain in my life that why shouldnt anything else. 

Do you have a specific diet you follow?  Or have foods/drinks you avoid? Do you do any activities to help you?

 Thank you so much again.  i will deffo take you up on your email offer! its so weird to finally read what actually happens to me..... I really dont feel alone anymore.

I'm giving the website and yourself a massive hug! 

 

Re: Anxiety attacks or simple partial seizures and dejavu??

Submitted by angelacarwile on Wed, 2011-09-28 - 13:10

You're very welcome :) HUGS right back to ya!!!

I haven't changed anything specific in my diet because of Epilepsy, for PCOS mostly. I had a number of things go wrong because of over-medication/treatment for PCOS. My pituitary gland shut down because of too many years on hormones/BC pills. I now have a thyroid condition as a result. I cut my coffee intake in half, eat no more than 1% fat dairy products and eat less fatty foods. Also, due to my medication, I can't eat sage or drink certain citrus juices. Oh and I don't drink alcohol...it can cause you to have a seizure too. A glass of wine here and there is ok, but moderation is key.

I'm not a Dr, so I can't tell you what to do, only what worked for me. I was prescribed Yasmin too. It worked for a while, but my symptoms became worse after about 6 months. This is when they began to pump me full of hormones...progestrone, eldosterol, you name it. It was horrible! Since you're already having seizures, If it were me, I wouldn't stay on the pill. It's said that for many female epileptics, "that time of the month" can also be a trigger - sounds like you may be one of them. With added hormones, YIKES!!!

Don't let anyone make you think you're nutso. They have no idea what's going on inside your body. Until they experience something that renders them helpless and unable to speak or communicate, they shouldn't say a word. (Just my loud mouth opinion:)

Many Dr's who haven't worked with Epileptics usually pass simple partial seizures off as anxiety or panic attacks, depression, etc. That's why it's imperitive you see a Neurologist. Even if your EEG comes back normal, that will not rule out the presence of seizure activity. You have witnesses and based on my own experience, what I've read and what my Dr's have told me, your experiences almost mirror some of my own.

As for the meds, I'll be honest with you. They're no walk in the park, but a necessary evil. I didn't want to take them for the exact same reason as you. I had been pumped full of drugs for so long and had so many side effects, I was DONE!!! However, taking the meds changed my life and gave me "normal" back. You and your Dr will hav eto find the right combination for you. You're a tough chic!! You can handle it. The first few weeks are awful, I won't lie. No energy, moody, somewhat aggressive and TIRED!!!! Your memory will most likely be effected, but it's only temporary for the most part. I know this sounds terrible, but believe me, it gets better. The initial side effects wear off and hopefully you'll have seizure control...the light at the end of the tunnel :)

You're very welcome :) HUGS right back to ya!!!

I haven't changed anything specific in my diet because of Epilepsy, for PCOS mostly. I had a number of things go wrong because of over-medication/treatment for PCOS. My pituitary gland shut down because of too many years on hormones/BC pills. I now have a thyroid condition as a result. I cut my coffee intake in half, eat no more than 1% fat dairy products and eat less fatty foods. Also, due to my medication, I can't eat sage or drink certain citrus juices. Oh and I don't drink alcohol...it can cause you to have a seizure too. A glass of wine here and there is ok, but moderation is key.

I'm not a Dr, so I can't tell you what to do, only what worked for me. I was prescribed Yasmin too. It worked for a while, but my symptoms became worse after about 6 months. This is when they began to pump me full of hormones...progestrone, eldosterol, you name it. It was horrible! Since you're already having seizures, If it were me, I wouldn't stay on the pill. It's said that for many female epileptics, "that time of the month" can also be a trigger - sounds like you may be one of them. With added hormones, YIKES!!!

Don't let anyone make you think you're nutso. They have no idea what's going on inside your body. Until they experience something that renders them helpless and unable to speak or communicate, they shouldn't say a word. (Just my loud mouth opinion:)

Many Dr's who haven't worked with Epileptics usually pass simple partial seizures off as anxiety or panic attacks, depression, etc. That's why it's imperitive you see a Neurologist. Even if your EEG comes back normal, that will not rule out the presence of seizure activity. You have witnesses and based on my own experience, what I've read and what my Dr's have told me, your experiences almost mirror some of my own.

As for the meds, I'll be honest with you. They're no walk in the park, but a necessary evil. I didn't want to take them for the exact same reason as you. I had been pumped full of drugs for so long and had so many side effects, I was DONE!!! However, taking the meds changed my life and gave me "normal" back. You and your Dr will hav eto find the right combination for you. You're a tough chic!! You can handle it. The first few weeks are awful, I won't lie. No energy, moody, somewhat aggressive and TIRED!!!! Your memory will most likely be effected, but it's only temporary for the most part. I know this sounds terrible, but believe me, it gets better. The initial side effects wear off and hopefully you'll have seizure control...the light at the end of the tunnel :)

Re: Anxiety attacks or simple partial seizures and dejavu??

Submitted by aggy84 on Wed, 2011-09-28 - 13:46

What i'll do is finish my pack of pills for this month so I'm not all over the shop.  Then I'll come off. I seem to get them with or without the pill.  I have had them since being on Yasmin but not like I did on the other ones Ive been on.  I honestly think this is all linked to PCOS. If I didnt want kids so badly i'd sort myself out! Ive also been told im going to have problems having them too... but thats a whole different tale!

I have to wait until next week to get to see the nice doctor I like... So i've got to wait until then, then hopefully she will refer me. Youre very right about people.  I guess I need to find a balance of not over talking about it... i guess ive always been seeking that sentence "Dont worry Anna you're perfectly fine" but thats not the reaction I get.  

What would you suggest if I go for tests and nothing comes up? Am I to battle on further?  Haha i'm so sorry Ive latched onto you and thrown my questions at you. 

You must having a loving family who understands.  My boyfriend is my absolute rock with all this. He has pulled me threw.  Although to start with he got snappy because he didnt understand, even though he still doesnt understand he a lot more calm with me.  My parents dont really understand as my brother and sister are absolutely normal... then there is there youngest! hehe. 

 Thank you so much Angela! I need more everyday friends like you xx

What i'll do is finish my pack of pills for this month so I'm not all over the shop.  Then I'll come off. I seem to get them with or without the pill.  I have had them since being on Yasmin but not like I did on the other ones Ive been on.  I honestly think this is all linked to PCOS. If I didnt want kids so badly i'd sort myself out! Ive also been told im going to have problems having them too... but thats a whole different tale!

I have to wait until next week to get to see the nice doctor I like... So i've got to wait until then, then hopefully she will refer me. Youre very right about people.  I guess I need to find a balance of not over talking about it... i guess ive always been seeking that sentence "Dont worry Anna you're perfectly fine" but thats not the reaction I get.  

What would you suggest if I go for tests and nothing comes up? Am I to battle on further?  Haha i'm so sorry Ive latched onto you and thrown my questions at you. 

You must having a loving family who understands.  My boyfriend is my absolute rock with all this. He has pulled me threw.  Although to start with he got snappy because he didnt understand, even though he still doesnt understand he a lot more calm with me.  My parents dont really understand as my brother and sister are absolutely normal... then there is there youngest! hehe. 

 Thank you so much Angela! I need more everyday friends like you xx

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