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Epilepsy and Memory
Tue, 04/05/2005 - 21:21I have to do a paper for my Cognitive Psychology class and the topic I wanted to do was "The Effects Epilepsy Has On Memory".
My youngest sister has suffered from epilepsy since she was 6yrs old and has gotten to the point where she cannot (or will not) recall any of our childhood 'good' memories. I was just wondering if anyone has had/or has similiar experiences or knows someone who seems to have problems with thier memory.
Would really appreciate it.
Thank you,
Michelle
Comments
RE: Epilepsy and Memory
Submitted by kwgreulich on Mon, 2005-04-04 - 13:52
I was born in 1955 and had spinal meningitis and hydroencephalytis in 1957. in 1957 & 1958 i had two brain surgeries. ( With the second surgery they removed lots of scar tissue which was causing excessive pressure on the brain. The records said they removed ~9% of the brain. This was on the right side of the brain. ) I have had seizures diagnosed since 1980. I didn't know what they they were, but was having petite mals at least as far back as 1965. In 1977 i finished a BS in Forestry at UC Berkeley, specializing in recreation and i got my first permanent job as a Professional Park Ranger in 1978. My primary duty was law enforcement so i had to be able to drive any type of vehical. I was taking the written test to renew my licence for 18-wheelers when i had a grand mal. I have not legally been able to drive since.
I had to change work and got a masters in Silviculture ( the aspect of Agriculture dealing specifically with growing trees ). A few years later the seizures got more and more common. I had pretty good control for a while then about 2 years back i had 650 seizures in 6 months. I had my third brain surgery. The MRI had shown that lack of Oxygen had caused death of the brain tissue in the temporal lobes, primarily the left temporal lobe. I was told by the doctor that patients with Alzheimers have similar effects on the temporal lobe. I had another brain surgery and they removed dead tissue and the area on the left side they thought they could. I still have seizures, but at least i am back to work, even though i can't do what i did before. I have terrible problems with memory, especially remembering names and words. Also, it seems like i lost most of what i had learned in the last 3-5 years prior to the surgery.
I also have not had memories of much of anything at all in my life except what people tell me prior to the age of 10. This has been the case as long as i can remember.
I was born in 1955 and had spinal meningitis and hydroencephalytis in 1957. in 1957 & 1958 i had two brain surgeries. ( With the second surgery they removed lots of scar tissue which was causing excessive pressure on the brain. The records said they removed ~9% of the brain. This was on the right side of the brain. ) I have had seizures diagnosed since 1980. I didn't know what they they were, but was having petite mals at least as far back as 1965. In 1977 i finished a BS in Forestry at UC Berkeley, specializing in recreation and i got my first permanent job as a Professional Park Ranger in 1978. My primary duty was law enforcement so i had to be able to drive any type of vehical. I was taking the written test to renew my licence for 18-wheelers when i had a grand mal. I have not legally been able to drive since.
I had to change work and got a masters in Silviculture ( the aspect of Agriculture dealing specifically with growing trees ). A few years later the seizures got more and more common. I had pretty good control for a while then about 2 years back i had 650 seizures in 6 months. I had my third brain surgery. The MRI had shown that lack of Oxygen had caused death of the brain tissue in the temporal lobes, primarily the left temporal lobe. I was told by the doctor that patients with Alzheimers have similar effects on the temporal lobe. I had another brain surgery and they removed dead tissue and the area on the left side they thought they could. I still have seizures, but at least i am back to work, even though i can't do what i did before. I have terrible problems with memory, especially remembering names and words. Also, it seems like i lost most of what i had learned in the last 3-5 years prior to the surgery.
I also have not had memories of much of anything at all in my life except what people tell me prior to the age of 10. This has been the case as long as i can remember.
RE: Epilepsy and Memory
Submitted by fishergal on Tue, 2005-04-05 - 21:21
I've been told by coworkers that I have an excellent memory. Funny, because I feel it slipping away more often than not. I have five types of seizures, the complex partials being the most frequent and least controled. I was diagnosed at 19 and am now 48.
Spelling is what I notice the most. Easy things, not the hard words. It takes a real effort to get a recall when I'm searching for that lost tidbit. Most often, I'll change wording because I just can't. I can't blame this on drugs. I've been on the same cocktail for a long time with only one additive added after noticing this happening.
I've always had some short term memory loss on a temporary basis due to seizures, but this is different. Good luck with your paper. Maybe you will help us all.
I've been told by coworkers that I have an excellent memory. Funny, because I feel it slipping away more often than not. I have five types of seizures, the complex partials being the most frequent and least controled. I was diagnosed at 19 and am now 48.
Spelling is what I notice the most. Easy things, not the hard words. It takes a real effort to get a recall when I'm searching for that lost tidbit. Most often, I'll change wording because I just can't. I can't blame this on drugs. I've been on the same cocktail for a long time with only one additive added after noticing this happening.
I've always had some short term memory loss on a temporary basis due to seizures, but this is different. Good luck with your paper. Maybe you will help us all.
RE: Epilepsy and Memory
Submitted by flashbakx on Mon, 2005-04-04 - 04:30
I have had epilepsy since I was 16. I am 29 now. I had brain surgery in 2000. Before my surgery my memory was decreasing slightly. More my short term . After surgery I lost my long term. I cannot remember anything before the age of 12.