Epilepsy and PAnic Attacks

Hi Edwina X, Unfortunately, I had panic attacks and seizures too. The seizures began before the panic attacks, but my epielpsy wasn't recognized and diagnosed until after I got my panic under control. So, I wasn't on any AED's (at the time) and I resisted taking anti-anxiety meds. My panic would kick in after a seizure, I'd suffer for hours, have another seizure...on and on and on! I did go to therapy, to discuss my feelings and try to work through my problems. After 2 years, my seizures became *mostly* nocturnal. A year passed with me still struggling to obtain self-control. The seizures that occurred while I was awake would cause days of extreme anxiety. My hubby thought that I was just having panic attacks in my sleep, until it secondarily-generalized. Thankfully, getting properly diagnosed was the answer for me. My anxiety disappeared, thank GOD! I remember it very well, as it was a huge part of my life for so long. I wouldn't wish that upon anyone. If you haven't yet, I'd recommend that you talk with your doc about what you're going through. Several of the newer meds can cause anxiety symptoms. You just may need a change in meds to feel better. I hope that everything works out very soon...call the doc now! Take care :) Heather *refractory seizure surgery on left temporal lobe 03/06*

I understand what all of you are saying about the panic attacks. I've had them, too. In fact, on the days that I have seizures (mainly simples), I'll normally have one 'panic' seizure. The panic that you are all referring to is not a panic attack, per se, it is actually a seizure itself. Not all of your seizures may involve the panic - it depends on exactly where in the brain and to what extent they are occurring at that particular moment. The panic tends to be a bigger problem for people with RTL partial complexes but can affect anyone. There's tons of info on it on the web.

I have a similar situation. I have had juvenile myoclonic epilepsy for many years but did not have panic attacks until recently. But mine seem to be confined to certain situations -- more of a "classic" panic attack, not directly related to the seizures. My doc wants me to see a shrink. It's hard to follow his advice, esp since the meds I'm already on have psychological side effects. I'm on both Depakote and Keppra. I really don't want to add an anti-anxiety drug to the mix. For now, avoiding those things that trigger anxiety works for me. Also, I am a Christian and I try to meditate on God's promises to me. That always helps to settle my mind too. What has your doc said?