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.
Weird compulsive behavior with CPS while aware. (repost)
Thu, 06/15/2006 - 10:43Hi.
I have had 3-5 Complex Partial Seizures every week for the last four months. I had an abnormal EEG and started Lamictal a month ago. I am pretty aware during the seizures. I have a lot of difficulty moving and speaking. Sometimes I'm completely frozen.
I sometimes have these weird compulsive behaviors before, during, or after the seizure. I will say a word or sentence or sound over and over again. Or I will nod a lot, bite the air, rock, figit with my hand...etc. I know this is common for people with CPS, but I've never heard of someone being aware of it happening. I am aware of what I'm doing, but very compelled to do these things around a seizure episode. Sometimes I do this and just feel tired afterwards, without a seizure.
I was wondering if anyone else has had an experience like this. I feel uncertain that this is based on something going on in my brain or if is psychological. I've been under a lot of stress and anxiety lately, so I can't discount the possibilty that this compulsive behavior is in my head (figuratively). I just really want to know.
Thank you,
Reb
Comments
Re: Re: Re: Weird compulsive behavior with CPS while aware. (rep
Submitted by solis on Fri, 2006-06-16 - 17:34
Thank you for the reply Gretchen,
The opinion ,on the epilepsy.com pages, I gave mirrors that told to me by my epileptologist during the chats we'd have each year when I saw her while totally controlled.
Epileptologists are neurologists that specialized in epilepsy, so I'd trust her opinion far more than that of a general neurologist.
each to his own
~sol
Re: Weird compulsive behavior with CPS while aware. (repost)
Submitted by fredlund on Sun, 2006-06-18 - 04:53
Hi,
I can relate to what you are describing. During a seizure I'll do movements that I'm aware of, but I'm not able to control them or stop them. When it's over I'm always puzzled and ask myself why I did that. This is something that has developed over the last three years. I don't know if they're CPS's or SP's, but it's really annoying. Especially when I get a seizure in public. People must think I'm a head case. My consciousness is certainly impaired, but I remember doing it. I've read something about automatism but the person having them is normally not aware of doing it, so I'm clueless as to what it really is.
Fred.
Re: Re: Weird compulsive behavior with CPS while aware. (repost)
Submitted by gretchen1 on Fri, 2006-06-16 - 15:54
That was very interesting Epi_Help. I've read all the definitions on this site and except for one found they agree with other literature I've read. I can see all three of us, in my family, in this definition. Sometimes too I have some awareness but apparently no control over what I'm doing. Other times, since mine usually occur nocturnally, I'll come around, alone in a dark room. Be confused, have some idea I must have had a CP. It's hard to remember what I remember immediately. Often the next day more will come back to me but that's true for me with many seizures. I'll have an immediate memory wipe then over days have holes filled in. I have watched my children have CPs and I swear to me? That is THE weirdest sz any of us have. There was a news article several years ago too that this seizure is the one that tends to get police called, the victim beaten, during a CP. Even though most police depts. are now supposed to have inservices on epilepsy. This is why I'm afraid to walk alone, something I really miss. I've had two CPs walking alone and was found in the street. Gretchen