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.

Is it REALLY Epilepsy???? I feel like I'm going crazy!

Tue, 03/14/2006 - 21:23
Hi! My name is Shannon and I have recently been diagnosed with Epilepsy(complex-partial seizures). I feel like the diagnosis could be wrong, mainly because my symptoms seem to be slightly different than what some of the definitions state. Sometimes, well, much of the time after the seizures, I just wonder if I'm going nuts! These began about 2 1/2 years ago, after the birth of my 2nd child. They happened mainly while driving. I would get this deja vu/ jamais vu feeling, but I would not lose consciousness. I just felt really wierd. It would pass in a few seconds. As time has gone on, they have progressed to where I know completely black-out/ faint. I get the same deja vu/ jamais vu sensation, which I am told by neurologists is an aura, and I quick have to go to lay down because I know I'm going to pass out. When I pass out, I feel as if I'm in a dream-like state, not aware of anything around me really, but aware of something. Sometimes I "dream" but do not recall what I dreamed about when the episode is over. I feel like I'm out for just a few seconds, which from those who've seen it happen say the same. Nobody has seen me make the automasims that some talk about, like lip-smacking, etc. I had an EEG done about a month ago and it was normal, as well as an MRI a couple weeks ago, which was also normal. The dr's tell me roughly 50% of people diagnosed with Epilepsy have no cause involved, that is, show no signs of why this is occuring. They just go based on the symptoms patients tell them. I am pregnant with my 3rd (and last!) child and the neurologists want me to begin taking Dilantin until I have the baby, then switch to Tegratol, which they say is best for complex-partial seizures. I have so far refused to take the meds for fear of side effects/ long-term implications. I would much appreciate feedback on this. One of the neurologists said taking a magnesium supp wouldn't hurt, so I began taking 250 mg about 2 weeks ago. I didn't have any episodes for about a week, but they started up again about 4 days ago. One thing that I find strange is all of my episodes generally begin in the bathroom when I am getting out of the shower. They also occur at night when I get my kids out of the shower. I'd say 95% of them begin in either of these 2 ways. I have not had one while driving in about 2 years, but have had one while walking in the mall (fell down when I passed out) and recently 2 in my sleep (they did wake me up and I had the uneasy feeling I always have after they're over). So, that's my story. I hope to learn a lot on here and would appreciate any advice/opinions/stories from anybody who experiences similar happenings. Thanks! Shannon

Comments

Re: Re: Is it REALLY Epilepsy???? I feel like I'm going crazy!

Submitted by solis on Tue, 2006-03-21 - 13:20
"You say you pass out. ANd that you have complex partial seizures. When you "pass out" or "black out" you are probably are having generalized seizures, if you have epilepsy." Sorry angel, but there are two types of partial seizures..simple and complex. Her aura was a simple partial called such when it's immediately before another seizure. Complex partial seizures involve a loss of consciouness. So, 'blacking out' does not mean generalized seizures have occurred. ~sol

Re: Is it REALLY Epilepsy???? I feel like I'm going crazy!

Submitted by alex2dunes on Tue, 2006-04-11 - 15:49
Hi Shannon, my son is 7 and has a seizure disorder. but growing up my sister had, what sound like you are going through! although she went to the diamond headach clinic in chgo. she would black out, have an aura and headachs. bio-feedback worked for her and still uses it today, just another ave, to check out!

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.