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Simple Partial Seizures & Long-term memory
Mon, 07/07/2008 - 05:26Hi, I am new to this forum.
I suffer from what are suspected to be Simple Partial Seizures. They are currently under investigation, and having had an MRI and EEG with nothing abnormal showing, the doctor is starting to suspect epilepsy, although nothing has been diagnosed as yet. I have always thought since they started that these simple partial seizures are just a minor inconvenience which I can live with, and as such I probably wouldn't want medication in case the side effects were worse than the actual seizures.
However recently I've started wondering if these seizures are cumulatively damaging my long-term memory. Sometimes my wife talks of things we've done, places we've been, and it's worrying that, for some things, I have no memory of them at all.
If this is the case then of course I'd want to take medication in the assumption that controlling the seizures might prevent further memory loss.
Does anyone know of a link between seizures (I believe they are temporal lobe based) and long-term memory loss? Or maybe I've just always had a lousy memory anyway?
Comments
Re: Simple Partial Seizures & Long-term memory
Submitted by izeofblu1973 on Fri, 2012-07-27 - 02:05
I respectfully disagree. An EEG shows abnormal brain waves (electical impulses, that I call "a synapse lightning storm") and they are not always present. Some will show on a EEG and some will not if they are not active. That is why they try to provoke a seizure while you are being monitored (ex. with a strobe light or sleep deprivation, or having you wear it over a period of days). A neurologist can make a diagnosis without a positive EEG, although, it makes it easier if there is one. So, in short a postive EEG can prove epilepsy, but a negative one cannot disprove epilepsy.
I understand I am not a doctor and if someone else also disagrees, please correct me.
I respectfully disagree. An EEG shows abnormal brain waves (electical impulses, that I call "a synapse lightning storm") and they are not always present. Some will show on a EEG and some will not if they are not active. That is why they try to provoke a seizure while you are being monitored (ex. with a strobe light or sleep deprivation, or having you wear it over a period of days). A neurologist can make a diagnosis without a positive EEG, although, it makes it easier if there is one. So, in short a postive EEG can prove epilepsy, but a negative one cannot disprove epilepsy.
I understand I am not a doctor and if someone else also disagrees, please correct me.
Re: Simple Partial Seizures & Long-term memory
Submitted by SoCal Amy on Thu, 2009-04-02 - 14:09
I also have simple partial seizures and suffer from long term (and short term) memory loss. Yes unfortunately it is a side effect of the seizures. I completely relate to what many in this forum have said- not only do I forget past events, places I have been with loved ones, experiences everyone else remembers, but I also struggle to find words and remember the names of current TV shows I watch, etc. I have come to a point that if I know the word will not come to me I change the subject right away. I have gotten good at deflecting.
Someone on this forum said that an EEG will definitely tell whether or not you have Epilepsy. That is B.S. First of all, Epilepsy just means that you have experienced more than one seizure; it can not be diagnosed with tests. So I agree with the person who said get a new doctor if yours is "suspecting epilepsy." Did this doctor go to medical school?!
An EEG can show what type of seizure disorder you have (by seeing where the activity is occurring in the brain), but only if you experience a seizure during the procedure. That is the key phrase- only if you have a seizure during the procedure. I have had multiple EEG's (sleep deprived and not), MRI's, CT scans, etc., and never once have I had a seizure during a procedure so my doctor has diagnosed me based on my descriptions of what occurs during my seizures. Man that is frustrating. Being hooked up to all these wires and magnets for hours on end, only to discover....NOTHING!
Okay I'll stop now. I'm not a doctor but I just wanted to say that yes your long term memory loss is caused by your seizures. I can confidently say that it is not caused by your medication....since you're not taking medication (wow I am so smart!)
Amy
I also have simple partial seizures and suffer from long term (and short term) memory loss. Yes unfortunately it is a side effect of the seizures. I completely relate to what many in this forum have said- not only do I forget past events, places I have been with loved ones, experiences everyone else remembers, but I also struggle to find words and remember the names of current TV shows I watch, etc. I have come to a point that if I know the word will not come to me I change the subject right away. I have gotten good at deflecting.
Someone on this forum said that an EEG will definitely tell whether or not you have Epilepsy. That is B.S. First of all, Epilepsy just means that you have experienced more than one seizure; it can not be diagnosed with tests. So I agree with the person who said get a new doctor if yours is "suspecting epilepsy." Did this doctor go to medical school?!
An EEG can show what type of seizure disorder you have (by seeing where the activity is occurring in the brain), but only if you experience a seizure during the procedure. That is the key phrase- only if you have a seizure during the procedure. I have had multiple EEG's (sleep deprived and not), MRI's, CT scans, etc., and never once have I had a seizure during a procedure so my doctor has diagnosed me based on my descriptions of what occurs during my seizures. Man that is frustrating. Being hooked up to all these wires and magnets for hours on end, only to discover....NOTHING!
Okay I'll stop now. I'm not a doctor but I just wanted to say that yes your long term memory loss is caused by your seizures. I can confidently say that it is not caused by your medication....since you're not taking medication (wow I am so smart!)
Amy
Re: Simple Partial Seizures & Long-term memory
Submitted by me123 on Tue, 2009-03-31 - 12:35
Hi, I had epilepsy since I was 7 years old and different types of medicine and I have never heard of suspecting to have Epilepsy after you have an EEG done. When you have an EEG you other have it or you don't there is no but's about it. Get yourself a good Neurologist that deal with the brain and he can request test such and head scan but in specific an EEG. After the EEG is done, if it does show Epilepsy then the doctor willl be able to tell you what type and give you medice accordingly.
If it is Epilepsy the EEG will confirm this without a doubt. Ask your doctor to send you to a EEG with sleep deprivation. This means you do not sleep all night and first thing in the morning you get the the EEG done. The result will show without a doubt if you have epilepsy and what type. or may show alternatives. Be sure you will have someone to drive you there and back as you will not be in any position to drive.
If the result shows normal than the doctor will need to find what other possible reasons could be for you forgetting things.
I hope you feel better!!!
Hi, I had epilepsy since I was 7 years old and different types of medicine and I have never heard of suspecting to have Epilepsy after you have an EEG done. When you have an EEG you other have it or you don't there is no but's about it. Get yourself a good Neurologist that deal with the brain and he can request test such and head scan but in specific an EEG. After the EEG is done, if it does show Epilepsy then the doctor willl be able to tell you what type and give you medice accordingly.
If it is Epilepsy the EEG will confirm this without a doubt. Ask your doctor to send you to a EEG with sleep deprivation. This means you do not sleep all night and first thing in the morning you get the the EEG done. The result will show without a doubt if you have epilepsy and what type. or may show alternatives. Be sure you will have someone to drive you there and back as you will not be in any position to drive.
If the result shows normal than the doctor will need to find what other possible reasons could be for you forgetting things.
I hope you feel better!!!