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TLE - Is this what I have???

Mon, 07/10/2006 - 16:18
I beg everyone's pardon if this gets long, or is posted in the wrong place, but.., Periodically, over the last few years I've been experiencing some very peculiar 'feelings' and after the last episode, spent a great deal of time searching the world wide web for answers... These feelings start out as what is described in my reading as an 'aura,' a very strong feeling of 'deja vu' often accompanied by a very odd sense of smell and a deep rising feeling in the pit of my stomach (not unlike an overly anxious feeling). These are very subtle to begin with, but become quite a bit stronger before subsiding. During these episodes, I can hear conversation going on around me, but not comfortable enough to contribute as I'm not quite sure I understand the context of the conversation. These 'feelings' will last for only a couple minutes, but as they subside, I must stop and collect myself to recall what I was doing prior to their onset. These 'episode' only occur every two or three months (sometimes longer in between), but when they do, I can experience several throughout a 24-hour period (perhaps every few hours). Even when sleeping, I am acutely aware that they are happening. After they subside, I'm left with a very strange feeling of being disconnected (I'm sorry - this is quite hard to describe).., as if I'm remotely controlling my physical actions, including speech. This feeling will last for about another day. Please.., if anyone can offer some opinion as to what I'm experiencing, I would greatly appreciate your input.., your help. Thank you; SteveR

Comments

Re: TLE - Is this what I have???

Submitted by heidi on Tue, 2006-07-11 - 13:44
Hi Steve, I'm right there with you--deja vu, disorientation, disconnectedness, and it only hits me in clusters about 4-8 weeks. I am still in the process of getting diagnosed; earlier on my neurologist told me he thought I had TLE, and now he can't decide if it's that or a strange presentation of panic disorder. I'm going for a second opinion soon, because treating these episodes as though they are panic attacks has done nothing for me. BY ALL MEANS keep a journal, as the last poster suggested. Having a record of how often these happen to me, and what could possibly be triggering them has been incredibly helpful to me, especially when discussing the symptoms with a doctor. Keep us posted on your progress. You're doing the right thing by trying to educate yourself. --heidi

Re: Re: TLE - Is this what I have???

Submitted by Avalon on Wed, 2006-07-12 - 11:04
Heidi- PLease read my new topic posted called Very scary undiagnosed symptoms" I may have posted in the wrong place- I'm new. What you're saying sounds very familiar! Avalon

Re: TLE - Is this what I have???

Submitted by disneyfan on Tue, 2006-07-11 - 14:07
You describe my symptoms very well. I have simple complex seizures. Mine were more frequent - 4-5 per day. We're still working on finding the right combination of medications to get them completely under control. Thankfully, driving is the only thing they have significantly changed in my life - these just started about 8 months ago. Topamax has reduced them to a couple per month.

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