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.

What do you people think please?

Fri, 08/04/2006 - 10:30
Hey, im 20 but i figured this section was as good as any since this started when i was 18. I don't believe im epileptic, but my friends made me do some research. At least 5 times now while hanging out and smoking marijuana, i'd take a large hit, exhale and feel incredibly light headed. I'd get tunnel vision, and eventually lose control, fall over and blackout followed by convulsions. This has happened while sitting in a chair, falling out of a chair and falling down a few stairs, so its not exactly been comfortable. I'd normally just look at this and say ive been smoking too much, but the other day we took magic mushrooms, and i saw something really disturbing on TV (the movie Emily Rose, where they first show her convulsing). i felt sick and got the spins and before i knew it my friends said id blacked out in my chair, dropping the bong which i had only been holding and then my arms and legs were tensed and jerking violently with my eyes rolled back, scary thing was that i was pretty much aware of this the entire time. These feelings pass after about a minute, and afterwards i feel completely clearheaded and only discomfort i have is usually in my leg cause ive stretched it out so much. So far things that ive read that ive noticed in me are that i can feel them coming on and i've learned to take deep breathes to let the tunnel vision pass, and many times just as im starting to fall asleep at night i have muscle twitches in my leg. This would be something id easily visit my doctor about, except for the awkward fact that i have to say it only has happened during drug use. I'm willing to admit that to them, but id like to first be sure that this is a possibility. For all i know i could just be a dumbass who smokes too much pot. Thank you, Rich.

Comments

Re: What do you people think please?

Submitted by GodivaGirl on Sat, 2006-08-19 - 07:04
Rich, I was diagnosed with epilepsy before I messed around with pot at all. I still am exposed to the stuff as a result of some people in my life. While I rarely touch it, I still do from time to time((and since yes, slightly wrong - though in Ontario, Canada if I wanted to I could apply for legal level 2 medicinal use). I understand people can have different reactions to it, for me as someone who is epileptic it just feels like a 'spacey' feeling I get with absence seizures then I'm really, really tired. No convulsions. I also used to drink alcohol really excessively in university (a buddy of mine and I would split a 26er before going to the bar, then I'd do mix drinks all night). Yes, that was wrong, but I was 19-23 and didn't care. Now I'm 32 & have knocked that off - don't drink at all. Back then though, the alcohol, really just lead me to some wicked hangovers. I'd say - step one...stay away from the drugs for a bit. I know some heavy drug users (mainly pot) who take breaks for a few weeks knowing they need to clean up their acts for a bit, and that it's hitting them too hard. See, if staying away from the drugs helps out. In the middle, as you've had a chance to detox - go see a doctor. Describe what's happening. Tell them it was as a result of experimenting, you should be protected legally under dr/patient confidentiality. Let him do the tests he needs to & you'll have peace of mind. Good Luck, and take care of you. EC

Sign Up for Emails

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