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Epilepsy and Memory

Tue, 04/05/2005 - 21:21

I have to do a paper for my Cognitive Psychology class and the topic I wanted to do was "The Effects Epilepsy Has On Memory". 

My youngest sister has suffered from epilepsy since she was 6yrs old and has gotten to the point where she cannot (or will not) recall any of our childhood 'good' memories.  I was just wondering if anyone has had/or has similiar experiences or knows someone who seems to have problems with thier memory.

Would really appreciate it.

Thank you,

Michelle 

Comments

RE: Epilepsy and Memory

Submitted by aeboyle on Tue, 2005-03-29 - 20:37
my memory loss was because my meds has depleted my body of B12 which works in regeneration of brain cells (most AEDs do zap the body's nutrients). since i've been taking large doses of B complex vitamins i've noticed my speech, memory and concentration have returned tenfold.

RE: Epilepsy and Memory

Submitted by batman on Tue, 2005-03-29 - 21:43

My memory not only went down, but my complex partial seizures increased greatly. Reason why was because of the two AEDs I was prescribed to take. Lamictal AND Dilantin. One knocked down the potency of the other. My epileptologist caught this problem during my second veeg. He stopped the dilantin and started the divalproex, which is a slow released depakote/valproic acid medication. Around 18 months later, the results not only stopped my cps completely, but my memory chip was repaired. Whatever took place when I was on lamictal and dilantin, was not greatly recorded on my brain 'memory chip'.

Good luck with your paper.

Bruce J

My memory not only went down, but my complex partial seizures increased greatly. Reason why was because of the two AEDs I was prescribed to take. Lamictal AND Dilantin. One knocked down the potency of the other. My epileptologist caught this problem during my second veeg. He stopped the dilantin and started the divalproex, which is a slow released depakote/valproic acid medication. Around 18 months later, the results not only stopped my cps completely, but my memory chip was repaired. Whatever took place when I was on lamictal and dilantin, was not greatly recorded on my brain 'memory chip'.

Good luck with your paper.

Bruce J

RE: Epilepsy and Memory

Submitted by spiz on Tue, 2005-03-29 - 23:22
Michelle, I'm 46 now, but I had my first seizure when I was 15. I was diagnosed with petit mal at the time but my neuro I've had in the recent years feels it was actually JME through looking over my records. Through the testing he did, I was diagnosed with TLE. I have the same problem as your sister in that I can't remember alot of things in growing up or things that my sister and brother remember. The things I think I remember aren't how they remember those events at all and their recollections are very similar. Sooo- I evidently don't remember what I think I remember. Be patient with her. I know it's frustrating because you want to share these memories and have her be able to do the same, but she evidently just isn't able to. And, believe me, it's frustrating for her too. I know I finally got to where I did refuse to go down memory lane with them because I knew I would end up upset because of either not remembering or not remembering the same way. I'm glad you posted. It helps me to see through my brother and sister's eyes. It takes alot of love to take the time to look for answers to something you don't understand in regards to someone you care about. She's lucky to have you!-Spiz

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