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Personality Changes After Seizure?

Thu, 06/05/2014 - 13:05

My husband developed epilepy about 6 years ago. He is 51 years old and we think he may have been having simple partial seizures for some time before actual diagnosis. He has complex partials for the most part but has had 2 grand mals so far. Recently, despite medication, he has been having far more complex partial seizures than ever before. Sometimes 8-10 per day. I love him very much but I am having a very difficult time liking him right now. After he has a very noticeable seizure, his personality changes for up to 3 days. He becomes easily irritated, quick to anger, majorly OCD. We have 2 boys at home ages 11 & 14. He will follow us around and point out everything that we're doing wrong, any chores that we've missed and bitch about anything he doesn't think we should be doing. He yells at the kids for very minor things and he starts thinking very negative thoughts. He writes notes to himself to remember not to do anything for the kids because they are ungrateful, he decides that they don't deserve tv or video games any more so he hides all the remotes. I try talking to him but he thinks he's right about everything and the mood change isn't caused by the seizures, just the fact that we are all not acting as we should be. It's driving me crazy. I have to walk around the house looking for things that might set him off so I can hopefully have peace in the house. I have to tell the kids that I'm sorry they can't watch tv but that I don't know where the remotes are and my husband won't tell me. They know it's unfair and they are beginning to resent him. Does anyone else have any experience with this?? I try to be understanding as I know it's related to a medical issue but I can't stand this way of life for much longer. Any advice is appreciated.

Comments

Can you contact his

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 2014-06-07 - 10:47
Can you contact his neurologist? The doctor should accept observations of people who see the impact of his condition. He/she should know that he should be looked at more carefully, sooner being better. Would the neurologist's office have the names of therapists who could help you and him (and kids) cope with these changes (if they fuss, point out that you are not asking for them to violate his medical privacy but his condition is seriously affecting everyone in the family). Maybe Epilepsy Foundation would have some references or advice, can you call the nearest regional office? If he doesn't understand that this can't continue, would being blunt with pointing out therapy and pushing for better treatment might be the only way to save the marriage? You should document these behaviors and the personal impact on your sons because if he doesn't accept the need for treatment/intervention, he may not be fit to have joint custody if the marriage can't be saved.

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