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PLEASE HELP What's the next step?
Fri, 11/24/2006 - 13:37Hello everyone! This is all new to me so please understand that I have alot of questions. I went to my neuro this week and he told me that my jerks that I've had all of my life are Myoclonic sz's. I use to jerk about once every 2 weeks but now I do it up to 16 to 20 times a day. What is causing this? Will I someday have the big GM? I had an EEG this week with no results yet.
My sister is a nurse and she told me yesterday that I better be careful of what I tell my Dr., he could take away my (GA)DL. She said that if I'm just exploring the fact that I have these jerks they could really cause me trouble. If I could live with them (jerks) and they don't interfere with my everyday life just reduce the triggers and deal with them.
I'm really scared, here is what I do:
It affects my upper body. My head will usually move from side to side (ear to shoulder) and I'll have like a shiver go down my spine. My hands usually move too and I make a sound (now) like I'm being steped on.
It's kind of like a dog shaking water off, I'll start at my head and everything will move head, soulders, arms, and stop at my waist.
Does anyone else have this? I also have times when I want to stare while I'm driving, but I'm in full control.
Should I still go to the Dr. and follow up or just forget the whole thing? I haven't read of anyone yet that has had my symptoms.
I broke a glass the other day at work, and that is what made me go to the DR.
PLEASE HELP ME!!!!
Comments
Hi Mary, :) I'm so sorry
Submitted by solis on Fri, 2006-11-24 - 16:12
Hi Mary, :)
I'm so sorry about the glass at work and can appreciate that unintentionally breaking it while jerking would cause concern.
First off.. I've some pages on Myoclonic Seizures for you..
1) http://www.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/seizure_myoclonic.html
2) http://ww w.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/epilepsy_juvenilemyoclonic.html
"Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) is one of the most common epilepsy syndromes. It accounts for 7% of all cases of epilepsy. The seizures of JME may begin between late childhood and early adulthood, usually around the time of puberty.
"The seizures of more than 80% of people with JME are well controlled with medication"
I would hope you would care enough about others on the road (and those who love you and worry about 'your' safety) to be honest with your physician, & work on finding a med to stop your seizures (you benefit);as opposed to remaining silent, not seeing the physician, taking the chance your seizures will worsen, and that you might cause injury while driving.
As one who, after a decade, suddenly lost control and was in an accident while driving.. I can promise you ,for sure, the risk isn't worth the mental misery you will endure, if something happens.
Your sister 'should' know that both the licensing bureau and insurance companies expect to be told the truth.
If you 'know' you have E (as the neuro said) you are obligated to report it to the licensing board & to your driving insurance company.
Don't, and your lack of honesty will render your licence & drivers insurance invalid.
~sol
Re: Hi Mary, :) I'm so sorry
Submitted by db0625 on Sun, 2006-11-26 - 09:54
Hello Mary:
I've been in your shoes and know how you feel. However, although my initial reation was to "run", the best approach is to attack your medical care. Your condition is not going away on it's own. Right now, just allow your self to be scared, but go after your healthcare with gusto, as if it was something more tangible, like "high blood pressure."
As for driving, use your head...
1. find out the respective laws in the state you live in for people with seizures;
2. don't drive until your seizures are controlled;
2. don't tell your insurance company and DPS officials, you do not need to do so.
3. be safe, get people to drive for you.
4. you will be OK
Re: PLEASE HELP What's the next step?
Submitted by Jasbuch on Fri, 2006-11-24 - 14:37
I Mary I am sorry to hear about your myclonic jerks. I don't have those, I have a different type of epilepsy. However, I would definately suggest going and seeing a doctor. I WOULD NOT just simply forget about it because it could escalate into something worse possibly. Also, good luck with your doctors finding something with the EEG, that is a really good indicator to finding if something is wrong. Tell me how it goes!