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.

Which ones do you count?

Fri, 03/09/2007 - 14:39
As far as seizures, which ones do you count and actually tell your doctors about? I have several different types of seizures. Usually I only tell them about the ones that have me unconscious or unable to control my body. Mostly because those are the ones that effect my driving. But I have simple partial seizures so often that I don't bother to even keep track anymore. My body will do it's jerking, twitching thing, or I zone or get auras and just try to ignore it. The zoning out doesn't last very long, ever. The twitches are mostly confined to my right hand, shoulder and foot, although they've been hitting my left leg as of late. And the visual auras are actually kinda neat. So I make a passing mention of it to my neurologist but we don't dwell on them. I guess the reason I'm wondering so much as to which ones to count is because I need to know when I can drive again. I remember my neuro telling me when I was first diagnosed that if they were little partial seizures that didn't effect my driving then he had no problem with me driving. But when I started getting the big ones so badly even the little ones began to trouble him. At this point if I don't count the smaller ones, then I can drive the end of august. If I count the smaller ones I envision never being able to drive again. I know, I know not driving with seizures is a huge thing. I have no desire to crack up my car or risk injuring anyone. But having to depend so completely on other people to get to anywhere outside of walking distance or off the busline is getting old, for all of us. I was so hoping that by August, with the switch of the medication, I'd not only be able to see again, with consistency, but I'd be in a position to get back to my life, which included driving and independence. Maybe I should just move to NYC where there's lots of public transport...oh, but then again, how to move there without driving, darn it! :P So, do you count them? the smaller ones?

Comments

Well, all my seizures (that

Submitted by stu on Fri, 2007-03-09 - 15:06
Well, all my seizures (that I know of) have been simple partials, so yes, I count them. It's difficult to say if I was in your place because I obviously would want to drive, however there are many meds out there that affect different parts of the brain to help with seizures. If your Dr knows the frequency of all types of seizures that you experience then they might be able to control your medication more accurately. On a side note, just because the seizure is a simple partial doesn't mean it's "ok" and you can just live with it. Any disturbance in brain function is a serious matter and deserves the attention of you and your Neurologist.

Re: Well, all my seizures (that

Submitted by Gina Marie on Fri, 2007-03-09 - 21:58
You've got a point. Thank you.

Re: Which ones do you count?

Submitted by Jersey on Sat, 2007-03-10 - 00:16
I don't count my myoclonic jerks. Since I've started Keppra three weeks ago I haven't had ANY! yay :)

Sign Up for Emails

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