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do I really need to treat partial complex?

Thu, 09/28/2006 - 19:35
Hi, I am looking for some opinions as my neuro evaded this question. I was diagnosed with partial complex seizures, fronto-temporal lobe epilepsy. I have only had 2 seizures during the daytime in the last year. I may have had a few at night because I woke up biting my tongue. My neuro says I may not know when I am having a seizure. Is that right? Do I need to treat it if it doesn't bother me? I miss driving but it's not a huge factor. I have tried 2 meds and been allergic. I am honestly afraid to try more as they affected my breathing. I also have memory problems. Forgetting words, call my kids the wrong names, even forget I am cooking lately. Will this get better with meds? Can it get worse if I don't use meds? Does anyone know if having epilepsy is common? I am wondering how much experience my neuro has with this as he never answers a single question. I am wondering if maybe he may not have many patients with it, although from what I read, epilepsy is not that uncommon. Any answers would be great. Plus, if I take the meds, how do they know when you can drive safely again? Thanks a lot for your help! Wendy

Comments

Re: do I really need to treat partial complex?

Submitted by Smallfry9 on Thu, 2006-09-28 - 20:12
Wendy, I'm not sure why your neuro is avoiding answering your questions. If you aren't comfortable with your doctor than you definitely need to find a new one. I'm 26 and was just diagnosed with epilepsy. My dr also told me that sometimes you might not know you are having a seizure. Only the people around you might notice. Sometimes just staring off in to space can be a sign of seizure. After learning more about epilepsy my family and I believe I've probably had it for a long time, but just never really noticed it until I had a bad seizure about 5 months ago. But the symptoms are way too familiar to my family in their observations of me. Plus, it seems like I have most of my seizures at night, when I am falling asleep or already asleep. Weird, huh? I have noticed that after starting my medication that my memory has improved. I thought I was losing my mind before! Like I said, if you aren't comfortable with your doctor, and if he won't answer any of your questions then find someone who will. You need someone to reassure you that you are on the right treatment. As for the driving issue, a lot of states regulate that side of things when it comes to seizures. I live in Colorado and it is against the law to drive for 3 months following your most recent episode. So this may be something you want to check in to and see if your state has any regulations on driving after seizures. I've heard that Colorado is actually one of the more lenient states... I hope some of this helps. This is my first time on here, but it's nice to see that I'm not the only one with a lot of questions about my diagnosis and stuff.

Re: Re: do I really need to treat partial complex?

Submitted by wendy girl on Thu, 2006-09-28 - 20:41
HI Smallfry,
I think you are right. I feel like the dr needs to explain things as this is new to me. He just basically wants me to take meds and go home. His answers are usually, let's just try meds and see what changes.
I think I have them too as I fall asleep or have been sleeping for a short while. No-one ever noticed though. I always thought my husband would know. Your family sounds wonderful. That can make all the difference I think. Now I wonder if some things can be seizures but I am not sure. Like sometimes I space out a tiny bit when I am talking and forget what I was saying. But I never thought it was a seizure, I just thought I was tired.
Here in mass we have to wait a year to drive. Honestly, I don't want to drive as it happened twice while driving and I feel blessed I didn't crash (almost did). My husband on the other hand wants me to drive as soon as I can. I would love my memory back. I am hopeful now for that much. I hope things go well for you also, Wendy

Re: do I really need to treat partial complex?

Submitted by mommy2kyra on Thu, 2006-09-28 - 20:31
Hi Wendy, It's very common for those with complex partials to be unaware of their seizures, especially if they occur in sleep. I won't get into my long saga, but I will tell you that the sooner you treat the E, the better! I have TLE, and was unaware of my sz's for many years. This does have a cumulative effect on memory and self-esteem. If the meds you've tried haven't worked, keep on searching. Work with an epileptologist (a neuro who specializes in E) if you can. They have much more experience and can guide you through to most effective treatment more quickly than a neuro. Each state has different laws regarding driving. Look your state up online and you won't have to wonder anymore :) Seizures do need to be controlled for a varying amount of time, depending upon the state. Hope that helps. I wish you the best of luck! Heather :)

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