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Recent seizures, questions, long wait to see neuro

Mon, 08/21/2017 - 18:15
This is my story. My neuro consult isn’t until October 31, I have questions and worries. Everyone’s experience is unique, but does this fit a common experience? Or am a waiting 3 months and possibly going down the wrong road? All feedback is greatly appreciated! ADOLESCENCE I experienced seizures as a child, prior to age 10. Had them at home and at school. I would wake up on the playground, kids and teachers surrounding me. It was embarrassing and frightening. I have no memory prior to the seizure or the seizure itself. I remember having an EEG. I remember taking medication. I don’t remember when it stopped. My father is passed; my mother has poor memory and no recollection of the treatment or treating doctor. I also remember strange nighttime episodes during my childhood that continued as I became older. Theses episodes diminished into adulthood. I didn’t tell anyone about them. I felt a strange sense of spinning in my bed, getting faster and faster, and a sudden gastric rise until I thought my soul would burst out of my head from my body. I felt nauseous, and my heart would beat fast. It was over as soon as it started, and I’d fall asleep. Happened quite often, and I was conscious of them. Unsure if these are considered seizures? PRESENT SEIZURE 1. I am 42. I have been under a great deal of stress over the past year and experiencing poor sleep, anxiety and some depression as a result. Approximately two months ago my husband became very concerned over jerking (lower legs, left elbow and chin going up) and grunting/seizure-like activity I was exhibiting while he was awake and I was asleep. Episodes lasted less than a minute; I was unaware during this time, confused/tired when it was over, but aware of his concern. In the morning, I’d be a little more out of than usual. This happened 3 times before I told my primary care doctor. I was instructed to go to the ER the next time it happened. The 4th time it happened, I threw up. I made it to the ER about 1 ½ after the seizure. No tests, but given Keppra 750mg 2x per day, and a follow up appointment with a neurologist October 31st. I have woken in the past to unexplained bruises, night sweats, urge to vomit, urinary incontinence, and the feeling that I was actively peeing myself when I was not doing so. 2. Possible seizure? Over the past 6 months I have been missing time on some occasions. Noticeable when cooking on the stovetop – I will have rearranged the pans or turned the electric stovetop to an unreasonable temperature with no recollection of doing so. I’m by myself, I’ve been in the pantry looking for an item, couldn’t find it. When I turn around I notice I’ve pulled cans out of the pantry and stacked them behind me. I have no recollection doing this. Or I’ve dropped something under the bed, and when I look under the bed to get it, it’s not there. But the item is back on top of the bed when I look again. I feel somewhat disordered when this is happening. Not exactly a state of confusion, but just “muddled up” I take 150mg of Topamax for aura without migraine. I do get tension headaches periodically. Are the migraine-less auras possibly seizure auras? I experience a couple different types. 1. Most commonly I smell something burning. 2. Other times I experience a strange feeling that disrupts my reality. Its like a déjà vu vivid memory or dream with strong emotions. I feel like I’m living this dream state and living reality at the same time. But everything is altered. So is my ability to interact – I interact, but I don’t – just the most basic interactions. Then its over. The dream like state seems like it lasts forever, but it is just a minute or two. And like a dream, I can’t really remember it when it’s over. I’m left with body emotions, or a strange feeling. But the episode is over. 3. I have somewhat complex visual auras of colors and circles, Things seem to move away and become smaller as I feel like I’m moving the opposite direction. I feel disoriented, but I know that I’m not?

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