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TLE and symptoms

Fri, 04/21/2006 - 08:37

Topic: New to Epilepsy.com

Hey there It seems I've been diagnosed with TLE, although having read through some comments it doesn't seem very severe (I have the typical de ja ve, wierd sensations in the stomach or sinuses etc). I was wondering if any knows the relationship between TLE and memory. I understand that memory of the seizure would be impaired, but is TLE associated with longer term memory. I seem to have difficulty recalling incidents from about the last year (though prompting sometimes helps). Anyone know more about this. Ta

Comments

Re: TLE and symptoms

Submitted by mommy2kyra on Fri, 2006-04-21 - 14:19

Hi there, I, too, have TLE. The temporal lobe is quite complex (of course!), and the hippocampus often is involved and harmed by our seizures. The hippocampus is involved in learning and memory. It is common for sz's originating from the temporal lobe to affect the hippocampus. While you can still remember things, it is often more work to recall things (more work than those w/out E have). The longer you go or more sz's you have, w/out treating the E, the more damage your hippocampus will have. Thankfully, there's a hippocampus on each side of the brain. In my case, which I've learned is not unusual, both hippocampus have been affected by many years of untreated E. Both are in the 5th percentile with size-pretty tiny, I guess. When you have a cp, both hippocampus become involved (which is why there is a time period you do not recall). I hope that helps answer your questions. One more thing to share, TLE is one of the most damaging ways to damage memory. While a lot of people don't consider TLE to be majorly affective, it most certainly is. I hope that your seizures are brought under control soon, take care! Heather :)

Re: Re: TLE and symptoms

Submitted by KathrynJ on Sat, 2006-04-22 - 05:52

Thanks very much for your post Heather. It certainly explained a lot. I actually wasn't considering trying to reduce the seizures because the experience doesn't seem so bad. I have now changed my mind and will pursue other options. Thanks again, and all the best Kathryn

Re: TLE and symptoms

Submitted by txrhb1 on Sat, 2006-04-22 - 07:39

Hi, I also have TLE, from both the right and left sides. My memory is absolutely deplorable, and they have found damage to both of my hippocampus through my last MRI. Here are some good sites to look at for explanation of memory and TLE: http://www.memorylossonline.com/pastissues/winter2001/storminthebrain.html http://www.epilepsynse.org.uk/pages/info/leaflets/memory.cfm

Good luck! Barbie *************************************** "We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can fly only by embracing each other." -lucian de crescenzo

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