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Learning disabilities/memory loss/irritability seizure link?

Mon, 05/29/2017 - 15:57
My brother was diagnosed with epilepsy at 9. He is now 31. He has always had a tough time in school, was far behind the other kids. Even pronouncing words wrong like a young child would up until his teens. He seemed to always be behind as far as reading, even tying his shoes. Eventually due to frustration, he dropped out of high school. Are children with epilepsy more geared towards having learning disabilities? Also, I've noticed in the last few years that my brother has problems with memory. Even forgetting the proper dosage of his meds after being on them for years & his constantly irritable. Is anyone else experiencing this?

Comments

My daughter is 18 and was

Submitted by kkirk16 on Fri, 2017-09-08 - 23:18
My daughter is 18 and was diagnosed with epilepsy at age 5.  She does have learning differences and definite issues with memory retention and speech (same type of thing, mispronouncing words or speaking like a younger child). Speech therapy only helped a little bit. She's been to both public and private schools with varying degrees of success and failure. Luckily she is very motivated by school and is determined to go on to college so we are cautiously hopeful there. She has to be reminded almost every day to take her meds even though she's been taking them for 13 years. She has trouble remembering names, numbers, locations. It's a struggle for her and for those who love her.  I guess what I'm saying is yes, there are others experiencing this. I don't think that people with epilepsy are "geared towards" having learning disabilities but having their brain activity interrupted by seizures and taking massive amounts of brain altering drugs can have definite and lasting effects.                We take advantage of every possible program we can to get my daughter help that she needs and to teach her to advocate for herself and be more independent.  If your brother is not already receiving help through community, state or federal programs please encourage him to do so. There are a lot of worthwhile programs (many can be found through your local Epilepsy Foundation chapter or on this website) that are free or low cost. Best of luck to you and your family. Take care.

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