Nocturnal seizures

I suppose it is because we are all different that no doctor can say for sure how an individual patient will be effected by epilepsy.  It's good that you are taking note of the pattern you experience because no doctor will do this for you.  But the patterns you describe are quite common among persons with epilepsy and I think that telling your doctor does reveal characteristics that confirm a diagnosis.  I have gone many years with seizures that occur during the day and night, but there have been years where I too have only experienced then in my sleep.  No doctor has ever explained this to me but I think we go through a special brainwave state just as we wake or just prior to entering REM and that can leave persons more prone to seizures.  Have you ever gone through a "baseline EEG" for diagnosis?  During that test they may repeatedly allow you to go to sleep and then wake you just to capture the brainwaves at this moment in sleep.Doctors use the term "seizure threshold" do describe the vulnerability to seizures.  Anyone can have a seizure but some of us are more prone to seizures and have a "reduced seizure threshold".  There are several factors that are know to leave us more vulnerable or with a reduced seizure threshold.  These include increased stress and sleep deprivation.  Again we are all unique and differ in our sensitivity to different stresses.  Another term I learned through a life of treatment is "seizure clusters" or "cluster seizures".  Many people with epilepsy have seizures that come in groups for several days and then go away for several weeks.  I don't know if any doctor has any explanation for this but it is common.  If you have questions about why they are happening and if they are harmful ask your doctor these questions specifically.  You are at a good source and I'm sure someone from the Foundation will be able to link you with information on all the treatments for epilepsy and seizure.Mike 

Hi, Thank you for sharing your story, it sounds like you’ve been through a lot. We cannot determine if these episodes you describe having are seizures or not.It’s important that you’re following up with your healthcare team to explore this further and if you experience any changes in behaviors, moods and symptoms. For information regarding second opinions or assistance finding a specialist near you, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/you-and-your-healthcare-team/second-opinions https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/find-epilepsy-specialist As Michael mentioned in his comment, it’s good that you’re not of the pattern you experience with these episodes. Documenting these episodes in detail, (like you’ve done in your post), and providing a thorough medical history, will be very helpful to review with your healthcare team. My Seizure Diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for tracking these episodes you’ve experienced, setting reminders,managing medications & side effects, recording medical history, moods, behaviors, triggers,and other personal experiences, that may affect seizures and wellness, which can be shared with your healthcare team. Our new to Epilepsy & Seizure tool kit is a great resource and starting point for learning about what epilepsy is, what resources are available, how to make the most of doctors' visits, and how to take control of seizures, seizure first aid & safety. Learn more here: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/new-seizures-and-epilepsyAdditionally, you may always contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: epilepsy.com/helplinewhere trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help, hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources. 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org.

Mine started after my last bout of Shingles, and were worse after the vaccine.   My Internist recommended a Rheumatologist.  I haven't seen him, yet.  Hope that helps.  Glad to answer any other questions.