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Are these seizures?
Sun, 08/18/2019 - 18:22Okay a little back ground first. I was diagnosed with JME after an EEG showed spike waves at 4hz. I get complex partials were I feel really intense vertigo, can't talk, jerks, automatics (lip smacking, moving my arms or legs around), and can't talk I'm unaware during all this. I'm taking 100mg of lamotrigine a day (I know this is low, but the side effects get to bad with higher doses). I've been on clobozam and keppra with no success. My seizures are controlled at least I think they are. I get these waves of exhaustion strange feelings sometimes jerks, hard time thinking straight or talking, but I'm completely aware and I don't get the vertigo. It all feels similar to the prelude before a seizure. Are these seizures or just side effects from the lamotrigine? Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi DancingQueen_5d2f880fa733e
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2019-08-19 - 13:40
Hi DancingQueen_5d2f880fa733e, Thanks so much for posting. We cannot determine if these episodes you describe are seizures,or related to your medication. It’s important that you continue to follow-up with your healthcare team to determine what treatment is best for you, as well as any potential changes in seizure types, frequency, side effects, behaviors, or symptoms. https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/pg2L_HealthCareVisits_09-2018.pdf For more information regarding Lamictal, and seizure medication side effects, visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/medications/lamotrigine https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/side-effects Seizures can take on many different forms and affect different people in different ways. Learn more about seizures and the various types of seizures & JME here: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/about-epilepsy-basics/what-happens-during-seizure https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizures https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-epilepsy-syndromes/juvenile-myoclonic-epilepsy Additionally, you may want to consider with your doctor having a device that can help track seizures, by visiting: https://www.dannydid.org/ and by-keeping a seizure diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diary as another self-management tool. These tools may be helpful in identifying & tracking seizures, other symptoms, managing medication & other therapies, recognizing triggers and health events that may affect seizures and wellness, which you can share with your providers. https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/DAS100_Seizure_Alert_Devices_09-2018_FINAL2.pdf It may helpful to connect with other people who live with epilepsy, to ask questions, share experiences, find &give support to each other, by contacting your local Epilepsy Foundation at: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates to find support groups, events, and programs in your community. Additionally our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline:1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org, can assist in connecting you to resources, provide referrals and additional support. epilepsy.com/helpline