Brain still feeling fuzzy weeks after first seizure

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Hi everyone, I am a 29 year old female and I had my first ever tonic clonic seizure on 7/21. I had an MRI and CT done immediately and both came back clear. My EEG showed I have epilepsy and I was officially diagnosed one week later. I was initially put on Keppra, but was having some real issues with side effects, so I was switched to Zonisamide after two weeks. I’ve just finished my first week on it and am upping my dose tonight. Since my seizure, I have been feeling very unlike myself. I have intense brain fog, memory issues, have been having trouble reading and watching television. It almost feels like I have a concussion! I know there has been a lot of changes with my new diagnosis and I’ve been on some pretty high-powered new medications, but I’ve also been very emotional. I am having an incredibly hard time going back to work. Normal things like checking and sending emails, reading through documents, etc. seem so much more difficult. Is this normal this far out after a seizure? I am re-thinking taking some more time off work because it has been very rough since I’ve gone back. On top of this, my sleeping patterns have been completely out of whack. I know I’ve had a lot of anxiety about returning to work and potentially having seizures at work, but I’m getting concerned that I am still feeling this way. I left a message for my neurologist but have not heard back yet. Any reassurance that this is normal would help put my mind at ease! If not, it may help me know if it’s something I need to be concerned with. Thanks so much in advance!

Comments

Whats up? I'm 31 an had my

Submitted by jimmieD on Thu, 2019-08-15 - 06:24

Whats up? I'm 31 an had my 1st seizure an was diagnosed at 22. I would follow up with your Neuro about the way you're feeling just to be safe. I would imagine it's from the meds though. your body is adjusting to them and you got off 1 an onto another, all medications have side effects. If your sleeping alot it could be from the meds but if not enough its probably anxiety. Finding out you have epilepsy an tryin to get used to everything that comes with it usually isn't easy. So the emotional feelings are part of that an meds could play a part in that as well. If you don't know already it be good to try an find out where your seizures are coming from so you an your neuro can find the best way to treat your seizures. Hope this helps somewhat an hope things get better homegirl

Hi melanieannecole, Thanks

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2019-08-15 - 10:33

Hi melanieannecole, Thanks much for posting. It's important that you express your concerns and an increase of feelings ofanxiety, changes in seizure types,frequency, behaviors, side effects and symptoms to your healthcare team. https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/pg2L_HealthCareVisits_09-2018.pdfOur new to Epilepsy & Seizure tool kit is a great resource and starting point for learning about epilepsy, what resources are available, how to make the most of doctors' visits, and how to take control of seizures & find self-management tools. Learn more, by visiting: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/new-seizures-and-epilepsy For information regarding finding a specialist near you, or a second opinion please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/find-epilepsy-specialist https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/you-and-your-healthcare-team/second-opinions To learn more about Zonisamide and seizure medication side effects: https://www.epilepsy.com/medications/zonisamidehttps://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/side-effects Being diagnosed with epilepsy can be upsetting and make you feel isolated and alone. One of the most important things to help you live with epilepsy is to find a support network. Learn more about your community support options and career resources, here: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/social-concerns It is common for those living with epilepsy to experience feelings anxiety: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/moods-and-behavior/mood-and-behavior-advanced/anxiety-disordersThe Wellness Institute: epilepsy.com/wellness ,has many helpful and easy-to-use tips &resources for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and maximizing the quality of life for you & your family. Learn more here: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/wellness-support-tools for practical & effective strategies to enhance your well-being. Additionally, there are plenty of things you all can do to reduce these feelings and stay safe: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/managing-your-epilepsy Learn seizure first aid: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safetyLearn how to live with seizures, potential risks and safety tips: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/staying-safeCreate a seizure response or action plan: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/seizure-forms which is a helpful tool for those around you to understand what do if you have a seizure: Use a diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diary Track your seizures,record you medical history, medications, side effects, moods, triggers, or other personal experiences. Have a Seizure alert device: https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/DAS100_Seizure_Alert_Devices_09-2018_FINAL2.pdf You may also contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org where a trained information specialist can connect you to resources, provide referrals and additional support. epilepsy.com/helpline Or contact your local Epilepsy Foundation: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliatescan help you find resources, support groups,events, and programs in your community.

Hi melanieannecole,  Thanks much for posting. It's important that you express your concerns and an increase of feelings ofanxiety, changes in seizure types,frequency, behaviors, side effects and symptoms to your healthcare team. https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/pg2L_HealthCareVisits_09-2018.pdfOur new to Epilepsy & Seizure tool kit is a great resource and starting point for learning about epilepsy, what resources are available, how to make the most of doctors' visits, and how to take control of seizures & find self-management tools. Learn more, by visiting:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/new-seizures-and-epilepsy For information regarding finding a specialist near you, or a second opinion please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/find-epilepsy-specialist https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/you-and-your-healthcare-team/second-opinions To learn more about Zonisamide and seizure medication side effects: https://www.epilepsy.com/medications/zonisamidehttps://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/side-effects Being diagnosed with epilepsy can be upsetting and make you feel isolated and alone. One of the most important things to help you live with epilepsy is to find a support network. Learn more about your community support options and career resources, here: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/social-concerns It is common for those living with epilepsy to experience feelings anxiety: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/moods-and-behavior/mood-and-behavior-advanced/anxiety-disordersThe Wellness Institute:  epilepsy.com/wellness  ,has many helpful and easy-to-use tips &resources for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and maximizing the quality of life for you & your family. Learn more here:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/wellness-support-tools for practical & effective strategies to enhance your well-being. Additionally, there are plenty of things you all can do to reduce these feelings and stay safe: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/managing-your-epilepsy Learn seizure first aid: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safetyLearn how to live with seizures, potential risks and safety tips: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/staying-safeCreate a seizure response or action plan: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/seizure-forms which is a helpful tool for those around you to understand what do if you have a seizure: Use a diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diary Track your seizures,record you medical history, medications, side effects, moods, triggers, or other personal experiences. Have a Seizure alert device:  https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/DAS100_Seizure_Alert_Devices_09-2018_FINAL2.pdf You may also contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org where a trained information specialist can connect you to resources,  provide referrals and additional support. epilepsy.com/helpline  Or contact your local Epilepsy Foundation: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliatescan help you find resources, support groups,events, and programs in your community.

Hi melanieannecole, Thanks much for posting. It's important that you express your concerns and an increase of feelings ofanxiety, changes in seizure types,frequency, behaviors, side effects and symptoms to your healthcare team. https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/pg2L_HealthCareVisits_09-2018.pdfOur new to Epilepsy & Seizure tool kit is a great resource and starting point for learning about epilepsy, what resources are available, how to make the most of doctors' visits, and how to take control of seizures & find self-management tools. Learn more, by visiting: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/new-seizures-and-epilepsy For information regarding finding a specialist near you, or a second opinion please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/find-epilepsy-specialist https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/you-and-your-healthcare-team/second-opinions To learn more about Zonisamide and seizure medication side effects: https://www.epilepsy.com/medications/zonisamidehttps://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/side-effects Being diagnosed with epilepsy can be upsetting and make you feel isolated and alone. One of the most important things to help you live with epilepsy is to find a support network. Learn more about your community support options and career resources, here: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/social-concerns It is common for those living with epilepsy to experience feelings anxiety: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/moods-and-behavior/mood-and-behavior-advanced/anxiety-disordersThe Wellness Institute: epilepsy.com/wellness ,has many helpful and easy-to-use tips &resources for maintaining a healthy lifestyle and maximizing the quality of life for you & your family. Learn more here: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/wellness-support-tools for practical & effective strategies to enhance your well-being. Additionally, there are plenty of things you all can do to reduce these feelings and stay safe: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/managing-your-epilepsy Learn seizure first aid: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safetyLearn how to live with seizures, potential risks and safety tips: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/staying-safeCreate a seizure response or action plan: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/seizure-forms which is a helpful tool for those around you to understand what do if you have a seizure: Use a diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diary Track your seizures,record you medical history, medications, side effects, moods, triggers, or other personal experiences. Have a Seizure alert device: https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/DAS100_Seizure_Alert_Devices_09-2018_FINAL2.pdf You may also contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org where a trained information specialist can connect you to resources, provide referrals and additional support. epilepsy.com/helpline Or contact your local Epilepsy Foundation: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliatescan help you find resources, support groups,events, and programs in your community.

Seizures can lead to periods

Submitted by birdman on Thu, 2019-08-15 - 21:19

Seizures can lead to periods of depression know as "postictal" or after seizure depression. But I'm betting your disturbed sleep and emotional problems are caused by the zonisamide. I was on it for several months this year and had to quit because of serious emotional problems. I also read that there are many others who experience this. Let your doctor know.