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Epilepsy

Thu, 08/01/2019 - 17:40
I suffered with herpes encephalitis at around 2 years old and made an exceptional recovery. Over the years up until I was about 12 I had these deja by episodes that would make me feel really sick and flushed which would only occur if nice a year if that. As I got a bit older it got a tiny bit more frequent so doctors sent me for an ecg which apparently showed signs of juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. When I was around 16 I started doing something very silly, taking tramadol, eventually leading to addiction. After a good 2 years of this addiction I had a tonic clinic seizure. At the time I literally thought I was dying as I didn’t know what was happening. All the right sidebar of me tended up and I couldn’t breathe and then I just remember waking up with the ambulance around me. I immediately stopped the tramadol as it gave me a huge scare but ever since, the de ja vu seizures can be up to 7 or 8 a day. By my own research I’ve stumbled across ‘temporal lobe epilepsy’ which describes most of my symptoms and I am wondering if the Encephalitis caused this and the tramadol irritated it? I’m currently taking 600mg of epilim and 1750mg of keppra and is helping a lot but not fully stopping my seizures. I’m now 22 being refused DLA. I do work full time but find it extremely difficult with the condition as it affects my day to day life.

Comments

 Hi tmac1997, Thanks so much

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 2019-08-02 - 07:34
 Hi tmac1997, Thanks so much for posting, it sounds like you’ve been through a lot. We cannot determine if encephalitis or Tramadol your epilepsy, so it’s very important that with your healthcare team to express your concerns and discuss any changes in side effects, seizure types, frequency, behaviors and symptoms, to determine what individual treatment is best for you.  https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/pg2L_HealthCareVisits_09-2018.pdf .      To learn more herpes encephalitis & temporal lobe epilepsy, visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/professionals/co-existing-disorders/infectious-states-seizures/viral-infections/herpes https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-epilepsy-syndromes/temporal-lobe-epilepsy-aka-tleFor more information regarding seizure triggers visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/triggers-seizures/drug-abuse https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/triggers-seizures  To learn more about how you can help to manage your epilepsy and seizure safety, please visit:https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/managing-your-epilepsy Learn seizure first aid: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety Learnhow to live with seizures, potential risks and safety tips: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/staying-safe Create a seizureresponse 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 your medical history, medications, sideeffects, moods, triggers, or other personal experiences.  It is important to recognize that epilepsy is more than just seizures, overall well-being and emotional health is just as important:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/healthy-living/emotional-health   The 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.  For practical & effective strategies to enhance your well-being, learn more here:  https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/wellness-support-toolsIt 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   

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