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simple partial seizures
Thu, 07/01/2004 - 14:07I have just realized that the strange feelings I get every so often are simple partial seizures, they are not anxietyattacks and they are not some psychic gift from above, something I wondered about 20 years ago! I'm 44 and have had them since I was 3 or 4. I sort of enjoyed them then, not so now, they scare me.They are characterized by strong feelings of deja vu They scare me only because I know this is something that is happening in my own mind and is taking precedence over the outside world. I had a closed head injury in 1988 and now I have to take dilantin to control the seizures I'm now prone to (unconscious, wake up with a headache and good for nothing for several days.I don't know why I had my most recent seizure, I fell unconscious for this one despite therapeutic levels of dilantin, and healthy kidney and liver. I'd love to communicate with someone who understands what this is all about. Please don't hesitate to respond.
Comments
RE: simple partial seizures
Submitted by lrmamann on Thu, 2004-07-01 - 00:05
I am 40 and was experiencing the same twisted memory flashes after I had a breakthrough seizure from forgetting to take my dilantin. Side effects from dilantin were variously annoying and I didn't want to take it. My new neurologist is more expert in seizures than my previous neuros and he recommended a switch to tegretol xr. This may not be the correct course of action for you and I am certainly not a medical professional. But I can tell you that my experience with tegretol has been positive so far and have been taking it for 7+ months with no more vuja da type stuff. no seizures, either. Best of luck to you....rta
RE: simple partial seizures
Submitted by cledder on Thu, 2004-07-01 - 07:07
I think we all respond to meds so differently. I also think we have a varied tolerance level for side effects. What's acceptable for me could be awful for you. That's why it's so important to have a nuero that considers quality of life issues. I too took tegratol for several years after an awful experience with dilantin. Eventually the tegratol got to be toxic and started interfering with my digestive system causing a need to switch to nuerontin. After 10 years I'm now moving to Kepra. Good for you in having the guts to find a nuero who would listen to your complaints and make the adjustments. Chris
RE: simple partial seizures
Submitted by cledder on Wed, 2004-06-30 - 13:59
I too had a hard time getting my simple complex seizures diagnosed until I had a grand mal. For a long time I thought I was going crazy as I would experience strange smells, feelings of deju vu, and twisted memory flashes. I was told by a doctor to seek professional help. I'm not sure what he considered himself to be but he felt I needed a shrink. It turned out they were seizures but they are not commonly diagnosed correctly until another type appears. For instance, I was told I couldn't be aware while having a seizure. I was fully aware and terrified through them.