Short Term Memory Loss

RE: Short Term Memory Loss

Submitted by ccs123 on Wed, 2004-09-01 - 22:46

Hi.  I've had epilepsy for the past 12 years as well and have been on 8 different meds.  Currently I'm coming off of Keppra, starting Lamictal, and I also take Dylantin.  I remember things that occured and places I went to as a child, but sometimes forget what happened yesterday.  It's very humiliating when I find myself in conversation and the other person is telling me "I know...we just talked about that".  I asked a family friend if he knew that I had gotten married and he said yes, he sang at our wedding.  I could have died.  I still don't remember asking him to sing or him actually singing that day.  I asked a friend just the other day about her oldest child's father, and she reminded me that he was killed in January.  Little things, big things, significant and insignificant things...I don't have much of a short term memory to speak of.  I'm told that the scar tissue caused by seizures interferes with memory as well as anti-seizure medications.  My doctor is giving the Lamictal 6 months and says that surgery may come next if this doesn't do the trick.

Just wanted you to know that you're not alone in this memory thing.  I can sympathize and I know all too well how frustrating it can be.  Take care.

RE: Short Term Memory Loss

Submitted by rajbir_s_bhatti on Fri, 2004-09-03 - 12:58

Hi, All.  First, I am gld someone took the initiative for this community. At least we can share what "we" feel .

I am 31. I was 4yrs when i first had absent seizures. It later repeated itself after few years also.

I was 11 when regular episodes set in. I do not still know the exact type. I was o tegretol , that was a nightmare.

Then i was put on Epilex, that made me behave like a drunkard . Lack of co-ordination of limbs and speech.

Now i am on Sodium Valporate ( VALPARIN 200- CR) . mEMORY FUNCTION IS LOW ON HARD DISK. i VERY OFTEN RUN OUT OF ram. gOTO THE KITCHEN AND FORGET WHY I AM HERE. sET OUT FOR office with a few jobs to do abd invariably miss out on many of my items on the to do list. But i have learnt to live with it. I make small notes for the day. Put alarms on my cell fone for various meetings etc. My spouse calls to remind me of imp jobs to do during the day. I guess that is a alternative we all can take to....

RE: Short Term Memory Loss

Submitted by msb123 on Tue, 2004-09-07 - 08:04

Thank you for bringing up this aspect of epilepsy.  I have complex partial and absence seizures.....and memory loss.  I was extremely upset about not remembering events from my past, but especially recent happenings.  I wasn't told by my neurologists to expect this.  I found a very helpful magazine (free, by-the-way) in my neuro's waiting room:  "Living with Epilepsy" , 1515 Broad Street, Bloomfield, NJ 07003-9901.  I learned about memory loss through an article in this magazine.  I show every magazine to my children, grandchildren and my dad.....so they will understand what is happening to me.  We speak quite openly about my having epilepsy and seizures and even my four year old granddaughter knows what to do if I have a seizure. I am blessed with a very understanding and loving family.  My dad, who will soon be 88 says that it takes both of us to complete a sentence :) .  I do have another problem-not associated with this-I am legally blind from complications with glaucoma and surgery for this.  I question having to take the field vision tests (this involves flashing lights.)  I don't know if I have absence seizures during this time or not....but, then, if I can't remember, I guess I shouldn't worry!!