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First seizure at 28yrs old, 6 months pregnant, and not caused by preclampsia
Fri, 03/20/2020 - 20:26Topic: Women With Epilepsy
I had my first seizure on Dec. 13, 2019 while driving my boyfriend back from the airport. Lucky for me, and our baby, he got my vehicle put into neutral before I tensed up on the gas peddle. It ended up in a 3 night stay in the hospital plus an MRI, EEG, multiple bloodworks and me beating up on my boyfriend two paramedics while being very pregnant so everyone was trying to be easy with me.
A couple of days ago I had my second seizure. I just finished feeding our baby and set her back down to nap for a bit longer. My friend called so I went out into the kitchen to make a coffee and chat not wanting to wake up either of them. Next thing I knew a couple of paramedics were walking into our place asking me simple questions that I couldn't find the answers too.
Both of my seizures have been pegged as sleep deprivation. With my first seizure I had low magnesium and calcium. I started taking Keppra and magnesium and calcium suppliments. My OB's thought my case was interesting and started calling me their Keppra mother. As it was not brought on by preclampsia either. This seizure what my bloodwork showed was that my phosphate was low. I've been wracking my brain trying to figure out what's making my bloodwork so out of wack. My boyfriend is convinced its because of the flea meds I gave my cat. I think it's just coincidence that it happened to be the day after both seizures but I'm not a doctor either. All I know is I'm terrified to carry my newborn anywhere now let alone get back to real life and work/drive. It won't be happening for a few months now that's for sure.
Anyone else have the same kind of issue?
Comments
Hi, Thank you for posting, it
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2020-03-23 - 09:27
Hi, Thank you for posting, it sounds like you’ve been through a lot. We cannot determine what is causing your abnormal blood work. It’s important that you’re continuing to follow-up with your healthcare team to explore this further and if you experience any changes in seizure types/ frequency, side effects, symptoms, moods or behaviors, to determine what individual treatment plan is best for you. It’s also important that you’re able to identify and recognize your triggers.This can help you and your healthcare team detect potential patterns, allowing you to modify your behavior and lifestyle, as appropriate. It may be helpful to use a journal or a diary to help track your suspect triggers. My Seizure Diary can be used to organize your health issues,track your seizures, manage medications, other therapies or personal experiences and more, which can be shared with members of your healthcare team. https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diary .Sleep deprivation is among some of the most frequently reported triggers for some people living with epilepsy. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/triggers-seizures . Women who have just had a baby will have disturbed sleep (interrupted or not enough sleep), extra work and stress,and hormonal changes -- and for a woman with epilepsy these factors can increase the risk of seizures. Learn more about the importance of having a support system in place & tips to consider helping keep you & your baby safe: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women/epilepsy-and-pregnancy/after-baby-born . Additionally, you may always contact our 24/7 Helpline, where trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help, hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources. 1-800-332-1000, contactus@efa.org. epilepsy.com/helpline , or contact your local Epilepsy Foundation: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates
Hi. Your case is definitely
Submitted by Patriotrehab on Sat, 2020-03-21 - 01:26
Hi. Your case is definitely interesting. My epilepsy started as a result of untreated preeclampsia, but it sounds like they think they have ruled that out for you. There is some well established evidence that flea and tick medication can cause seizures in pets. While, I’ve never heard of that happening to a person, it may have or you may be the first person. There’s a member on this forum that has posted up that her trigger for seizures is latex. As for your bloodwork being so out of wack, that could be related to your recent pregnancy and may take some time to get back to normal without supplements. If they are right that sleep deprivation is the trigger though, you may want to consider taking naps during the day when your newborn is sleeping. I remember when my son was young and that was a great time to bond. He used to fall asleep on me, listening to my heartbeat, after I took him out for a walk and fed him. Then, we both got a great nap in, which helped me get some rest which I needed because of the side effects from my seizure medication. Take care!