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Progressive right side paralysis

Thu, 01/09/2020 - 12:31
Hello, My wife has had epilepsy for 30 years now since she had a brain tumor removed and radiation therapy. After finding out the hard way, we discovered that she is allergic to Dilantin, Tegretol, Vimpat, and some others. We finally found a combination of Primidone and Topirimate seemed to work best and she went nearly 20 years seizure free. About 10 years ago she suffered a "seizure cluster" for lack of a better term that paralyzed her right side (which had always been weak since the operation), and she had to learn to speak again. This went on for over 2 weeks and then ... she got better. No lasting effects. However in recent years her seizures have returned, about 3 or 4 a year and right side weakness has gotten worse and so has her speech. Now she is bedridden and can barely speak. Her neurologist said he doesn't know whats going on. The symptoms look like a stroke, but the MRIs don't show that. Has anyone out there had any similar experiences?

Comments

Hi, Thank you for sharing

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 2020-01-09 - 15:27
Hi, Thank you for sharing your story, it sounds like you all have been through a lot. It’s important that you all are continuing to follow-up with your wife’s healthcare team to explore this further and to help determine what individual treatment plan is best for her. If you have not already, you may want to consider seeing an epileptologist, (epilepsy specialist) or seeking a second opinion.  For assistance finding a specialist near you, visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/find-epilepsy-specialistand for additional information regarding second opinions, visit:  https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/you-and-your-healthcare-team/second-opinionsYou all may also want to consider keeping a journal or diary. My Seizure Diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for identifying & tracking seizures, setting reminders, managing medications & side effects, recording medical history, moods, behaviors, triggers ,and other personal experiences and therapies, that may affect seizures and wellness, which can be shared with her healthcare team. 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, or contactus@efa.org. epilepsy.com/helpline

Thank you for the information

Submitted by cbodnar15 on Fri, 2020-01-10 - 11:40
Thank you for the information.  I will look into that.

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