Epilepsy & Seizures Support Group
Epilepsy (often referred to as a seizure disorder) is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. It is commonly controlled with medication, although surgical methods are used as well. Seizures (or convulsions) are temporary abnormal electrophysiologic phenomena of the brain, resulting in abnormal synchronization of electrical neuronal...
I was released from my job in May this year. I started having seizures on the job. Still taking Dilantin and they just came out of the blue. My doc switched me to Tegretol. It worked for a bit, but I had a couple seizures on it too. Some weren't the general falling down, shaking and jerking all over the place. These were staring or "spaced out" is how they described my actions. Then lately, I had a blackout. My sponsor, who also used to be a counselor, called it a "fugue". Same as a blackout, but this time I was sober. No alcohol involved. It's scary, because I can't drive like this. There is no warning or symptoms whatsoever when these happen. I've filed for Social Security Disability, and my case is still pending. I have more tests to come, I think. Got an appt. for Shreveport, but not until Jan. 2012. My 6 months of unemployment run out in Nov. What am I suppose to do to get by until next year? I'm just so upset and stressed because of all this. No answers for any of it. Anyone go through something similar to what I'm experiencing?
First off, take a deep breath and try to relax. It's extremely frustrating not having any answers. I went through 10-15 years of seizures and 8 different neurologists before I was able to get a handle on my situation. One thing you might want to do is look up catamenial seizures,. I say this because you're a woman and you list your age as 47. A women's hormones can VERY MUCH AFFECT HER SEIZURE STATUS. I don't know what's the story with your hormones, but that turned out to be the key for me. I took 8 different forms of medication, but the only truly effective substance was a birth control shot (every 3 months), which stabilizes my chemical fluctuations. Good luck!!!
Dimmie