[brooke96]

Hi all,
I was diagnosed with complex partial seizures in July 2013 at 16. Then in November 2013 my neurologist also diagnosed me with nocturnal seizures. I currently take 150mg lamtical(lamotrogine) twice daily. As i have had to increase the dosage from 100mg twice daily to my current dosage i have been feeling different in myself, feeling more tired during the day, waking up 3-4 times a night, my seizures also feel slightly different. I do not see my neurologist until June 2014 so i don't know wether to try for an earlier appointment?

Before lamatical i was having up to 8 absent seizures daily and sleep up to 12-18 hours everyday as nocturnal seizures took a massive effect on my body. When i suspected a seizure it was because my mum couldnt wake me up 30-45 minutea later and was severely disoriented after, it was like i was dead to the world which was really worrying. Now i have around 1 absent seizure daily and have 3-4 possible nocturnal seizures during the night and when i have a 1-2 hour nap during the day.

My nocturnal seizures at the beginning consisted of out of body experiences, sometimes it felt as if i was in sleep paralysis as i couldnt wake up but could hear and smell everything around me, my body severely ached in the morning all over and i had a constant headache for about 2-3 days afterwards. Now my nocturnal seizures have the same effect but they seem to be changing since my dosage was increased. Now i have been struggling to stay asleep, having nightmares which when i wake i cannot breathe and have palpitations for around 15 minutes. I have also been having dreams within dreams in which i dream of having grand mal seizures like when i was little, which scare me alot as i think i may be leading up to one. Recently i am having strange auras like seeing, smelling and hearing things that arent there? also having a lot of deja vu and have dialated pupils when i feel like i am going to have a seizure.

I guess the reason why i am posting here today is to try and grasp some knowledge of what may be going on and to see if others are going through the same thing. I do not have a good support network and people around me do not seem to understand. If anyone has any input i would be truly thankful!

[Darlene]

brooke,

It is great to have you come and be with us. You will fine a great number of dear friends to listen when you are in need of ears. Please, just let us know how we can help you out. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

I too have epilepsy but have been seizure free from a long time. I have had epilepsy since I was 10, now I am under control. As for your lactimal it will effect everyone a different was, which that occurs differently for other. I am on lamital and have not had any problem with it.

My advice to you is have your family Dr. refer you to see a Epileptologist (Dr. specializing in Epilepsy) and go to a Epilepsy Center. These places are found at large hospitals or university hospitals. These Drs. will do a series of tests on you and this will help the them fine exactly what's going on with your situtation. One other thing to do is taking vitamin B12 1000 mcg. once a day for adult. Afford being around strong flashing lights like at theater, you could wear sunglasses. Also at the theater just make sure you turn your head and shut your eyes during flashing back grounds.

Please keep us up to date on your situation. Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Darlene

[Porkette]

Hi Brooke,

Welcome to the forum! Darlene gave you some great advice, I've found that taking vitamin B12 in the morning has reduced my sz. greatly. Just like you I have complex partial and absence sz. I did have myoclonic sz. where I would have a sz. when I first went to bed or after I had been up for a short time in the morning. My Dr. put me on vimpat and that stopped the myoclonic sz. and greatly reduced my complex partial and absence sz.
You may want to look into having a sleep study done, I had to have this done and my Epileptologist found I was having sz. in my sleep 1-2 hrs. before I wake up in the morning but I don't even realize when I 'm having the sz. I just feel a little tired in the morning when I wake up.
In regards to your dreams my neurosurgeon told me when a person dreams it's actually something they are thinking about deep in their mind but they don't realize it. The dream can relate to something that happened that day or maybe something you saw on tv.
You should also look into getting a video e.e.g. where you will be on camera around the clock and the Dr. can watch what's going on and at the same time be doing a e.e.g. to see if there's any activity going on in your brain.
The headaches shouldn't last that long and that concerns me, if you can have your family Dr. refer you to an Epileptologist and get admitted into the hospital to do a bunch of tests like the veeg, Spect and Pet scan along with an MRI.
To find the correct sz. med for you ask the Dr. to do a DNA test on you by doing that they can see the chemicals and enzymes in your body and match them up to the correct sz. med for you that will have the least side effect. Also ask to have a sleep study done as I mentioned before. I wish you the best of luck and May God Bless You!
Sue