Hi everyone!

I am a 26 year old female and about three weeks ago had my first seizure. I was asleep when I had the sz and my husband was awoken by my struggling. He said I seemed to be struggling and moaning, eyes were open and in a gaze, mouth was smacking. He called 911 and responders came. Apparently I came to and was answering questions correctly and even signed the waiver that I wasn't going to the hospital. I do not remember any of this.

I was confused and had no memory of what happened. I followed up with my family practitioner and then just today went to see a Neuro. The Neuro diagnosed it as a Partial Complex seizure based on the events my husband described and how I felt after the sz.

I have an MRI and EEG scheduled for next week and the Neuro is starting me on Keppra. It has been 3 weeks and I have not had another sz, which I am thankful for. I was shocked at how sore my entire body was and how long it took me to feel "normal" again.

My youngest sister was diagnosed with Epilepsy at a young age and she has Absence seizures. After many years, she has realized that stress is a major trigger for her.

My main concern is why this is happening now. I am hoping for some answers after the MRI and EEG next week...

What is your opinion on Keppra? Good and the bad?

Hi larseng,
Welcome to the forum! I'm so sorry to hear that you and your sister both have sz. I've had sz. both absence (petit mal ), complex partial and simple partial sz. for 41 yrs. and stress and lack of sleep are the 2 main things that can trigger a sz. They type of sz. your described sounds like a absence (petit mal) sz or a complex partial sz. If I may ask did you see any colors in your eyes or get a nervous feeling in your stomach and then blank out? If you did this was a simple partial also known as an aura sz. leading to complex partial sz.
I tried keppra and it didn't work well for me it increased my sz. and also made me very moody. To find the right sz. med (AED) ask your neuro to do a DNA test on you by doing this test they will be able to find the best med for you with the least side effects. All they have to do is wipe the inside of your mouth (on the side) with a q-tip and take a couple of tubes of blood. They can then match up the ezymes and chemicals in your body with the best AED's with the least side effects. Also you can start taking vitamin B12 1000 mcg. once a day and this will calm a persons nerves and help reduce sz.

Start keeping track of any of your sz. write down what time the sz. happened along with a description of the sz. be sure to write down when you start and stop your cycle each month because often hormones changing can trigger a sz. for many women. The main causes of epilepsy are: drug & alcohol abuse, genetics, trauma, lack of oxygen or difficulty at birth, head injury, or a bad scare. This is what my Epileptologist and neurosurgeon have told me. I wish you the best of luck and May God Bless You!

Sue

larseng,

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. You will find out we are supportive and relaxing place.

Looks like Sue has given you some great things to go by during I time like this. Also it is important to stay away from bright flashing lights. I have been on Keppra for quiet a long time, and it helps me. But what is good for one is not for another. If Keppra does not work for you there are great number of other meds.

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