Following a scratch from a pet dog in late april, I decided to go for a rabies booster dose (2 doses of RABIPUR) since I had already taken the full course last year. Around 12 days after the rabies booster (on tuesday 5th May), I had a full-on tonic clonic seizure in my sleep (around 12.30 am). The convulsion lasted for around 3-5 mins and I ended up biting my tongue badly. I have no personal or family history of seizures (febrile or otherwise) and this was the first time ever. 15-30 mins (not sure) before the seizure occurred I remember smelling burning garbage/burnt rubber.
The next morning, I rushed to the local neurologist who asked me to get an MRI/MRV + EEG + lots of bloodwork done. the MRI/venal MRI was normal,so were the EEG and the blood-tests. The neurologist diagnosed it as Late onset seizure disorder and asked me to start with KEPPRA 750 mg twice a day. The same evening I went to another Neuro for the EEG and looking at my reports and history, he advised me NOT to start with the medicine and wait for another seizure before starting the AEDs.

Also neurologist no. 1 noted that the only real insult was the rabies booster shot and was concerned about the possibility of ADEM. But since the MRI was ok he let it go.

Now its been 7 days since the seizure. I have balance issues, limb weakness, difficulty remembering stuff and since yesterday I have extremely itchy palms (with small red spots) and itchy eyes. Its so bad, I was unable to sleep at all last night. Also both my hands and legs (esp my legs) keep falling asleep even when I am sitting normally and I keep getting that pins and needles sensation.

My query is this:

1. Is there a possibility of developing ADEM or any other form of vaccine related encephalitis in the days or weeks ahead?

2. the itchy palms and eyes are a common vaccine adverse effect...should I be concerned about that?

3. there are more than a few cases of otherwise healthy individuals having seizures/convulsions after taking nootropic vaccines like anti-rabies, Japanese Encephalitis, TBE etc. pls do check out this link. If my seizure was vaccine meditated...is there a way to treat the condition (with steroids etc) and/or prevent it from recurring?

Pls do let me know

Hi Help,

All of the symptoms you have are from the rabies vaccination and your dog may have already had been infected with rabies and passed it on to you. Often I have had an e.e.g. done and it doesn't show anything because the damage is to deep in the brain. You need to get a PET and SPECT scan done to find out what's really going on. In regards to your itchy skin you may be getting hives from the shot, get to a dermatologist and have them do a skin biopsy on you to make sure everything is okay. In regards to the sz. it has been proven that sometime the vaccine can cause seizures for some people. The best thing for you to do is have your family Dr. refer you to see an Epileptologist (Dr. specializing in epilepsy). I've gotten more help from them than any neuro I've seen in the past 43 yrs. In regards to smelling the odd odors that is what is known as a simple partial (aura) sz. it's happened to me many times. Keep track of any sz. you may have write them down on a calendar stating what time they happen and the kind of sz. you had. Try taking vitamin B12 1000 mcg. once a day that helps calm the nerves. Cut back on carbs and starch foods and stay away from NutraSweet and soy sauce or any foods with soy in them. I wish you the best of luck and May God Bless You!
Sue

Hello and welcome, happy to see you have come to be with us, it a great place to be. As you can see we have a great number and caring fellow members here, where you have find a supportive and relaxing place. Have fun looking into the different forums. Our shoulders are here for support in many ways.

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

Darlene