Hey i have had petit malls since i was 5yrs old and i went until i was 14 without being on meds and had a grand mall and now i am 21 and am on 2 diff kinds of meds and my doc just upped the dosage but they keep tellin me that they arent getting worse but i believe mine are as well. i also wanted to say that everybody reacts diff to diff things b/c alcohol does not bother me i will have a drink like once in a while but i have no side affects and the whole flashing lights and computers and things none of that bothers me either.

thanks LynnM

Hello, from my personal research, and I'm no expert, just another epileptic... I have learned of this concept of "kindling." My neurologist has also agreed that this is why my seizures have gotten worse over time. Having gone untreated for many years - and now, having had break-through seizures even while on a good med.... every time I have a seizure I dig a groove, so to speak, that sets my brain chemistry up for a deeper, more serious seizure.

They once were manageable without medication. Now I am homebound, am not supposed to drive a car, don't work and have to wear sunglasses all of the time!

Hi JenD,

I agree with the other posters. Unfortunately, the longer seizures are uncontrolled the more frequent & severe they become. While I dislike taking medications, I also force myself to do it every single day. Because if I don't take medicines, there are many dangerous possibilities. Please see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. The longer you wait, the larger that damaged area in your brain becomes. Sorry for being Ms. Negativity - I'm not trying to scare you or be mean - I just want you to understand the effects more completely.

Btw- general tips in controlling seizures: don't drink alcohol (especially excessive amounts), sleep regularly, control stress through exercise and talking with others, wear sunglasses, avoid shallow breathing. Some ladies take extra meds during menstruation (with their doc's assistance, of course to prevent the lower seizure-threshold. Something to talk with your doctor about

Best wishes to you!

Shez