I may have had Epilepsy -Complex Partial Seizure- (Need help/advice if it could be)

[Lavaiso]

I realized it today, I searched online to the reason why I feel blurry and confused in social situations and I noticed several symptoms on Web MD about Complex Partial Seizure and it fits. First I thought it was just general anxiety/social and my aspergers combined. But now I realized it could be something more than that happening to my brain. I've also heard people with Aspergers/Autism can be affected by seizures as in there is a high rate, So I am more worried about it now.

I was concerned it was maybe something to do with possibly having ADD or ADHD, but the symptoms I show and have show a Complex Partial Seizure.

When it happens I; -- I have blurred/shifting vision, I feel stiff, I stare blankly, I am unaware of my surroundings, I am unresponsive, I fidget and chew/grind my teeth--


I thought this was apart of having asperger's at first and was normal.
I am still quite confused as to what is going on with me, I have never been told by a medical profession that I could have it, It mostly feels everyone around me hasn't noticed because that's how i should be acting (unresponsive, and fidgety etc.).. I am just really worried I have it and haven't got help all this time.

 

[MissyMoo]

Hi. I was diagnosed with Temporal Lobe Complex Partial Epilepsy. TLE is quite common in those on the Autism Spectrum, although this does not mean you have it. I have met a few other people with TLE and we all have a different experience of seizures. If you suspect this, visit a neurologist and they will do an EEG to determine it scientifically.

 

[buckyboy14]

I used to have seizures until I had surgery to remove my left hippocampus two years ago. You should definitely see a neurologist if you think you have seizures.

 

[MissyMoo]

I think there is definately a link between the hippocampus and ASD. Mine is also the left hippocampus.

 

[On the Inside]

I have had seizures, also related to hippocampus, all have been grand mal, but I also have high levels of anxiety, with symptoms similar to what you describe in severe situations. After reading more about other types of seizures, I believe some of what you describe could be seizures. Best to be examined by a specialist.

Good luck and be well.

 

[Lena_C]

Yes, go and have an EEG and MRI(*) if possible.
I have epilepsy since 1 years old (or younger), and most cases are Grand Mal.
Doctors can't find any physical problem in my brain so the cause is being unknown, the only reason which make more sense to me is it is inherited from my mother.
Get check as soon as possible, because it is really dangerous if the seizure happen while you're crossing the road.

 

[MissyMoo]

Yes, go and have an EEG and MRI(*) if possible.
I have epilepsy since 1 years old (or younger), and most cases are Grand Mal.
Doctors can't find any physical problem in my brain so the cause is being unknown, the only reason which make more sense to me is it is inherited from my mother.
Get check as soon as possible, because it is really dangerous if the seizure happen while you're crossing the road.

Complex Partial Seizures is much more easy to cope with than Grand Mal Seizures. EEG is the best way to go.

 

[Lena_C]

Complex Partial Seizures is much more easy to cope with than Grand Mal Seizures. EEG is the best way to go.

Well, doctors usually recommend an EEG first, but EEG would not show any abnormal sign if the patient wasn't actually having a seizure during the test, like me.
MRI can at least find out if there is physically damage/difference in the patient's brain, but of course, it is far more expensive. Some people suffer from Epilepsy because of tumor or scar in the brain and that will easily be recognized in MRI.
I don't know how severe when OP have her seizure-like symptoms, but according to her description, I would be quite worry when she is being unresponsive while crossing the road.
Take care Lavaiso .

 

[MissyMoo]

Well, doctors usually recommend an EEG first, but EEG would not show any abnormal sign if the patient wasn't actually having a seizure during the test, like me.
MRI can at least find out if there is physically damage/difference in the patient's brain, but of course, it is far more expensive. Some people suffer from Epilepsy because of tumor or scar in the brain and that will easily be recognized in MRI.
I don't know how severe when OP have her seizure-like symptoms, but according to her description, I would be quite worry when she is being unresponsive while crossing the road.
Take care Lavaiso .

I agree, it is good to have an MRI as well.

They usually will do an over night EEG which is longer and more accurate than a short EEG.

Out of everyone that I know who has epilepsy, we all show it in the long EEG. The short EEG tends not to show anything for me (and makes me super uncomfy).

If you are showing abnormal results then definately get an MRI as well. Having epilepsy that has not been treated can cause damage in the brain (although in the case of simple or complex parial seizures very small) and it is good to keep a check on how its doing.

Another tip if you do have epilepsy: find a neurologist who you can communicate with. The years that I have gone through neurologists has been quite the ride and when you finally get to one that you are comfortable with, it makes the whole process easier.

Just as a personal opinion: I do not think psychiatrists should treat epilepsy.

 

[On the Inside]

I have had several eeg's over the years, long and short, and only once did anything show up. An MRI also showed abnormalities in the hippocampus. I do have simple partial seizures occasionally, but it has been about 20 years since I last had a tonic-clonic seizure( I was 27) Took medication for awhile in my early teens.