Seizures

[Gloww33]

I was diagnosed by a neurologist as having complex partial seizures and tonic seizure seven years ago ago. I have had to deal with this for years, but I seem to only have these seizures when my ptsd symptoms flare up. I know, from the research I did, there isn't evidence that the two are related that I could find, but I can't help but think they are, or maybe my ptsd is triggered more because I have seizure Auras and that scares me. Does anyone else here have diagnosed epileptic seizures and do you find a strong link between your ptsd and seizure activities?

 

[Lucycat]

I don't have epilepsy but I have a friend who does. She does not have PTSD. However she clearly states that her seizures are far worse when she is stressed about something. Things like attending a meeting can be too much for her, and will trigger a seizure. She has learned that controlling her stresses has helped control her seizures ( in addition to medication of course). Unfortunately those who don't understand think that she is avoiding hard work, when I can see it for what it really is - avoiding the stresses.

 

[Gloww33]

You are a good friend! Thanks for sharing that information, anything is helpful....I feel the same as her, that stress triggers them and ptsd is a lot of stresses when symptoms hit.

 

[Justmehere]

Here is some info between stress (which includes post traumatic stress) and seizures:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/alicegw...s-cause-seizures-news-on-conversion-disorder/

http://www.epilepsy.com/learn/triggers-seizures/stress-and-epilepsy

"We aren’t sure just why stress may trigger a seizure.
While there is no definite evidence that reducing stress help seizures, a recent study showed that nearly 9 in 10 people who actively managed their stress believed it reduced their risk of seizures."

I used to have complex partial seizures from a head injury from a trauma. It was trauma that also worsened my PTSD. I also used to have stress induced psychogenic seizures.

Stress seems to make just about everything worse... :(

 

[Gloww33]

Wow, thanks for the links! Psychogenic seizures sounds like the worst. :( I just looked it up. Could it be possible I have both too? I wonder why my Neurologist doesn't ever tell me about stress when I tell him how I am feeling. He says it's "par for the course." Did both your types of seizures clear up? Maybe I need to address my stress management better......ha, better, is there such a thing? Agreed, Stress makes everything worse....feels like a double wammy with seizures on top of it all. Glad you can relate.

 

[Justmehere]

Yeah, both went away after a second neurology consult with a doc who understood PTSD and after getting good medical and psych treatment. It was great when I got my license to driv back. :) I hope you find some solutions that help you manage the PTSD stress and the seizures too!

 

[Kas_Can_Fly]

I had a dissociative seizure recently which presents identically to any normal variant of seizure (mine was an occipital lobe seizure) however there is no organic cause and it occurred minutes after a bad flashback when I was already shaken and dissociative. I don't know if this gives you anything to think about.

 

[Suzetig]

I too had non epileptic seizures triggered by trauma, I was investigated and treated for epilepsy initially but anti convulsants mediation didn't really make a difference. I'm surprised your neurologist hasn't asked about your stress levels, it was one of the first things mine checked out with me. It may be worth going back and getting checked over - if he doesn't ask, explain that you've noticed a pattern and ask his opinion.