Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder (NEAD)
Introduction
If you have been told that you have NEAD it may be the case that you have received little other information. It is possible that, along with other people who have NEAD, you feel at a loss as to what it means and what to do next. Many other people in this situation have turned to Epilepsy Action for assistance. This is why we have created this page on our website.
However, because NEAD is not epilepsy and is therefore not within our main area of knowledge, we have not attempted to go into the subject in great depth. This page is intended as a general overview. We hope it is a helpful introduction to the subject.
Different types of seizures
Seizures can happen for many reasons. They are not always a symptom of epilepsy. These seizures that are not epilepsy are referred to as organic (see glossary) in some cases and as psychogenic (see glossary) in others. In organic seizures there is a physical reason why they happen. Examples of these are when they are part of a heart condition or diabetes. In psychogenic seizures, on the other hand, there is no physical reason. Other organisations can provide information on other conditions, such as diabetes: our information will concentrate on psychogenic seizures.
Comparing epileptic and psychogenic seizures
You will see that we often compare NEAD to epileptic seizures. We have done this because people who ask us about NEAD usually want to know what the difference is.
Epileptic seizures occur when there is a surge of electrical activity in the brain (a change in brain activity). During a psychogenic seizure there is no change in brain activity. People who experience psychogenic seizures usually do so because they are psychologically or emotionally troubled in some way.
Terminology
Psychogenic seizures also have other names: some that you may come across are pseudoseizures, pseudo-epileptic seizures, and non-epileptic attack disorder (NEAD). NEAD is the more modern term.
What happens in NEAD?
If you have NEAD you will appear to have an epileptic seizure. Just as in epilepsy, this seizure can take many different forms. The possible symptoms are too many to describe in detail here, but some examples are the movement of a limb or limbs, changes in behaviour, some or total loss of consciousness. The seizures may last a short while or go on for a long time. They might start suddenly or begin very gradually. The fact that the symptoms are so varied is one of the reasons it is difficult to diagnose NEAD.
What has caused my NEAD?
Statistics vary, depending on which study is used. However, on average, 20 per cent of people referred to specialist epilepsy centres because their epilepsy is difficult to control turn out to have NEAD and not epilepsy. NEAD is more common in women and often begins in young adulthood. It can occur in childhood, adolescence and in mature age.
Diagnosing NEAD
As NEAD can be mistaken for epilepsy, it can be difficult to diagnose. This is true, even when the doctor has considerable experience is diagnosing NEAD. But it is extremely important that you do have an accurate diagnosis. For example some people with undiagnosed NEAD find themselves taking ever-increasing amounts of powerful anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) that do nothing to control the attacks. To make matters worse, the real cause of the attacks is overlooked and is therefore not treated.
A number of people with NEAD are referred to specialist epilepsy centres because none of the AEDs they have tried has been successful in controlling the seizures. Doctors may assume, therefore, that they have intractable epilepsy.
The fact that AEDs have had no effect on a person's seizures is a major reason why doctors might investigate the possibility of NEAD. Another reason they might suspect NEAD is that what happens during a seizure is not typical of an epileptic seizure. In both these instances, however, it is unwise to jump to the conclusion that it is NEAD. Partly this is because a small number of people's seizures are truly resistant to AEDs and partly because some seizures are not typical of epilepsy even though they are epileptic. A small number of people have epileptic seizures and NEAD.
There are a number of tests available that can help diagnose NEAD. These include an EEG, video telemetry and a head-up tilting test. None of the tests alone can diagnose NEAD. The main way NEAD is diagnosed is by taking a careful account of what happens during the seizures from the person and eyewitnesses.
It can be very disturbing to be diagnosed with NEAD. You might feel embarrassed or ashamed because you think it must mean you are 'putting on' a seizure. Although a small number of people deliberately mimic seizures, the majority of people with NEAD have no control over them. The seizures are just as disruptive and unpredictable as epileptic seizures can be.
Treatment
The first step in treating NEAD is helping you and your family to understand your condition. For example, you may find it difficult to accept that you have NEAD, particularly if you thought you had epilepsy for many years. Although you might be relieved to discover that you do not have epilepsy, it is possible that you also feel bewildered. You will need support and understanding from your family and friends as well as your doctor or epilepsy nurse.
Ongoing treatment for your NEAD might be with a psychologist, psychiatrist or psychotherapist and might include some drug treatments. AEDs, however, are not effective and, unless you have epilepsy as well, these will usually be discontinued. This is likely to be a gradual process as stopping taking AEDs suddenly can trigger an epileptic seizure.
Some people who contact us report that they are no longer receiving treatment for epilepsy, now that they have a diagnosis of NEAD. Unfortunately, they also report that they are not receiving any treatment for their NEAD. NEAD is a real medical condition. If you are in this situation, it is important that you talk to your GP, so that you can both look at the treatment options.
Will I get better?
Often seizures get worse for a while when treatment is first started. This does not necessarily mean that the diagnosis or treatment is wrong. It can take weeks or months before NEAD improves. Some people may feel reluctant to undertake psychological or psychiatric treatment and occasionally NEAD does improve without treatment. However, if a definite diagnosis has been made and you are continuing to experience NEAD, it is important to consider all the options available, including psychological and/or psychiatric treatment.
There is a forum for people with NEAD.
Glossary
| Organic | Where there is a physical change in an organ |
|
Psychogenic |
Of mental rather than organic origin |
| Intractable | Difficult to control |
| EEG | A test that looks at someone's brainwave patterns. Certain patterns may indicate epilepsy. |
| Video telemetry | A test where someone is videoed during normal activities and has a type of EEG at the same time. |
| Head-up tiling test | A test where someone lies on a special table, which is tilted to different angles. |
Epilepsy Helpline
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- Email: helpline@epilepsy.org.uk
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Comments
hiya
i just looking on this page an i suffer with non epliptic attack disorder my fits started over a year ago
an they firstly dignoised me with eplipsy but my eeg scan came back clear so did my brian scans so
they took me of the epilptic drugs an the dignoised me with peusdo epilpsy but i think looking at the
page i might have that non epliptic disorder an my fits are not getting any better an it says on the
page u can get medication for this diosroder an think i may have how do u no if u got this disorder
am 18 and an young an i dont really understand these things so what should i do about this wb x
gg
i do suffer with NEAD i av had a eeg and been told it all to do with the troumer i av suffered and that is basicly it.
it has taken over my life i cant get help from any where.
so please if there is some1 where this is going PLEASE PLEASE help me .
hiya l am a 32 year old woman with 4 children and a hubby l got told l had NEADS in June this year after suffering over 50 attacks, although l had suffered attacks previously this year. At the time l was pregnant with my 4th child and as a result he was delivered 7 weeks early. l then suffered another attack on Friday 19th Sept where again l had a large number of attacks l was rushed to hospital and left for the day on an assesment ward l was allowed home the same night. I am very worried that l have just been left with no information for myself or my family, as during the day l am at home alone with my baby what happens if l have more attacks at home alone?
Can someone please help as l am so worried
Hiya Casandra just read your post and i'm sorry to hear that your having a diffecult time, my name is Sophia and i have server epilepsy, my neuro said that i have epilepsy and NEAD, but i know i don't have NEAD because i've played around with my AED'S and its worked. He just hasn't given me enough time to get my dosage right the idiot lol.
Anyway i know how frighterned and worried you must be especially wiv a baby. i've attached some links for you hun, and remember when a non-ep seizure happens, it should always be treated as a epileptic seizure.
http://my.epilepsy.com/epilepsy/safety_home
These are some ideas for keeping you and your baby safe
If your seizures happen suddenly and without
warning the following ideas may be helpful to keep your baby safe. These might not always be necessary, especially if there’s someone else around to help you, but they could be helpful if you’re home on your own.
* Dressing and changing your baby on the floor means they only have a short fall if you have a seizure.
* Sponging your baby down on a changing mat on the floor is safer than bathing the baby in water.
* When carrying your baby it may be safer to use a carrycot or sling than to carry them in your arms. A padded carrycot will help protect your baby if you have a seizure.
* Putting a deadlock on your baby’s pram means the pram will stay in place if you let go of it during a seizure.
* When feeding your baby, a lower highchair is less likely to tip over than a taller one.
* Feeding your baby while you sit on the floor, surrounded by cushions and leaning against the wall may help to make your baby safer if you suddenly have a seizure.
Even though you have NEAD there is a site you can go on and go and have a chat on there its open to people with epilepsy and NEAD it is so helpful and everyones so nice , you be alble to find me on there if you need anything. www.epilepsy.com
I hope this has helped and good luck. all the best sophia xxxx
i have had NEAD now for nearly ten years and am still receivieng no help, my drs just tell me i will grow out of it im 23 how long do i have to wait all i want is the help so i can lead a normal life but drs tell me its just in my head what am i ment to do
hello people
i just wanna say iv been diagnosed with NEAD for bout 8 years now n still fighting for my doctors to help i just want it gone they say its cos of stress n iv seen some one about it but it hasnt helped and they never metioned any thing bout organic iv just found out about it on this page which i mite add aswell that i cant find any more info about it on the web if any one else can please let me know. I had to fight my doctor to refer me for an MRI scan i do think i have NEAD but would like to get every thing checked. i also sugest that if you've been diagnosed with NEAD n havent been sent for an MRI you should get your doc to send you for one just incase mainly because i dont trust doctors some will fall over themselfs to help you but others will just fog you off cos they cant be bothered. if you dont think your getting any were with the one you have change your doctor. you relly have to stand up for yourselfs as much as you really shouldnt have to.
hope you all get whatever is wrong sorted i know how frusrating it is.
clare
Epilepsy, well where did it start.I was 5 years old and went to visit a friend, their dad was carriing the old fashion metal dustbins out and yes, I ran straight in to it banging my head .they rushed me to hospital and they put a needle into my skull, to get water off of my brain.40 years of tablets they ten decided to remove the front left temporal lobe, out of my brain,6 months later i have been geeting 4 times the amount of pesodoue fits than GRAND MAIL.
piggy mallone
Hello there 2 everybody!
Im a parent of a child who has Aspergers Syndrome, he is 7 years old. When he was 3years old I went to my health visitor worried about a 'fit' Id thought Id seen him have but they dismissed it as dramatics! I have currently been told by his school that they also think he is having some sort of seizure during have periods of stress!
Im confused ... Is he having Absence Seizures, Simple Partial Seizures, Complex Partial Seizures, Photosensitive Seizures or this NEAD????
Why is it all so complicated t understand? Somebody please give some advise or comment on their experience of how they first noticed signs of these problems...???
I have been having attacks since about 1974. Some times they have been quite infrequent, for example from 1998 to 1999 I held a drivers licence. Over a period of almost two years I had only 4 attacks.
At the most frequent times I have had up to six or seven in a day. These followed stressful period such as after being raped, or when my mum was dying.
When I was younger I did not recognise or sometimes just chose to ignore warnings. This would result in more violent attacks. After about thirty years of experience N.E.A.D. I find I have time to make myself safe. If I do not have time to make myself safe, to a certain degree I can control the timing of the attack, but this is not a good idea as this often results in fits.
Triggers:
• Sleep Depravation
• Cold
• Excessive stress (for example claustrophobia)
• Calm after the storm (chance to relax after a busy time)
• Nervousness, for example meeting a date for the first time
• Rainey Weather
When not having attack:
• Often feel cold, even when others do not, and find it really difficult to warm up
• Weight problem, in spite of healthy diet and regular exercise
• Muscle twitching, particularly at night or after exercise, mainly in legs
Warnings:
• Tingling sensation in fingers of left hand and face
• Feeling of general weakness
• Tongue gets “lazy” and feels big
• Vision distorted
During attack:
• Todd’s paralysis, left hand side
• Inability to control visual focus (blindness)
• Inability to speak (this is the first sense that returns)
• Fits (not every time)
• Muscle spasms, particularly in stomach and legs
• Slow pulse (about 40bpm)
I come from a fairly bigoted homophobic family (apart from dad who is very supportive) and experienced mental abuse and humiliation from mum for most of her life. My siblings find this hard to believe as she was not abusive to them. Mum was disappointed with me because, although I was pretty I was not particularly feminine and walked with a limp. I also believed mum had an eating disorder which she projected on to her daughters. As a teenager, she would make bitchy comments if I went above nine stone, or needed to by a size twelve. Mum also tried to make me wear clothes which were too small for me. Until I was twenty three I dated men to cover up my sexuality. These were usually men ten or fifteen years older than me who made no sexual demands. When in 1982 I eventually plucked up courage to tell mum I was gay, she gave me an ultimatum, so I got engaged to my boyfriend. Realising I could not go through life in this misery; I broke off the engagement and moved to Newcastle.
I went through life moving from abusive relation ship to abusive relationship. The period of time I was seizure free I was in a long term loving relationship, lived in a beautiful cottage, a great social life and financial security. Attacks returned when I was knocked off my motorbike by a car in 1999.
For the first time in my life I have managed to hold down a full time job. I have been teaching at the same school for over three years, staff and senior staff are supportive, but due to recent activity I worry about losing my job.
I currently live alone and am worried about starting a long term relationship, although I do have that option and a choice, (lucky me). I go on dates occasionally and have a small handful of friends. Most of the time I am either at work, alone or visiting my lovely dad in Sussex. I am totally dedicated to my job, but find it impossible to get through my do list, I guess most teachers do.
I understand most sufferers of NEAD are women; I would be curious to know what percentage of sufferers are gay, victims of abuse, have eating disorder or drink problems.
I would also be curious to compare warning signs, triggers and symptoms.
Also, how do people react to your condition, do people often assume you are drunk? do people help or ignore you. I have noticed more recently people are cautious about helping which is a sad state of the time we are living in.
And the most important one:
Please tell me, has anyone found ways of controlling or avoiding attacks or speeding up recovery.
My name is Zoé, and I understand what you are going through.
hey.i have recently been diagnosed with nead after years of thinking it was epilepsy.i had a seizure when i was 1 then nothing until i was 7.i was thern put on medication for epilepsy when i was 16 which made me ill and after trying 4 different medications which i was all allergic to i decided to not take anything.i used to mainly blackout but when i was 18 i started to convulse.it happens very often n i am now 21.i have recently lost my job which i was in for 7 years and have been withdrwn from my performing arts course at college both due to the fact i take these seizures.i dont see myself geting better and im depressed because of it.iv lost everything.nice to know im not the only one suffering.nichola.
hi every1 im dom im 22 female i have been reading your comments as i got diagnosed with this condition yesterday i also have tardive dyskinesia i am averaging about 30 fits a day my first one was on monday and tuesday i had one which lasted over 30 min in hospital i was discharged from hospital today i have no understanding of this condition or what the futur holds i have had a traumatic life and the fits were trigged when i was arrested for being drunk and disorderly and the police threw me in van.. this is really diabilitating me as i am unable to go anywere or do anythin for fear of a fit my worst day was yesterday when i was having 2fits a min this lasted for 2hrs my body is exhausted please could anyone with any info on how i can manage as i am really struggling to see how there is a light at the end of this i was advised to admit myself to a psychatric hospital but i do not want to put myself thru that turmoil ig it is not likely to be benificiall please could some one give me some advice thank u xx also does this condition go away or can i expext it to stay aswell as the tardive dyskinesia
I was diagnosed with NEAD in May08. I was fortunate that the neurologist I saw thought it was not epilepsy as all the tests came back normal. He referred me to another Hospital St Georges, London who have a dedicated neurological centre and have experience of non epileptic attacks. I was reviewed over 3 weeks and the diagnoses finally given. It took me a while to accept that it was a psychological condition - I was doing this to myself somehow?
It was also a relief to be a handed leaflet explaining what the illness was and the treatment and that I would get better. Until then it had been negative diagnoses and very worrying. I have been receiving Cognitive Behavioural Therapy with a neuro-psychiatrist for the past 5 months. As a result the seizures are now 5-6 weeks apart (at first they were 3-4 a day) they are shorter and I recover quicker from them. Whats more I am able to tell when I am vulnerable and when they develop so can take preventative actions.
The treatment has worked for me and others (according to the Doctor) so I would recommend you try it. I was dubious but desperate to get my life back so tried it and it has worked. It is hard work as you have to continuously think about your emotions and correcting your thoughts but it is worth it to be seizure free.
hi
i have suffered with nead for 8 years now and have been told that i will live with it for the rest of my life, because it took to long for a diagnoses they started with me being sick when they first started i was having 250 a day we no this cause family and friend wrote down in a diary
but i want to know is forgetfulness and sudden mood change part of the illness because it seems to be getting worst and i cant help it...
hi,im a 30yr old mum of 2.When i was 3 my fits were first noticed by my mum and dad,after being referred to a neurologyst i had various tests;eeg's,etc and was eventually diagnosed with epilepsy.from then,and into adulthood,i was tried with allkinds of AED's tegratol made my fits less frequent but not for long,while others would do nothing.Over a year and half ago i stayed in hospital for a few days for video telemetry,and,months later i returned to the hospital for an appointment with my consultant,and was told the fit/s they recorded had no electrical activity,which lead them to diagnose NEAD,I was told that basically,it was something i would have to live with,as,it is untreatable with medication,when i asked what treatment was available for this NEAD i was told i could try a psycietrist or some sort of counciling,i told my consultant i would give anything a go, and so after a wait was sent 2 pages of information on NEAD and an appointment to see a psycietrist,months later i went,it was an hour session,filled in forms about my background,childhood ,(of which was a happy one) ,etc.At the end of the session i was made to feel that i was either imagining my fits,or something in my childhood triggered them,he seemed to have had very litte information,if any about me,and sent my doctor a letter to say he does'nt think i need to see him again-NOW IM TOTALLY LOST,i feels like theres little point,if any,going back to my doctor,and FEELS LIKE DCTORS,CONSULTANTS ETC HAVE WASHED THEIR HANDS OF ME-JUST LIKE THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean,i know their not mirical workers but a little support from the medical profession for NEAD sufferers would be nice. - Sue,Middlesbrough
hi,thanks for your info on CBT as allthough i have heard of this,i have never heard of it as a sort of treatmet for NEAD sufferers and will suggest this to my doctor as they seem lost as to wot to do with me.Again many thanks
Hi Guys,
You should check out www.neadtrust.co.uk it's a support group for NEAD Sufferers, families and carers
Thanks
Hi all, we have just launched a new online support group and info site for all concerned with NEAD.
Come visit us at http://nead-scotland.org
It's not just for people in Scotland - we welcome anyone from anywhere in the world.
We particularly welcome persons with little or no knowledge of this illness and would urge medical professionals to also provide input if and where possible.
I'm 24 and I just started having seizures about a month ago. I have not been diagnosed with ANYTHING! I spent a week in the Neuro ICU, where I had over 200 seizures. All the tests they ran came back negative so the dr said I was either faking them or they were psychological but they gave no definate diagnosis. They put me on antiseizure meds and I've only had 3 since then so they seem to be working for the most part. Anyway, I found this info and I'm thinking maybe it could be NEAD but I have no idea. ZOE - I wanted to let you know I am a lesbian and also a victim of rape but I came out years ago and the rape was about 10 yrs ago so I dont know if that has anything to do with it.
to Kaylee,i have just seen your comment on the epilepsy site about NEAD my wife pat has just been told about this after seeing a neurologist at the Hsallamshire Hospital here in Sheffield. His name is Dr Reuber, and they are running a survey between here and Jimmy’s in Leeds to study and combat this. They are getting Pat to see a therapist to talk her through her symptoms and how to combat her stress which they say is a major cause of NEAD. I hope this helps in a small way. also there is no drugs involved its done via therapy and counselling etc. Paul.
Hi All
I have just been told I may have NEADS after nearly 30 yrs of siezures. It all started when I was born, I had a traumatic birth. I was In intensive care for a while. They used a suck cup to extract me and I had a huge lump on my head that took weeks to come down. I had co ordination problems, such as i could not thred a wooden needle through a button, when I would use cutlery I did not which hands to useether I was left or right handed) This all when they were doing aptitude test and IQ tests (My IQ was above average). A teacher at infant school who had, had expearience with Epilepsy noticed that I had what was then called SENS and she suggested my mother take me to my Dr and explain. I had 2 EEG's which were Abnormal(irritability on the Brain). Anyway when I was 13 I started having grand - mal siezures to which i was referered to a nurologist and diagnosed with epilepsy. I was put on epilim and after a couple of yrs it controlled my siezures. (I think I was clear 2 -3 yrs) After that I had them again and was refered to a different nurologist as the one i had seen previously had retired. I tried epilim agian which hdno effect and various other meds over 12 yrs. All the tabs had side effects that I suffered such as skin rashes, weight gain, irritability. One drug that appeared to limit my siezures was toperimite but it caused blood in my urine and kidney stones. I have recently had an MRI which showed up nothing and another EEG which showed the same. I went in recently for a video telemetary and had 3 minor episodes which showed on the video but did not register on the EEG. This is where NEADS has been suggested to me. I do have a problem with this diagnosis as I think that yes, it may be that some of this is tiggered by stress or intense suituations but It not indicate to full picture . I intend to maybe get a 2nd opinion because It has been a long time in coming to this conclusion. Could it be possible that I have NEADS and Epilepsy? What should I do as I finding hard to believe that absolutely everything is down to psycological trauma?
Hi all
I've just been told today that I have nead am a bit comfussed as had eperlepsy since the early age
I had convulsions up till I was 18mths old then at the age of seven had a stroke then when I got invoved in a relationship
I had 3 children first bone was ok 2nd misscarge at 5mths 3rd child had difficulties
In the time I was carreing last few months started having fits ,am been monited as am at a centre
Called the david lewis center for eperlepsy ,am comfussed in a lot of things as only having mild
Ones here wich they say are not epeleptic fits as wave pattens don't fit in as a fit, don't understand
As I've had all scans done loads of times and that's what they had said been on carbmazpine
Tergtal,lamatgine ,eplim,kappra,clazabam,fenitone and others they have tryed all theis and am
Still the same theve left me on the lamatgine took me off the others can someone help me as
Don't understand ,had bells porsly a few times as well ,sorry about some spelling sometimes I get mixed up spelling woords
Am in a relationship with someone else know been with him 4 sometime he's helped me a lot .
Can enyone help with my question. Thanks
hi all,
I am an 19 year old women, I have been having "fits" since I was 2. Althought from the ages of 2 to 8 the doctors said I had white breath holding attacks, when I was 11 I started passing out, these lasted till I was 15. The doctors didn't know what they where, put me on 2 different types of tablets both which did not work. These where just me passing out and I could have up to 50 a day which proved a big problem while I was younger. When I was 18 I had my first seizure. That was scary. I have now been having the seizure for a year and a half and the doctors just decided it is probs epilepsy. Although nothing turned up on the scans and stuff they did. But the doctors said that doesnt always show up. They have just started me on tablets but not under control. My boyfriend, who tries to be supportive but he has doubts. He doesnt think it is epilepsy even though he isnt a doctor. I will take anything the doctor tells me, I just want it to stop and I can go back to be normal. Being 6 months pregnant is also a big scare, I dont want to have a fit while looking after my baby. I cant or not meant to go out by my self. I am at wits end.
The fits are in no order sometimes get a warning sometimes not. Can happen when I am happy or sad, when I am asleep or just got out of the bath, does anyone have simular symtons, if so reply to this comment and we maybe can help each other cope. Will welcome any help!
My daughter has been diagnosed with photosensitive epilepsy 3 years ago. From November 2008 she has had attacks where she just falls on floor unconcious and can be out from 2 mins upto 30 mins, last week my daughter was diagnosed with NEAD as well as her epilepsy. She is having up to 40 a day falling down stairs, nearly drowned in the swimming baths. Is been sent home from school everyday, so I have had to pack in my job is there any benefits or any help anywhere for this disorder?
is there anything to help convince my new dr to help me. i have been diagnosed with NEAD for the last 6 years but have been having seizures for the last 11 yet latley any dr i see tells me there is nothing wrong with me and to just get over it. what can i do. i have excepted my ilness and have learnt to deal with it but when drs refuse to help and turn me away it is enfuryaiting
Hi everyone
We wanted to let you all know that we are holding a conference in sheffield on April 24th 2010. This conference is your chance to have all your questions answered by the people who can really help you.
Speaking at the conference we have 2 neurologists who specialise in NEAD type seizures, Dr Markus Reuber and Dr Richard Grunewald. We also have Stephanie Howlett speaking about the treatment she gives to NEAD patients. There is also a talk from a carer and a sufferer giving there accounts of what it is like living everyday with this condition.
We would love to see you all at the conference, for more information on the conference or to buy tickets go to our website www.neadtrust.co.uk or email us at admin@neadtrust.co.uk.
Hi,
My name is I am 19 and was diagnosed with non-epileptic seizures in june of 2009 it is now Febuary 2010 i am still suffering with them. My symptoms include: laughing for no reason, crying for no reason, heart palpatations, heart rate increasing (feels like i ran a marathon), acting like a 5 yrs old in the begining of the attacks i was sucking my thumb and watching children movies, i lose my speak, i feel shaky, confused, excessively tired, bad headaches. i dont know what to do about them and i need your help, please. I've been to a few doctors, and one of them said i was exaggerating these attacks and others havent't even heard of this before. I was fired from my job due to them i stopped school because of them and the worst part is, is that I am going to school for massage therapy and you have to be relaxed for your clients and this is a big problem for me because when I experience hem I am not my self. If there is anything you can do for me please call me or email me.
Thank you
Hi, i am 22 and was diagnosed with epilepsy when i was 17... when i was 19 i was addmitted to hospital and after not responding to any drugs they gave me they (the drs) decided they were psychogenic and that i was to be taken off all meds. (At this point i hadnt even had an eeg). I was discharged home even thought i was still fitting at least twice a day. I came back a month later for a "check up eeg" at this point i was still on meds but tailoring off, i was having a lucky week and had a normal eeg. Diagnosis pseudoseizures - stop your meds - go home is basically what came of that. For a year and a half after stopping meds i was having tonic clonics nearly every other day, complex partials everyday and my speech had become very slow and a lot of the time i was disorientated. i was a frequent flyer to the local a&e department as i tended to have flurrys of seizures where my parents where often told i was only doing it for attention and or i wanted the drugs... when i was 21 i was rushed in once again and had been fitting for 15 minutes when i got there... (this is all according to my parents as obviously i cannot remember anything) apparently i was put in a cubical and a curtain pulled around and they could hear outside saying its her again with the fake seizures shell come out of it when shes bored then we can send her home. It was only when my dad notice my face had gone completely grey and my hands and feet were blue that he started shouting... an on call dr took notice, my bp was 67 systolic, i had oxygen saturations of 78% and my heart rate was 150...to cut a long story short i then spent 2 weeks ventilated in intensive care where multiple eegs showed a lot of epileptic activity. I a now on keppra 1500mg BD and Clobazam 20mg OD and touch wood havent had a seizure for 6 months now