surfchik415
07-02-2004, 12:23 AM
Hi, I'm new here, my name is Lynzie. I'm 15 years old, not sure if that's in a common age group to be developing epilepsy. Anyway, I am really afraid because I've been having some weird symptoms and after reading a little about epilepsy tonight I think it may be what I have. I have been feeling "detached", like I'm watching the world but not really participating in it. I've also been tired and just wanting to sleep. I've noticed that my neck has been twitching a little bit on and off, too. None of these things happen at certain times or in certain conjunction with each other. I've been pretty forgetful lately, too. I really just want to be a normal teen/adult, I want to have fun, not forget things all the time. I don't want to be tied down to medicine or have to live with a disease. I'm really scared. Please help me. If this sounds like the symptoms, please let me know, and tell me how do you get on? I read that epilepsy often resolves itself?
I would MUCH appreciate you help. Maybe I should mention... I went to the doctor with these symtoms and she didn't mention epilepsy. She did a CAT scan because I'd been having headaches at that time also. CAT scan came back normal, so did tests for anemia and electrolytes.
Thanks in advance, I really appreciate your help!
I would MUCH appreciate you help. Maybe I should mention... I went to the doctor with these symtoms and she didn't mention epilepsy. She did a CAT scan because I'd been having headaches at that time also. CAT scan came back normal, so did tests for anemia and electrolytes.
Thanks in advance, I really appreciate your help!
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surfchik415
07-02-2004, 10:07 AM
Anyone? :confused:
Art_930
07-02-2004, 10:12 AM
Hi Lynzie - No, this doesn't sound like epilepsy. You're just being a normal teenager and are worried about everything that happens to you and your body. Everybody does this at your age (geez, I sound like an old lady now). You could keep a journal, and that might make you less stressed. Hugs to you!
surfchik415
07-02-2004, 11:26 AM
Thank you for the re-assurance! I am going crazy though trying to figure out what's going on with me. It's been going on for two months now and my parents and doctor don't seem to be worried at all, but it's greatly affecting my life. I'm not having fun, I'm just tired and depressed and forgetful all the time. And I feel so detached sometimes I feel like I'm just floating around on some weird planet. Which is true, I suppose, but I never felt this way before!
Sorry, I'm just venting. :rolleyes: Thank you for the response.
Sorry, I'm just venting. :rolleyes: Thank you for the response.
Art_930
07-02-2004, 03:07 PM
Boy, do I remember being 15! The trauma, the depression, the drama of it all - and I ignored the things that were positive. You are so lucky to be who you are and the age you are. Take it from an old lady who's been there. There is no one in the world just like you - celebrate it! Think about what is special about you and what you like most about yourself. Make a list of those things, tape them to your mirror, or the back of your bedroom door and look at them every day.
wokstar
07-02-2004, 04:24 PM
haha.....art 930, your post made me laugh cause you sound like me remember the age of 15. (i'm no oldie, only 22).......but man, i didn't like 15 (the worst year so far). Though this is because i too focused on the negative things in life. I think back and realize i should have been happy with myself and everything. You definitely gave some good advice....man i wish i heard that when i was 15. haha
i really dont' think that society gives teenagers enough credit! They are tough and stressful ages! And they go through so much...so Teenagers rock!
And Lynzie (cool spelling by the way). Yeah, it doesn't sound like epilepsy much, i wouldn't worry too much. Hormones are crazy at 15...haha. Oh yes, a common misconception is that epilpesy is a disease, yet it is a brain disorder...no biggie though :D
Wishing you a bright future!!! :wave:
i really dont' think that society gives teenagers enough credit! They are tough and stressful ages! And they go through so much...so Teenagers rock!
And Lynzie (cool spelling by the way). Yeah, it doesn't sound like epilepsy much, i wouldn't worry too much. Hormones are crazy at 15...haha. Oh yes, a common misconception is that epilpesy is a disease, yet it is a brain disorder...no biggie though :D
Wishing you a bright future!!! :wave:
surfchik415
07-02-2004, 10:00 PM
Thanks for all the responses! They made me feel a lot better.
I DO want to make it clear though that they are not just emotional problems-I do have a physical feeling of detachment. I feel "foggy", like things are going on around but I'm not really there. I also have been having memory problems, like continually forgetting where I put things- my cup, hair gel, towel, etc. These things have just onset within the past two months. So I do have something physical going on, and thought some of these things sounded like epilepsy. Esp. the muscle twitching. Mainly in my neck but a lot in my legs and back when I'm going to sleep. I just "jerk" a little bit.
Just wanted to make my symptoms a little more clear, that they were just emotional feelings of detachment, but physical.
I DO want to make it clear though that they are not just emotional problems-I do have a physical feeling of detachment. I feel "foggy", like things are going on around but I'm not really there. I also have been having memory problems, like continually forgetting where I put things- my cup, hair gel, towel, etc. These things have just onset within the past two months. So I do have something physical going on, and thought some of these things sounded like epilepsy. Esp. the muscle twitching. Mainly in my neck but a lot in my legs and back when I'm going to sleep. I just "jerk" a little bit.
Just wanted to make my symptoms a little more clear, that they were just emotional feelings of detachment, but physical.
wokstar
07-03-2004, 03:21 AM
Thanks for all the responses! They made me feel a lot better.
I DO want to make it clear though that they are not just emotional problems-I do have a physical feeling of detachment. I feel "foggy", like things are going on around but I'm not really there. I also have been having memory problems, like continually forgetting where I put things- my cup, hair gel, towel, etc. These things have just onset within the past two months. So I do have something physical going on, and thought some of these things sounded like epilepsy. Esp. the muscle twitching. Mainly in my neck but a lot in my legs and back when I'm going to sleep. I just "jerk" a little bit.
Just wanted to make my symptoms a little more clear, that they were just emotional feelings of detachment, but physical.
Oh yes...I do understand what you mean. I believe that they are true symptoms. (wanted to let you know that too....haha). But perhaps it is associated to something else...and it can be frustrating when you don't have a diagnosis. hope you get some more answers!
I DO want to make it clear though that they are not just emotional problems-I do have a physical feeling of detachment. I feel "foggy", like things are going on around but I'm not really there. I also have been having memory problems, like continually forgetting where I put things- my cup, hair gel, towel, etc. These things have just onset within the past two months. So I do have something physical going on, and thought some of these things sounded like epilepsy. Esp. the muscle twitching. Mainly in my neck but a lot in my legs and back when I'm going to sleep. I just "jerk" a little bit.
Just wanted to make my symptoms a little more clear, that they were just emotional feelings of detachment, but physical.
Oh yes...I do understand what you mean. I believe that they are true symptoms. (wanted to let you know that too....haha). But perhaps it is associated to something else...and it can be frustrating when you don't have a diagnosis. hope you get some more answers!
surfchik415
07-03-2004, 11:56 PM
Thank you for understanding. It is frustrating when someting affects your daily life and you don't know what wrong or how to make it better.
I forgot to add that I've been having visual disturbances. Little flashes of light and odd streaks of color... has anyone experienced this and/or know what it is?! It's extremely annoying...
I forgot to add that I've been having visual disturbances. Little flashes of light and odd streaks of color... has anyone experienced this and/or know what it is?! It's extremely annoying...
surfchik415
07-05-2004, 11:04 PM
Any other opinions? Even with the muscle twitching, visual problems and the other stuff I described, you all still are pretty sure it doesn't sound like epilepsy? Because I read that a seizure can be as small as a shaking finger. I'm still a little concerned.
Art_930
07-07-2004, 10:19 AM
I'm back from the holidays. Lynzie - jerks experienced as you're falling asleep is COMPLETELY normal. As your brain starts to shift into sleep mode, some of the signals between your muscles and your brain can be shut off too abruptly, so it makes the muscles jerk. Some people actually experience a falling sensation. This is not epilepsy.
As for the feeling like you are in a fog, and you are forgetting things, that's normal too. Your brain is very busy at the moment growing your body, trying to figure out a hormonal level, you're under stress because you're a teenager - so your brain is purposely dropping the less important stuff from your consciousness.
Think about it - would you prefer your brain to balance your hormones or remember where you put your hairbrush? Sometimes there's just so much going on in there that it can't all get processed at once.
You're okay, Lynzie.
As for the feeling like you are in a fog, and you are forgetting things, that's normal too. Your brain is very busy at the moment growing your body, trying to figure out a hormonal level, you're under stress because you're a teenager - so your brain is purposely dropping the less important stuff from your consciousness.
Think about it - would you prefer your brain to balance your hormones or remember where you put your hairbrush? Sometimes there's just so much going on in there that it can't all get processed at once.
You're okay, Lynzie.
tkdmom96
07-07-2004, 01:49 PM
Hi Lynzie,
Well, I've read the posts here and I won't tell you if you do or don't have E, but the more you read about certain diseases/medical problems you can find one or two that you will always fit into.
I am not a doctor, but a mother of a 16 year old daughter with E since she was 9 months old. We have watched and asked about symptoms and side affects for as far back as she has been able to describe them to us.
Do you have migraines? Sometimes they can create symptoms similar to a stroke, including visual disturbances, sense of detatchment, twitching, numbness, etc. I have had occasional migraines for the last 3 years, due to an accident in the workplace. Classic case of being in the wrong place at the right time.
I would try to relax and just wait a little longer. Have you had a recent break up with a good friend or boyfriend? Do you feel anxious or edgey? Do you not like to do some of the things you use to? How is your eating pattern? Drink enough water? Exercise? (other than fingers on the remote or PS2 controller :) ) These could be signs of depression or an anxiety disorder. You can also have a twitchy eye or part of the body when you have anxiety, it is brought on by stress.
Are you on summer break right now from school? Keep yourself busy. And if these symptoms don't disappear, you need to tell your parents that you would like to have an EEG done. That is one test that could possibly help clear up some answers. I say possibly, because you can still have a "normal" EEG and still have E. It all depends on timing and what the EEG picks up.
But don't dwell on the E thing, until you work on some of the other things that have been mentioned in the posts here. You will just create more stress for your body to deal with.
Hang in there and get some positive energy going! :cool:
Vicki
Well, I've read the posts here and I won't tell you if you do or don't have E, but the more you read about certain diseases/medical problems you can find one or two that you will always fit into.
I am not a doctor, but a mother of a 16 year old daughter with E since she was 9 months old. We have watched and asked about symptoms and side affects for as far back as she has been able to describe them to us.
Do you have migraines? Sometimes they can create symptoms similar to a stroke, including visual disturbances, sense of detatchment, twitching, numbness, etc. I have had occasional migraines for the last 3 years, due to an accident in the workplace. Classic case of being in the wrong place at the right time.
I would try to relax and just wait a little longer. Have you had a recent break up with a good friend or boyfriend? Do you feel anxious or edgey? Do you not like to do some of the things you use to? How is your eating pattern? Drink enough water? Exercise? (other than fingers on the remote or PS2 controller :) ) These could be signs of depression or an anxiety disorder. You can also have a twitchy eye or part of the body when you have anxiety, it is brought on by stress.
Are you on summer break right now from school? Keep yourself busy. And if these symptoms don't disappear, you need to tell your parents that you would like to have an EEG done. That is one test that could possibly help clear up some answers. I say possibly, because you can still have a "normal" EEG and still have E. It all depends on timing and what the EEG picks up.
But don't dwell on the E thing, until you work on some of the other things that have been mentioned in the posts here. You will just create more stress for your body to deal with.
Hang in there and get some positive energy going! :cool:
Vicki
carscheles
07-13-2004, 03:27 PM
I would look into the possiblity of Migraine. Epilepsy and Migraine have some very similar neurological symptoms. I started getting Migraines when I was about 15 too. Girls seem to get it around menstral time. Hang in there, I'm sure you'll get to the bottom of this.