Seizues that happen right AFTER your period??? - Epilepsy Message Board

amydianne1 · 08-27-2003, 08:19 AM

Good morning everyone!

I have a question for the ladies, does anyone have seizures FOLLOWING your period? I have complex partial seizures, and they were happening about every 4 weeks. Several of you asked if they were happening during my period, but they weren't so I didn't give it much thought. After getting diagnosed, I was feeling "sedated" from the meds, but was seizure-free for about 8 weeks. Then all of the sudden I had 8 in one day. I wasn't stressed, tired, anything and couldn't figure out why. I realized that this happened the last day of my period.

I have been recording all of my seizure activity since April, and took out a calender and wrote down all my seizures, and then marked when my period was occuring. My seizures were occuring either the week-end immediately after or the following week. I did not have ANY seizures any time other than this time period.

I know that some women have seizures immediately before or during their periods, but am wondering if ANYONE has them immediately following, or have heard of anything like this. It may not be anything, or just wishful thinking on my part, but I am happy that I have finally found a pattern to them.

Thank you so much!

Amy

maggie39 · 08-27-2003, 09:38 AM

Amy
What are your seizures like? The reason I ask, I also have the majority of my "seizures" the week AFTER my period too. Now, 20 years after being diagnosed with epilepsy, they are saying I probably don't have epilepsy, but a blood pressure control problem and I'm acually fainting, not having seizures. The two can look very similar. Also, too low BP can cause symptoms besides fainting that could be mistaken for other types of seizures.
I always thought the timing was odd, because if it's hormonal related, it should be happening the week before or during your period. My understanding is that estrogen induces seizures and progesterone inhibits seizures. My understanding is that estrogen is high before and during, progesterone is high after your period, which is why most women would be more susceptible during their period. I'm now in the process of monitoring my blood pressure to see if it goes lower after my period. (I couldn't find anything on the web that discusses that).

KittyMom · 08-27-2003, 09:44 AM

Amy dear,

This sounds like a hormonal change causing your seizures. Bring that callendar to your doc and show him/her your activity. Most Neurologists will help you with meds that are designed for that type of "E" but there are some that don't think that is a problem to consider. If you don't get a good responce then go for a second oppinion.

I get an increase in activity from 4 a week to 6 a week when it is "that time". Mine range from before, durring and after.

Please talk to your doc. I don't know what you could find online but I will look while I am searching other things. Let me know.

Are you having seizures still?? I haven't even asked you lately. SORRY!!! I will do some research and see what I can find.

God Bless you and lots of love,
KittyMom

KittyMom · 08-27-2003, 09:50 AM

WOW Maggie, good info.

I was talking to a woman just now that was asking me about the very same thing. Just as I got done with writing Amy I got her phone call. Funny!!

She was asking me about passing out as being what I go thru instead of seizures. She said diabetes or low blood pressure or BOTH!! Diabetes runs in my family but I don't have it. Low blood pressure is not my thing because I have mine caught on an EEG...thank GOD!! Not only that but I have CPS and what I do and say can not be mistaken with 'passing out'...ha ha ha.

Anyway, Amy sweetie, you should look into this with your doc. See what he/she has to say.

Let me know....

God Bless,
KittyMom

amydianne1 · 08-27-2003, 10:13 AM

Wow, thanks for the quick replies ladies!

I have the full "complex partial" seizures, the deja vu's before-hand, the "out" for a minute or two with the vivid hallucinations and "odd" physical feelings where I will play with my hands, pick at my hair, etc, and then when it's over, the classic seizure symptoms, extreme fatigue & exhaustion, confusion for about 45 minutes to an hour, nausea, etc. I will generally have about 7-10 a day.

I have read that women have these before or during their period, but then after kind of "mapping mine out" was blown away because I realized that they are following a pattern of the week-end or week following.

I don't know if this is just a coincidence or what, and I just realized this last night when I actually just took out a calendar and wrote down all of my seizures that I had documented.

I'm going to take the calendar with me to the doctor and show him all of it, I can't believe I didn't notice this before now, I guess I just knew that it wasn't during PMS or during my cycle, so I really didn't pay attention that much.

Thanks SO much for your replies!

Amy