I have cyclothymia and was diagnosed with epilepsy 2 years ago after having a mini stroke. I am currently taking Vaimpat and Lamictal to deal with the seizures, but have in the past taken carbemazapine and progabalin both of which weren't as effective as my current meds.
I still have seizures and can lose movement in my arms and legs, and can also lose my memory (sometimes forgetting who I am completely) and this usually lasts up to 2 days.
When this happens I have to have time off work, and although I have been assured by my employers that they understand I get the impression that they are becoming weary of it.
I am concerned about my memory losses as it means I can lose days at a time, and have been trold by my doctor and neurologist that is is unusual for this to happen. Has anyone else had this problem, and has anyone got any advice?
The following user gives a hug of support to goulds80: jimary (08-15-2011)
Memory loss is common with Epilepsy. Every time you have a seizure you lose brain cells. I have problems with my short term memory and have to write everything down. It's not fun and I totally understand where you're coming from.
My new neurologist decided he wanted to switch my Tegretol to Keppra but he started me at 1000mg BID. FDA says starting adult dose should be 500MG BID. I called my pharmacist and he backed me on this. Left a message for the doc. Hopefully I didn't peev him off too bad but it is MY body, right?
Xena515: Yes, it's your body and you have to be your own advocate. Take is slow and easy and increase gradually. Sometimes the pharmacist knows more than the doctor. Make sure you keep track on a calendar when you're increasing so you can see if there are seizures during increases. Sometimes there will be unitl your body adjusts to the dosage.
i lose weeks at a time and have been told these are "complex-partial seizures" also the grand mal seizures cause severe short term memory loss. i am starting next week seeing a neuropsychologist to work on memory games. i will let you know how this goes.
Thanks for the replies everyone. Sometimes you feel like your going a little nuts! And it's hard to explain to anyone else who isn't living through it. I'll keep you posted on the new neurologist and his rebuttle to my questioning the starting Keppra dose.
tncabell, let me know how those memory games go. I'm actually pretty interested to see how that turns out.
Spoke to my neurologist's nurse yesterday. In fact, he did write the script and his dictation incorrectly and meant for me to start at 500mg BID and increase after a week to 1000mg BID. I'm glad I looked into that and followed through. Just another reminder that if it doesn't sound right, check it out. Doctors are human and they make errors too!
Epilepsy and memory loss 
Re: Epilepsy and memory loss 
