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Does each seizure increase the likelihood of more seizures?

Sun, 02/22/2004 - 00:09
I'm not clear on this point, but I think I remember my daughter's neurologist saying, when I asked what the harm of having a seizure is, that each seizure "widens the pathway for more seizures to easily take that path again". My daughter is a teenager, she is on Tegretol, 200mgs a day, and rarely has seizures. However, if the above is correct, then when she pushes her limits (lack of sleep, drinking alcohol, etc) she may be "inviting" more seizures. I'm afraid that her epilepsy will become a bigger problem. Does anyone know if this is true?thanks,Maura

Comments

RE: Does each seizure increase the likelihood of more seizures?

Submitted by ktmn on Mon, 2004-02-16 - 23:25
maura,from what i've learned, there is the kindling theory in epilepsy. the more seizures you have, the more your brain 'learns' to seize. so you definitely want to try to control the seizures if possible.

RE: Does each seizure increase the likelihood of more seizures?

Submitted by sp4zzm on Tue, 2004-02-17 - 15:49
my doctor told me it does, too. also, alcohol decreases the levels of medication in the blood stream..as do other drugs as far as i know. my seizures are brought on by alcohol consumption, stress, as well as lack of sleep. the more i minimize these and am consistent w/ my meds the less likely i'm to have one. i've had to completely change my lifestyle. the hardest thing for me to do :|the body learning to seize makes sense, imo.

RE: Does each seizure increase the likelihood of more seizures?

Submitted by EpilepsyDotComEditor on Wed, 2004-02-18 - 17:24
Yes, kindling is a widely accepted theory in epilepsy. You may want to read the article on epilepsy.com called "Meeting News: Do Seizures Damage the Brain?" You can find it athttp://www.epilepsy.com/articles/ar_1064856376.htmlHaving seizures also is thought to possibly create problems with memory and other aspects of thinking, at least in certain types of epilepsy. Do encourage your daughter to get informed about her epilepsy and then take as much responsibility as possible for her own treatment and lifestyle. Another good article for her to read might be "The Titanic Impact of Medication Compliance on Epilepsy" which talks in an interesting way about remembering to take seizure medicines. It's found at http://www.epilepsy.com/articles/ar_1064959019.htmlAnd of course we have a "Teens" section in "Information for You," located in the upper right part of the home page. You can also find advice throughout epilepsy.com about how you can help her. Good luck!

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