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Auras and seizures
I had a Tbi in1993. In addition I was infected with a brain parasite (neurocysticercosis) in 1989. A few years ago I began having grand mal seizures, mostly in my sleep. They are said to be located in the area of the scar from the parasite.I’ve been treated with Lamictal with good results. No grandmas seizures in 5-6 years. However in my sleep I began to notice a strange sensation that awakened me. I was having sleep problems at the time but have had sleep problems for many years. I was told that my insomnia would subside after menopause and it did. I was also told by a neurologist that my seizures may subside after menopause. However a few months ago I began to have what I describe as auras about every 10 days. They did not develop into seizures and I was able to continue my activities including walking, doing Zumba, documenting the event, and retaining normal thought processes. I have noticed some difficulties with speech lasting from seconds to a few minutes. I also do normally have some difficulty finding the right words in a conversation, although I am eventually able to do so. I attribute that to the aging process but know I could be wrong. I’m worried that these auras develop into full blown seizures but I have seen no indication of this. I do notice a correlation between missing a medication dose and having these auras. What do you think?
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Welcome to Connect, @joannern
I'd like to bring @dawn_giacabazi into this discussion about seizures and auras as she has also spoken about them before. Several other members have talked about auras, but in relationship to migraines. It doesn't sound like your situation is related to migraines at all.
In this article from the Epilepsy Society UK, they refer to auras as focal aware seizures https://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/focal-aware-seizures#.Ww8JokgvyUk
Joanne, Does the article describe what you're experiencing?
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1 ReactionYes, thank you for the information. It does sound like focal awareness seizures. It seems to relate to my sleep as now that I’m sleeping better these are happening during the day. There was one day I had two events and if I remember correctly my sleep cycle was different than usual. My first few grand male seizures occurred during sleep also. Now that I’m medicated I’ve not had any grand mal seizures but am worried that they will return if I continue with these auras/focal awareness seizures. Is that to be expected?
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2 ReactionsI went five years seizure free and had auras every day of those five years until recently having 3 seizures so there is a chance but of course don't be afraid of the aura ..sometimes it really just comes on its own. So u dont always necessarily have a full blown seizure after
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1 ReactionHi, @joannern - wondering how you are doing and if you are still experiencing the auras you talked about occurring about every 10 days? How has your speech been lately?
Hi, @joannern - wondering if you are still experiencing seizures? If so, have you been able to get a definitive diagnosis to tell you what kind of seizures you are having?