Leonard, regarding your question:

"Do the doctors suspect it was the strokes that caused her seizure disorder?"...

yes, the brain damage from her stokes in utero were the cause of the seizures that followed the next day as well as the three seizures she has had recently. After the first recent one, her current neurologist said it was a matter of time before she would have them again, which I reject. If we were aware that they “could” happen again, that “would” have changed our awareness and we “would” have responded as opposed to ignoring things that “should” have been changed. Also, the neurologist expressed surprise following her second one after proceeding with the Keppra prescription, of which the dosage has been increased incrementally with each seizure.

But, I believe the life-long challenges from her cerebral palsy, which she has overcome exceedingly well through Feldenkrais therapy after switching to from traditional physical and occupational therapy, contributed to the anxiety and depression which emerged in her late teens. Hormonal imbalances and additional stresses of transitioning to an independent adult with a new career navigating its multitude of changes exacerbated the potential for additional abnormal brain activity. The warnings were all there. She needed to have a comprehensive evaluation, like the one following her birth and when she was two. With this, and proper care and lifestyle changes, I believe the recurrence of her seizures could have been avoided and or managed better. She became consumed by the chaos of life, which created chaotic neurological behavior.

The structural problems with her brain may in part, be attributable. But the brain has abundant, miraculous potential for adapting and changing, as evidenced by her cognitive and physical successes. This is what we need focus on: “changing the brain through changing the mind” as opposed to the typical approach of life-long dependency on medication. What we feed our brain and body (physically and emotionally) and awareness and control of unconstructive thought and behavioral patterns, as well as lifestyle all play an integral role in neurological activity and seizure management. So, yes, the potential for seizures existed, but much of her current trauma could have been mitigated and possibly avoided. I believe the science and protocol of this will eventually become part of effective comprehensive epilepsy care.

I had a stroke on my 60th birthday. I knew it was a stroke when I felt dizzy and after getting myself down to the floor, I realized I could not move my right arm and leg, I said to myself, “you just had a stroke”. The next words from my mouth were “start figuring out a way to rewire you brain”, which I learned from my daughter. It took a half an hour, but I did, regaining all normal motor function. My stroke was later verified in an MRI which also indicated numerous TIA’s. In addition to this I have struggled with anxiety and depression for 30 years, which along with medication likely changed the structure of my brain that may have predisposed me to stroke. When I was 42, my primary care doctor said if I do not change my lifestyle, I will not make it. It took twenty years. All that I learned, and lifestyle changes made, along with the birth of my daughter, my life’s purpose, has allowed me to survive.

Managing your brain’s health is like this computer I am typing from. It works great, when it works, which we expect and take for granted. When it stops working, many discard it and buy a new one, which can be an easy fix. Not so easy with your brain. There is a lot of information available. Sorting through it can be overwhelming and confusing. With time and guidance, I intend help my daughter solve this problem, to the best of her ability. She has done it before. She will do it again. This is what her life experience has given her. She is a natural born survivor. She is my natural born hero.

I have garnered a lot of information over the years. My daughter’s well-being is and has been my life’s mission. I greatly appreciate the help from this group and in time look forward to contributing.

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