Deja vu and weird feelings

Hi @lindsayv05
Welcome to our Connect group! I'm glad you found us here.
Your description of auras really resonates with me. As a teenager, when my hormonal changes began, I experienced very similar symptoms. My episodes were very brief. I now understand these were simple partial seizures, also called focal aware seizures.
It's quite common for women to experience more seizures around their menstrual cycle, which is known as catamenial epilepsy, which I also deal with. Working together, my epileptologist and gynecologist recommended either a Mirena IUD or continuous birth control pills (taken for 5 months without breaks). This approach has nearly eliminated my menstruation-related seizures. But, please discuss these options with both your doctor and a gynecologist, as the best approach may vary, especially for younger women.
I'm sharing a couple of helpful resources that explain this connection between seizures and hormonal changes in more detail:
Basics about Catamenial Epilepsy
https://www.epilepsy.com/stories/basics-about-catamenial-epilepsy
Menstruation as a Seizure Trigger
https://www.epilepsy.com/what-is-epilepsy/seizure-triggers/menstruation
It's wonderful that you're taking action on your epilepsy now. My experience was quite different. I went undiagnosed for over 3 decades until finally receiving the correct diagnosis in 2019 at age 48. During those years without proper treatment, my seizures evolved from simple auras to complex partial seizures (focal unaware seizures) and eventually progressed to tonic-clonic seizures (generalized seizures). Early recognition and treatment can make a difference in preventing epilepsy progression.
Has your doctor been able to determine your specific type of epilepsy yet?
I know you're just beginning treatment for your auras, and I'm hopeful it will bring you good results. Please keep me posted on how things go!
Chris

@lindsayv05
When my Dilantin became unstable and had to be switched a Neurologist recommend I take Topamax often referred to as Dope-a-max which I refused.
Because of its optic side effects, some potentially serious I'd recommend having regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist.
Also, it may decrease your vitamins D level so occasional testing should be done.
Take care,
Jake

Hello, I have just found this site and I am so happy to know there is support out there. I have recently, within the past 2 months, been experiencing these strange Deja vu experiences. They last only for a few seconds, but a strange kind of sensation passes through my body. This is like nothing I’ve experienced before. I saw a neurologist who recommended an MRI.
In researching online I see one of the causes of these episodes could be a brain tumor. I am now afraid that this is what I have. Can anyone reassure me? Has anyone else experienced this? And if so what caused it?

@annie394
I had a Deja vu episode which in my case was a focal aware seizure. I've had various types of seizures for 60 years. Deja vu is very common in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. For my focal aware seizures the drug Zarontin was the most helpful.
Have you had your MRI yet. How often do these episodes occurr? An EEG may also be helpful.
Will you please keep us informed of your diagnosis?
Take care,
Jake

@annie394 welcome to the group.
Yes you are in the right place. Thousands of people have been to these doors.
thank you for sharing your feelings and what is going on. i have no doubt your doctor has some ideas where to look and then to look further to find what you are going through. i have faith in these mentors and groups for just about every case that comes their way. ask questions and watch for replies. for now have a blessed day.

@annie394
Hi Annie!
Deja vu sensations were actually my very first symptoms too, starting back in my adolescence. Like @lindsayv05 mentioned, they weren't necessarily unpleasant, just unusual. It wasn't until much later that I was diagnosed with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, where these deja vu sensations are quite common.
@jakedduck1 made a great point about the EEG test. The EEG shows your brain's electrical activity in real-time, which can catch those abnormal discharges that cause seizures and help classify what type you might be having. The MRI, on the other hand, shows what your brain's structure looks like, helping to identify potential physical causes of seizures. These two tests really complement each other—the EEG shows how your brain is functioning, while the MRI shows its anatomy.
I know it's natural to worry about serious causes like brain tumors, but epilepsy can actually develop from many different things. The Epilepsy Foundation has a helpful page that explains this: https://www.epilepsy.com/causes. Sometimes something as seemingly simple as a fall with a head injury can be enough to cause it.
I know waiting for answers can be really hard—it's so natural to let your mind go to all the "what ifs." My yoga teacher has this saying I try to remember: worrying about problems before they happen just steals our peace without actually helping. Try to be gentle with yourself while you wait for these test results.
Chris

I would like to thank everyone for these compassionate and thoughtful responses. I am very glad to have found this support. I am having the MRI Saturday (day after tomorrow). But no EEG as of yet although the doctor has recommended this, and I am awaiting the appointment. It sounds as though this is not an uncommon condition. And it also sounds as though there are causes other than a brain tumor. I will most definitely keep in touch. Thank you all so much. You are so appreciated.

My pleasure @annie394 !
It would be best to have your EEG results before your appointment with the neurologist, so he or she can get a complete picture of what's happening and make an accurate evaluation.
Wishing you a good MRI test, and keep in touch!
Chris

@santosha thank you!

@jakedduck1
I am awaiting the MRI which will be the day after tomorrow on Saturday. The EEG is yet to be done. I am trying to be positive and think good thoughts about this. But I admit I am anxious about it. I will definitely share my results with you. I so appreciate the compassion and concern.