My friend has Transient Epileptic Amnesia: Looking for info

@bongo,

Has your friend been diagnosed with epilepsy? Amnesia is quite common among individuals with epilepsy. Often, transient epileptic amnesia is linked to those with temporal or frontal lobe epilepsy, which can also lead to behavior that is out of character.
I have frontal lobe epilepsy myself, and I occasionally experience aggression as a result. The last time I was hospitalized, the nurses had to call security and hit my head during the scuffle requiring stitches.
How long do his episodes last? I assume he experiences impaired awareness during these times.
It's unfortunate that his friends have deserted him during this difficult period.
Take care,
Jake

Hi Jake I am sorry for the delay in replying. He does have epilepsy but medication seems to be keeping it under control. It is his general day to day behaviour that has changed and his memory for short term not long term. He is argumentative and paranoid about people stealing from him I guess sometimes it is a bit like dementia but he dosent have that. What happened to you in hospital def is the sort of thing that could happen to him. So is yours TEA. Thankyou
Kind Regards Bongo

@bongo

Do you know what type of medication he is taking? Some medications, like Keppra, Topamax, and vigabatrin, can occasionally cause mood, thought, and behavior problems. Some individuals experiencing these issues have found relief by taking
vitamin B-6.
I have not been diagnosed with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, but I do have frontal lobe epilepsy.
When I got into a scuffle with security I decided to leave, but they insisted that I stay, and ultimately, they won that battle. Fortunately, that's only happened maybe three times in the past 60 years, and I don’t ordinarily experience mood problems—unless it occurs just after a seizure when I’m postictal. The only significant issue I had was when I first developed epilepsy 60 years ago. At that time, I painted my bedroom black, threw my television set out the window, and kicked holes in every interior door in the house before my dad was able to subdue me. Whether that behavior was related to my epilepsy, I'm not sure, but I was struggling to accept my diagnosis then. I hope it was tied to my epilepsy, as that kind of behavior is horrible to engage in without reason.
Does the neurologist have any insights? It might be helpful to seek a second opinion or consider seeing an epileptologist for a potential solution.
Take care,
Jake

@jakedduck1 Thank you so much for your honesty about what you have experienced in the past!

Hi Jake apologies I don’t get internet very often.
He is on meds that can cause hallucinations 40 tablets a day as ge has other issues rheumatoid arthritis among others. You have had a few angry moments haven’t you . How frightening for you and your dad. The neuroligist did a phone call which was not a great help. I will look in to epileptologist thanks for that. He at the moment has fallen out with everyone through his paranoia and anger at people it’s a shame he never was this person. I’m glad you don’t have whatever he has. Sadly after a year of running his life practically he dosent want me now so I have taken a step back it’s a shame as he was having tests done at the hospital on Thursday which may of revealed so much without me I don’t think he will even remember to go. Thankyou for your valued input I do wish you well .

Hi, @bongo - how is your friend with the transient epileptic amnesia doing?

Hi Lisa Thankyou for asking. I am helping him again now as he knows he needs my help as he falls out with most people . I go back after a row as I know how unwell he is. He gets so confused and at the moment sleeping a lot . He has hallucinations at night . He dosent seem to be able to function when left on his own nothing in the house gets done at all . So not doing great but I am going to look further for help for him. I will not give up on himThankyou again .

@bongo
Have you considered contacting Adult Protective Service for some assistance your friend seems to need.
I went into the hospital and requested my records and a week or so later two Adult Protective Services social workers showed up at my house. They were there because I had incorrectly answered some basic questions and the medical records employee was concerned about my wellbeing.
It's very commendable that you continue to stand by your friend.
Take care,
Jake