Has anyone seen a sudden onset of seizures in an adult?

Hi Deb,
I just remembered a similar situation I faced with my father (87 years old) who is quite stubborn. At the beginning of last December, he was not feeling well at all and we returned to the doctor. The doctor recommended hospitalization so that exams could be done quicker. But he said he would only do that at the end of the week because he had some appointments. I became quite so anxious and nervous about this situation. His doctor then spoke to me and said: Chris, do what you can, but take the responsibility for your father's life and actions off your shoulders. She gave me the following example: Let's say your father is diabetic and he helps himself with a large slice of cake. At this point, you can remind him that this is not recommendable and of the consequences of this action, but you cannot take the cake away from him and stop him from eating it since he is still lucid. This is a medical principle: I cannot force lucid patients to follow my recommendations, but I can talk about the diagnosis and the risks of not taking care of themselves. In your mother’s case, it’s different, she’s no longer lucid (she has Alzheimer's).
Those wise words of this doctor have helped me to calm down. I hope they help you too.
Have a good Sunday!
Chris (@santosha)

Hello Deb, I am 62 and was diagnossed with epilepsy at age 10. I have been on AED's (anti-epileptic drugs) for some 50 years plus. Epilepsy is a disease that evolves and manifests over time and you learn to adapt your treatment plan. I would recommend starting with any neurologist and having an EEG done asap. January 24th is great! Currently, my neurologist is out 3-4 months I would keep a log of the seizures and what was occuring at the onset (tv, computers, sleep deprivation, etc.) His GP is going to be concerned about a proper diagnosis and treatment plan without a neurologist diagnosing the type of seizures and EEG results.

I've been on a combination of 5-6 drugs and I'm sure your neurologist team would start with the standard of care (keppra, gabopentin, clobazn, etc.) and you adapt. Someone said above-events happen (stress, car accident, life (my wife had beaten ovarian cancer 4 times)) and the seizures change and you change your medication lineup. It takes patience and discipline. All the best with the Mayo Clinic or other team and hope for answers for your son.

Thank you! Yes, I do have to remind myself of that periodically...my mother just passed away last month and she had dimentia...my father is 90 and while I could control mom's care, my father is a different story....being of his right mind, I can only provide my thoughts (while strongly...ha) but not force him to do anything. I need to remember that for my son. 🙂 My son listens but sometimes it takes awhile for him to realize just how smart I can be...just kidding...he is just upset and trying to evaluate everything so I'm not pushing too hard yet. Have a great day!
Deb

Thank you! Patiently waiting for some answers...hopefully we get some soon as the medication side effects aren't acceptable at this point.
Deb

@1990mom
Hi Deb,
I know how hard those side-effects of AEDs hit us. It is very important the fine tuning of the dosage by the doctor. What is a recommendable dosage for adults might not work or might be too high for some. I for example started on 500 mg of Keppra last December due to a strong tonic-clonig seizure. Today, I am already taking 200 mg, below the pediatric recommended dosage. My doctor has been reducing it little by little, doing the fine tuning and adjusting the dosage to my person. It is an individualized process. Some side-effects have already softened a lot, Thanks God.
Chris (@santosha)

I need for you to educate me, please. Your above states a focal seizure in his leg.. What does that mean?
Roy

"A focal seizure in the leg can cause jerking, twitching, weakness, or numbness in the leg. Focal seizures can also cause changes in awareness, thinking, or behavior. " His was severe twitching of his muscles.

Hi Ms. @1990mom,

have things improved with your son?

Yes...thank you! They are weaning him off the meds...praying no more seizures!!!

Fabulous. Please let me know if they start up again. I'll try to help more.