[wookiegoldfur]

The first happened when I was 12. I lost consciousness and collapsed to the floor but I didn't not lose bodily functions (ew but also thank God). While I was out I was actually watching tv in my head, which is kind of funny. Anyway, I never when to a doctor and carried on with my life as normal.

Fast forward 5 years at age 18, I had another seizure. Again I didn't lose any bodily functions (again, that God). I recall suddenly become really tired and having some difficulty focusing on direction I was being given (I was at work). I then felt anxious but ignored it and began ringing up a customer. As I was wrapping his purchase in tissue paper my eyes began twitching uncontrollably and I started fading out and then nothing. When I came to My coworkers were sitting me down in a chair and were fanning me. I was sweaty and jittery. Paramedics took my vitals and blood sugar and everything was normal.

Eventually I got checked in for an MRI and EEG but they came back normal. I pass the silly neurological exams the doctor does as well. Deapite the lack of history, my doctor still gave me a prescription for Lamictal (he was leaning toward 51% on wanting to prescribe it to me). I went back to him today and he said he wants me to continue treatment with him because it's not uncommon for tests to come back normal. I don't know the likelihood that I will have another seizure (if that's what this is?) or what is the cause. It's kind of annoying not knowing. I Do worry it will happen again in a public place and will be embarrassed beyond repair. Ive been told anxiety can cause seizures? and that's what worries me with working. I have to be trained to use an intercom at work very soon and I'm terrified of public speaking and I'm also scared/intensely uncomfortable with talking on the phone when other people are in the room (I can't even talk on the phone around family unless it's a call WITH family). I'm worried I'm going to panic myself into another episode and have to quit my job because of embarrassment, if that's even possible.

I had two 50-minute seizures when I was 11. the cause of them was

Possible trigger:

I was sexually abused as a child and the seizures were a somatic symptom as my brain just collapsed - they were panic induced also as I was having flashbacks.

I have occasional seizures. Panic is involved and so is lack of sleep, low blood sugar or too much blood sugar. I don't eat sugar candy and avoid alcohol. Getting enough sleep every night is the best form of avoidance. I also cannot stare into the sun or other lights. The lights don't have to be very bright either. In my seizures, everything goes white and I often don't hear anything. They are very peaceful. I have fallen a few times and hurt myself including fracturing bones. I will also mumble when I speak when I have them. If walking, I will often continue walking which is very dangerous. I am afraid to drive. Unfortunately, the medications I've tried all have had side-effects that are worse than the seizures. Currently, I am not on a medication. I also tested normal.

I suggest you inform your manager of your health issue. Your seizures are rare so I would not be too concerned about the new responsibilities you describe at work. However, if a seizure should strike, you do not want your boss or co-workers to think you are on illicit drugs or are stoned or are weird. You cannot hurt yourself physically from your new job responsibilities so relax and give them a try. In due course they will feel absolutely normal. Frankly, I would fear the grand mal seizures where you fall to the ground than messing up a simple greeting. Do you wear a medical bracelet informing others of your condition should it strike?

[Walking Man]

As UNGUY says the top seizure triggers are stress and lack of sleep. Some people have issues with lights, heat, or strenuous activity. Drugs or foods including caffeine, St. John's Wort, MSG, alcohol, and even Aspartame can contribute.

You doctor is prescribing meds to reduce the chances that you will have another one, since each seizure you have makes it more likely you will have another. I think some people take them for a year or so and then try weaning off.

Those seizures or attacks could be exceptional, but you may also be having seizures that you are not aware of. They manifest in lots of ways, and many people with epilepsy have more than one kind. It would be good to know if the attacks you experienced were not seizures. A normal EEG, as your doctor rightly pointed out does not mean that you do not have epilepsy. Let your doctor know if the Lamictal causes any problems.

I would strongly recommend seeing an epileptologist at a major hospital with a level 4 Epilepsy center. As long as you don't have any more issues you are probably ok with your current doc, whoever that is. However, many people with epilepsy find that regular neurologists can't treat or diagnose epilepsy very well. An epileptologist at an epilepsy center will be better able to tell if you if you had seizures, or if you may be having seizures you aren't aware of. At a big hospital they may also be able to diagnose the attacks if they weren't seizures.

You can find more info at Epilepsy.com, especially in the "professionals" section. An excellent forum is at "Coping With Epilepsy"

I hope you don't have any more attacks, whatever they were. Please message me with questions or concerns. I've had epilepsy for more than 30 years.