Epilepsy and changed behaviour ahhhhh help????

Emma - posted on 10/29/2010

hi i have a 11yr old daughter who has had seizures for almost 3yrs and her moods were worse a day or so before she would have a seizure she would be moody and hit out and scream at me or she would be very hyper and like on a high , she has been on diffrent meds and is on her 5th diffrent one and it is helping really well she has gone from haveing seizures every 5 to 8 days to one in two mths (her most is 14 in one day ) but her moods are also a lot better , but also with her hormones kicking in has'nt help hopefuly when they kick in probley her seizures mite go all together , the meds she is on is tegretol retard 800 mg it took time to get the doseage right but its doing ok at mo .

Maxine - posted on 10/25/2010

My son also started having seizures in June one doctor called them complex partial and another at Sick Kids called them generlized. His behavior was horible during any med changes. He seems much better now. Seizure free since Aug 4 EEG's have gone back to normal. Still very new to our family. He is on Valproic and Clobazam. Did your sons start imediately or was there gradual signs.

Leslie Taylor - posted on 10/24/2010

I totally agree that seing a neuologist is paramount! I would call today to get her in. i think you will find that thwy are very helpful and will be able to do a simple non evasive test (EEG) that will be able to give you alot of answers. She may very well have ADHD also. I do know that using a stimulant to treat the ADHD most neurologist frown upon because it can cause more frequent seizures. Their are other meds that are non stimulants that can treat adhd that are much safer and have less side effects. Yes autistic kids can have issues with adhd and many other behaviors too. I do have eight children. One has aspergers which is a form of autism and the others all have adhd and a few other things going on. I would be happy to answer and questions you have ocncerning my experience. Just msg me.

Shawn - posted on 10/23/2010

Its very frustrating to not understand what is happening to your child or why. I was diagnosed as a teenager with epilepsy. My behavior changes when I am going into a seizure. I can become aggressive and angry then go into a seizure. As an adult, I recognize that feeling and know something is going to happen. I have more self control than a 5 yr old but I find it hard. Someone else spoke about "buzzing days". I didn't know until I went to an epilepsy seminar that it is possible for epileptics to have actvity at the source or damage of their brain and this can change how you feel. You have an off day where you can't think right, don't feel right, your thresholds to noise ect is so much lower. I try to avoid the world on those days and medication does help. Epilepsy is a symdrome of the brain and does affect behaviour. It also can be compounded by other issues like autism. I have an autistic son and it is frustrating and ongoing process to get children diagnosed properly. I think gettng as many people around you that can help you is important. Having an neurologist that can explain your child's epilepsy is important. Our local child development centre helped me with my son's behaviour. They gave me ideas and resources on how to deal with my son's behaviour. I would document all of your daughter's behaviour, speak to a neurologist and pediatrician about whether your child has a complete diagnosis. I your little girl is only 5 and the things we find so frustrating now will likely be the stories we laugh at when they are older. I never thought my son would potty train. He trained very late and was 4 1/2 due to his developmental delays. I thought he would never get there but he did. It takes alot of patience and for me screaming into my pillow. I know it will work out for you.

Angela - posted on 10/22/2010

Hi I have a 5 year old daughter who has tonic clonic, partial complex and absence seizures. Her behaviour is terrible at times. We have had many medication changes due to bad (almost psychotic) behaviour side effects from the meds. Pre tonic clonic seizure her behaviour can turn quite aggressive also.

It may be the medication side effects or seizures. If we ever forget her medication she wakes up a changed little girl and we get a snapshot of what our beautiful girl could be like. it is very disheartening that the meds changed their behaviour.

Try to see a neurologist and tell them everything that is happening to your child. Know that you are not alone with having a badly behaved child with epilepsy. Sometimes they cannot help it.

Ange xo

Michelle - posted on 10/21/2010

My son just turned five. He was diagnosed with complex partials seizures in may. After his diagnosis this was one of the first things we had noticed. I spoke to his neurologist about it because I wanted my sweet little baby boy back! He explained it as "buzzing in the brain" He upped his medicine and since then he has been wonderful. How long has she had seizures? and what kind? if you don't mind me asking. I am very new to the epilepsy scene. I hope my story helps in some way