Seizures 17 months after ischemic stroke resulting in aphasia and right sided weakness.

[Haldon]

My partner had a stroke 21 months ago, which resulted in aphasia and slight right sided weakness….his recovery was going well, speech and comprehension. He then had a UTI, 17 months later, which resulted in a hospital admission, however, to wards the end of his admission he suffered his first seizure. This was put down to medication administered during UTI. He then had a Covid infection which caused extreme fatigue….just as he recovered from this setback, he had a double seizure, one seizure follow 30 minutes later by another. He was admitted to hospital, diagnosed with generalised Clonic- tonic seizure as a result from his stroke.

My partner is now taking anti seizure medication. It is now one week post seizure, however, his speech and understanding is almost back to immediately post stroke and he is fatigued , and I believe, sliding into depression.

Is this downward trend normal and is there light at the end.

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Hi Haldon, this is a lot for your partner and yourself to go through and you must be worried and concerned for him at the moment. Coming to terms with a diagnosis of epilepsy and the effects of seizures can take some time. And this must be doubly difficult following his stroke and COVID.

It can take people a little while to recover from a seizure and some people tell us it can take a week or more before that start to feel better: epilepsy.org.uk/info/seizur...

We also know that epilepsy medicines can make people feel tired and have other side effects, especially when people start taking them (epilepsy.org.uk/info/treatm.... So there could be a few medical reasons why your partner is taking some time to recover.

But we know that some people can experience low mood and depression with epilepsy for other reasons as well: epilepsy.org.uk/info/health...

Our advice would be for you and your partner to talk to his epilepsy doctor or nurse about what you're noticing at the moment. If you can keep a diary to monitor what you're noticing this can help: epilepsy.org.uk/info/diagno...

You'd be welcome to talk things through with us at the Helpline (0808 800 5050) as well: epilepsy.org.uk/info/suppor...

It can really help to share support and information so I hope you hear from others on this platform. You might be interested to know we have some other online services. Here are the links:

epilepsy.org.uk/info/suppor...

facebook.com/epilepsyaction

instagram.com/epilepsyaction/

twitter.com/epilepsyaction

Regards

Mags

Epilepsy Action Helpline Team.

[Haldon in reply to EpilepsyAction1]

Thank you for your reply…so much helpful information. Good to know there is help and advice available.

[Charlie90]

Hi there

So sorry to hear this

that you and your partner are experiencing this

Is it is horrible I can completely relate.

Me and my partner are going through very somilar

after my brain injury in 2019

I had my first grand mal seizure in January 2020

Which was put down to a uti and scar tissue

in my brain. I had also had the covid vaccination a few days before.

and have had grand mal seizures every 4-6 weeks ever since. I am taking medication now lamotrigine.

It takes me weeks to recover I get back to a really good place physically and mentally

then have another one and it completely knocks my recovery and confidence.

I have recently returned to work I struggle to cope with seizures

I hope things start to improve for your partner and you!

All the best to you both

[Haldon in reply to Charlie90]

Thank you Charlie90...I hope things get better for you soon

[PennyRed]

Hi HaldonMy husband had a stroke in late 2019. He did not have any physical symptoms at the time only saying unusual sentences. He had a seizure one month later. He had Keppra 1500mg 2xdaily and Lamotragine for small focal seizures. He initially was depressed and occasional outbursts of sobbing. It was difficult to know whether it was the effect of the anti-epileptics. After discussion with his consultant and epilepsy nurse his medication has been tweeked a few times. It can take a few months to settle down again.

He also did zoom course on the NHS about living with long term medical conditions which helped.

I've learned that everyone has a unique experience of epilepsy. But important to discuss problems with his medical team.

Hope this helps.

Best wishes to you both

[Haldon in reply to PennyRed]

Thank you for response PennyRed…I think the worse thing is the uncertainty…never knowing when, or if, another stroke or seize is going to strike…we are having our first consultation with Neurologist in July…hopefully will get some answers and put minds at rest a little…