Is this a symptom of my Epilepsy?

[Brondie]

I’m new here but need some advice. I began having seizures in 2016 I had my driving licence taken away and it was horrible. I was told my seizures were triggered by stress and was then formally diagnosed with epilepsy in 2018. It took so long to get a diagnosis because I had so many problems with doctors. I was finally put on Lamotrigine. It was all successful and I have been seizure free nearly 6 years.

However over the last year or so, work has been increasingly stressful and every so often I now get a ringing in my left ear, it is a sensation I used to get just before my Deja vu began and then my seizures would follow. The ringing only lasts a few seconds then stops, nothing else happens that is all.

At first I didn’t think anything of it but then I wondered as it’s so similar to what I had before could it be a symptom of my epilepsy or something else.

I’m worried that if I go to the doctor that they will take my license away from me which I can’t afford to lose. My partner and I have just bought our first house. With out my license I would not be able to get to work (we have no transport links). I would lose my job and then potentially our house. I can’t ruin my life again for a few seconds of running. What should I do? Has anyone else had a similar experience?

[maya72]

Hi, After my surgery i was diagnosed with epileptic ways in my brain. I don't have seizes but if I am tired that was I experience ringing in my ears. So please avoid any stress and sleep on time . I know its not easy, please take a lot of rest .

[9thwave]

Hi

Sorry to hear of your difficulties and worries.

I started having seizures in 2018 too . Lost my license, went onto Keppra but have had seizures since though maybe only twice a year . I could of course up the dose but I’m reluctant to go to high with the drug so my choice re a license.

I’ve taken to doing everything by E bike , not easy but it’s kinda worked and there is a good bus service if needed so not in the same situation as you there but it is a compromise in terms of income and thanks to the current situation my mortgage has increased significantly , so a struggle.

I’m no medic but as far as I’m aware unless you’re having unconscious seizures or absences you can drive . Obviously a risk though if you feel it’s a possible sign of seizure as putting harshly - you don’t want to loose your license but more importantly you don’t want to risk accident.

I would recommend speaking to the epilepsy society as a first port of call for advice on both your symptoms and driving advice.

Hope some help & wish you well .

[ChrisLyn]

Hi Brondie, I really understand your concern re:the drivers licence. Stress and lack of sleep will cause auras (the weird feeling) you get before a seizure. Sounds to me you’ve either missed a tablet by mistake this happens… or the dosage of your meds might need adjusting but the fact you’re not going into a full seizure means your meds are controlling the epilepsy. Might be worth going to your Neurologist just ask him to check your dose doesn’t need adjustment. Not sure what country your living in but in Australia your licence won’t be taken away for a sensation. Best of luck🙂

[Shorehampete]

Hi. That's strange because I also get a ringing in my left ear that only lasts a few seconds. Never really associated with my epilepsy but now I think about it, it only started after being diagnosed. Not sure why but I've just learnt to live with it. Doesn't affect me in any way and it's not a warning of a seizure as I've been seizure free for a year now but it still happens.

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Hi 

Its possible that the ringing in your ears is a seizure symptom. And may actually be a a seizure starting in a single part of the brain, known as a focal aware seizure, that isn't spreading to both sides of the brain like it has done in the past. 

epilepsy.org.uk/info/seizures/focal-seizures

As others have suggested, it would be a good idea to speak to your epilepsy specialist, epilepsy nurse (if you have one) or your GP about this. They may be able to help you understand if this is a type of seizure. And if so,  they may be able to review your epilepsy treatment to stop this from happening. 

If the ringing in your ears is a seizure symptom, then you would need to let the DVLA know about this and likely need to stop driving. We have more information about the epilepsy driving rules, and telling the DVLA about your seizures here: epilepsy.org.uk/living/driving

I understand getting to and from work if a big concern for you. It would be a good idea to look into Access to Work. Access to Work grants can help pay for practical support if your epilepsy affects your ability to do your job, or means you have to pay work-related costs. If you’re eligible, it could help pay for travel to and from work by taxi. 

If you feel it may be helpful to speak to one of our advisers in more detail you can do so confidentially through live chat on our website (epilepsy.org.uk) or by calling the Epilepsy Action Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050. Our helpline is open Monday to Friday 8.30am until 5.00pm and Saturday 10.00am until 4.00pm. 

Regards

Jess

[Justmepound]

I got my license back after 12 months dialogue with DVLA and a consultant who hadn't seen me for 12 months at the start and didn't throughout the nighmare. Only after a chance encounter with one of our GPs did my case head off in the right direction.Bottom line advice talk about their understanding of the DVLA rules before your symptoms and don't volunteer anything.