TLE and weakness

[Dawn43]

I have temporal lobe epilepsy, shrunken hippocampus and mesial temporal sclerosis, all on the right side of my brain. Would this the cause of weakness in my right leg?Also I've noticed lately, that this bitterly cold weather seems to affect my right side. Awaiting a report from a recent mri (19th Nov). Terrified that something is seriously wrong as most of the time, the right side constantly feels weird, like theres a heaviness or sometimes my head feels like it is going to explode, not with pain but with pressure. Also having a lot of agitation again, this seems to come on as the day goes on.

Currently taking keppra 750mg twice a day and 50mg lacosamide twice a day.

Being stuck in the house all day on my own while hubby is at work for up to 12 hours isnt helping anxiety/depression.

Im wondering if there is anyone who has the same head/brain feelings with their epilepsy?

[Considine]

Hi Dawn. First impression on reading your post is that you are very tense. I have a few suggestions. If possible attend your nearest Epilespy Action group, doing so put my own situation into perspective. When I was first diagnosed I was advised that the medication is effective and that has proved to be true. I have found it to be important to take the medication 12 hours apart, too late in the evening and Keppra keeps me awake, I have a routine of 7:30am and 7:30pm with my mobile alarm set to remind me. If I miss either I experience ‘head sensations’ and when I check my weekly plastic dispenser which has am & pm seven day compartments it confirms that I have not taken my Keppra. I have learned to be emotionally passive prior and post MRI’s and grateful for the expertise of those caring for me and opportunity to have such checks which to date have all proved my current medication the correct way forward. I advise that you search for ways to release your tensions and get involved with things.

Hope this helps

Best wishes

[HellsCooper]

Hi Dawn,

I’m not sure if my phrasing is correct here but the brain is bilaterally linked to the body. If you have damage to the left side of your brain, it affects motor activity on the right and the same for damage to the right side affects your motor skills on the left side of the body.

Definitely still a good idea to get a checkup and make sure everything’s okay but I hope this helps bring you some ease x

[Mybraveface]

Certainly being on your own during your health issues is likely to cause mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. I have lived on my own over 3 years now, but after being made redundant from NHS119 covid support team work last year I felt isolated and developed depression. Continuing health issues plus having to rely on poor public transport has not made things easy at all, but I realise how immensely valuable and important social interaction is in avoiding both anxiety and depression. It can be a long hard journey throughout a life with epilepsy, but these types of support groups and trying to maintain social contacts are very important. My GP has recently allocated a 'social prescribing nurse' who I have found very helpful too. I wish you well in your search for a healthy and peaceful life 🙏 ❤