When they say anti seizure medication 'prevent seizures from happening' what EXACTLY does that mean?

[KaiKai_B]

I haven't had a tonic clonic seizure since 2022. I have still been having focal seizures which are much more under control since the introduction of lacosamide. Last night, I woke up feeling incredibly odd and quite sick and how I remember feeling leading up to a tonic clonic pre medication. I shut my eyes to try to go back to sleep and suddenly it was like I was in a rave. I had flashing colours in my eyes and felt awful. When it stopped I was terrified and could barely move (partly out of fear, partly because I certainly felt post ictal). what I want to know is when they say that anti seizure medication prevent seizures what do they mean? The word seizure is used to describe such a broad spectrum of things it's difficult to know. The majority of my seizures are focal BUT I have had 3 tonic clonics which finally lead to my diagnosis. I also suffer from non-epileptic seizure disorder and have a tendency to overthink thanks to ADHD so I just need some clarity as to what happened last night because I certainly FEEL like I had a tonic clonic but without the full 'bells and whistles' but I don't even know if that's possible.

[Hidden]

I have absolute Focal's, so know what you mean. Forget about the "naming of a seizure type event". You know it was seizure related, the fact that it wasn't a full blown event? Can be ignored, other than taking control I.e. if it's a frequent event, speak to the Dr, increase or change medication, or perhaps verify whether it's prompted by timing and/or provoking issues

I'm fortunate in having periodic szr events. May sound absurd, but I actually find it reassuring to having "all night, exceptionally intense, nightmares, throwing the duvet off". Because on checking dates, such routinely conform to a precise seizure related, event date. And feels fantastic, that all I've had, has been a nightmare, rather than a full blown event. Proof that medications are working and can safely cycle, use the gym or whatever, for X week's !

Hope you find the Lacosamide ok. Asking too much, but how do you find it & how long have you taken it? (Nb. I was on it for 2.5yr's, withdrawing from Jan '24 onwards)

[yogastrength]

Hi KaiKai-B, I agree with what24. My seizures started as focal seizures and then had a tonic clonic which also led to a diagnosis15 years ago. My seizures were managed at first but I became so de-personalised, I was not very nice to live with so changed the meds after 7 years. I was seizure free though on the first lot which were Topiramate Levetiracetam, full dosage. Since then is another story, I have 3-4 focal seizures once a month, luckily in the night and they start with the aura like feeling....quite a nice feeling, but after the seizures, I lose 3 days, sleeping, horrible headache and can't taste or do much and with the deja vu and emotional feelings, it's crappy! I was diagnosed with ADHD nearly 3 years ago as they can go go hand in had with epiliepsy, Yay! I wondered why my life was weirder than other peoples and I am 64!

Talk to your neurologist, there is a new medication out called "Cenobamate" which I have been taking for 3 months. I still have seizures monthly but the last lot were milder and recovery was quicker and I am only on a third of the dose as yet. Stress is a huge factor I might add.

No one seems tto mention the "de-personalisation" that the meds can do. I wish you all the luck in the world with Lamotrogine, it's a very kind med to the body but was not strong enough for me. I was down for the operation but found out that you still have to be on meds after.

Warm wishes, Cherry.

[Mybraveface]

Please watch the following video, as it explains clearly what epilepsy is, why seizures occur, and exactly how the different types of epilepsy medication work to prevent seizures from happening!

youtu.be/YMOjfxfzEO4?si=LQT...(Not working as expected?)

During recent problems to try understand why the medication I had been switched onto wasn't working I found this video to be very useful in helping understand why, and enabled me to tell my neurology consultant which type of medication I needed to be on. He listened and prescribed the medication I'd established (from this video) to be needed.

It basically answers your question in very simple terms!

I wish you the best of luck in your health 🙏