Disappointing seizure…

[DTBI]

Hi all,

Since my TBI in 2014, I hadn’t had a seizure in the last 5yrs, however I did suffer another mild one around the King’s Coronation on the bank holiday Monday morning.

No big deal, apart from the loss of my driving licence, but I wanted to let you guys know what caused it. It was a combination of factors- there were some social gatherings, that were outside of my control, I didn’t cope with them sensibly, instead I drank excessive amounts of alcohol from Thurs to Sunday. There were mixes of strong beer and wines, which didn’t cause any specific issue, but I disappointingly did not respect hydration so I suffered a seizure at 8am in the morning whilst visiting the bathroom.

I didn’t damage myself or any furniture although I did go unconscious in the bathroom and again on my return to the bed. As a consequence, I drank one or two pints of water over the next few hours and slept for 48hrs, as a payment for my ignorance. As you may expect I have suffered some depression due to the fact my seizure’s were caused by dehydration that I always had complete control over.

Whilst my message holds no surprise, I did want to remind you all about the importance of hydration, an element that we all have some control over. I had become complacent, ignorant and stupid, please avoid it. x

[cat3]

Wise words GD. It's so easy to forget, or disregard, the importance of hydration for a compromised brain when we're preoccupied. Thankfully I haven't suffered seizures as a consequence of brain injury but I do know what awful effects dehydration can have in other ways.

I have long term balance issues and, when I'm seriously immersed in something, I often keep up momentum without hydrating, ending up dizzy & confused or with pounding headache thanks to a parched brain.

I presume it was the same for you at Salford ; in the rehab ward the fluid rule was 2 litres daily and, if water jugs weren't emptying as they should, a nurse would sit and supervise whilst we caught up ! And, as it was Christmastime, one particular nurse never tired of reminding us that "This isn't just for Christmas ....it's for life !"

Take care GD. I hope you'll keep the seizures at bay !

Best wishes, Cat x

[DTBI in reply to cat3]

Thanks Cat, much appreciated x

[Plenty]

That is disappointing after so many years.

But good reminder to everyone to keep hydrated. I start every day with a pint of water and then a cup of tea.

My body definitely can’t handle alcohol since my TBI!

[Letsrock]

I'm so sorry to hear, but you do forget, especially when trying to lead a normal life socialising in this hot weather.

A good reminder and thank you but sorry to hear of the loss of licence as that us a very painful reminder.

Stay safe over summer and drink water.

Thanks

[lcd8]

Thank you. I think we can all do with this sort of reminder from time to time. In 2016 I had an episode like a stroke but it wasn't a stroke (proved on scans). The symptoms were real though. It was brought on because at the time I was trying intermittent fasting and also waking myself up really early to exercise but also going to bed late. Result was I was not giving my body the nourishment or sleep it needed. I feel like a real fool now but just hope I have learnt from it.

Lulu x

[skydivesurvivor]

thanks for warning us all. I drink more than I should,expect many of us do?!! Keep safe & thanks for the warning, hope we all take note!!

[Teazymaid]

wry wise words as it is so easy to get lost in the moment when actually our body’s can’t cope with it .. I’m still leaning toward control where or who I am .. I’m thinking I’m going in the right direction but time will tell … look after yourself .. sue x

[skydivesurvivor in reply to Teazymaid]

a good attitude!! Keep safe x