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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Perth, AU

From a few days I’ve been having shaking in one hand due to PTSD can this also be connected to epilepsy issues as well?

March 11
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Hallo Lochrie .. In our experience ., sometimes hand shaking can be aura .. which be seizure in itself ., or be signaling a more severe seizure on the way ., also our neurologist say can be start of early onset Parkinsons ., which can happen in young as well as old .. good idea to be checking with your doc ., if they not listen ., worth it to seek a second opinion ., send you hugs and prayers from William and Jen💜💙🤗🕊

March 12
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member , Some medications may have a side effect of shaking, like the increase in my Vimpat caused my hands to shake a little. In December 2018 I began having issues where both of my arms would shake so badly & sometimes my right leg would shake & I had other symptoms & I didn’t have any insurance & the first visit to the ER on the first day this all started they claimed that I was just dehydrated & they were wrong. In May 2019 I got more symptoms while at work & so my Mom took me to our Family clinic & they saw that I hadn’t had blood work done in almost a year & so that was done & my Depakote level was at 135 & normal is between 50 to 100 & so after several months the shaking finally stopped. So I feel blood work should be kept up with. Prayers your shaking stops. Your friend in Texas, Becky

March 11
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I tell people I have an Epilepsy disorder.

March 11
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

It can be but it really depends on the type you have. In most cases though the shaking would be more due to stress/PTSD. You could argue though that all this is connected to the epilepsy.

March 11
MyEpilepsyTeam

Can hand shaking from PTSD be connected to epilepsy?

Hand shaking from PTSD and epilepsy-related seizures are different phenomena, but there can be some overlap worth discussing with your doctor.

PTSD-related shaking is typically a stress response (fight or flight), while epileptic seizures involve abnormal electrical Show Full Answer

Can hand shaking from PTSD be connected to epilepsy?

Hand shaking from PTSD and epilepsy-related seizures are different phenomena, but there can be some overlap worth discussing with your doctor.

PTSD-related shaking is typically a stress response (fight or flight), while epileptic seizures involve abnormal electrical activity in the brain. However, stress and PTSD can lower your seizure threshold, potentially making seizures more likely if you have epilepsy.

Some types of focal seizures can cause jerking or shaking in one hand or arm. These movements are different from stress-related tremors because they're caused by electrical misfiring in a specific part of the brain.

It's important to note that traumatic brain injury (which can cause PTSD) increases the risk of developing post-traumatic epilepsy. Mental health conditions and heightened stress are also associated with increased seizure risk in people who've had brain injuries.

Since you're experiencing new symptoms, it's worth discussing this with your neurologist. They can help determine whether this is stress-related shaking, a potential seizure symptom, or something else entirely. Keeping a log of when the shaking happens and what you're experiencing can be helpful for your appointment.

March 11

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