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Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

What does epilepsy feel like for your brain

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
March 20
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I also agree with @A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

March 20
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Just to add to @A MyEpilepsyTeam Member's answer,
Pain
Migraines, headaches
Indecisive thinking
Can't handle loud noises for days (sensory)

March 20
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

There are many thing that we experience going thru with Epilepsy.
1. Still feel groggy even after hours of sleep.
2.. some of us experience migraines
3. After having a lot of sever seizure(s) can knock us out into the next day. Even feel off for hrs. Or days.
4. Memories
5 . Balance
6. Foggy head / can think clearly
7. Change in our emotions. Whether it’s post seizure or medication side effect.

Those are things from the top of my head

March 20
MyEpilepsyTeam

How does epilepsy feel for your brain?

Epilepsy affects everyone differently, but it commonly impacts memory, thinking, and emotional well-being. The experience varies based on where seizures occur in your brain and what type you have.

Memory and Cognitive Effects:

Temporal lobe seizures are most closely linked to memory Show Full Answer

How does epilepsy feel for your brain?

Epilepsy affects everyone differently, but it commonly impacts memory, thinking, and emotional well-being. The experience varies based on where seizures occur in your brain and what type you have.

Memory and Cognitive Effects:

Temporal lobe seizures are most closely linked to memory problems because they affect the hippocampus, which creates and stores new memories. You might:

- Forget appointments or medications
- Remember distant events but struggle with recent ones
- Experience difficulties with thinking and reasoning

Any type of seizure can potentially affect memory, though focal seizures that don't involve the hippocampus may have less impact.

During and After Seizures:

The experience varies widely. Some people have violent, thrashing seizures, while others just stare into space. A MyEpilepsyTeam member described their seizures as tensing every muscle and stopping breathing, followed by headaches, nausea, and amnesia upon waking.

Emotional Impact:

Many people experience mental health challenges alongside epilepsy. Depression affects people with epilepsy at higher rates than the general population, and anxiety occurs in about 23% of people with epilepsy compared to 11% generally.

Changes in brain chemistry and the stress of managing an unpredictable condition contribute to these feelings. As one member shared, "No one ever really sees the emotional fallout from seizures."

March 20

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