@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member
I suffered severe meconium aspiration syndrome at birth too where I inhaled meconium and stopped breathing. I was life flighted in a helicopter to a different hospital. The lack of oxygen suffocated my brain cells and killed them which caused me to later have epilepsy. I started having uncontrollable seizures when I was 10 years old and I continue to have epilepsy in my 40’s
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A MyEpile...
October 3 (edited)
That sounds like quite a journey — navigating a complex medical history from birth through the teenage years is a lot to carry, and it's great to hear the seizures are well-controlled on Lamotrigine.
While the specific combination described isn't something covered in the available resources here, there are some relevant Show Full Answer
That sounds like quite a journey — navigating a complex medical history from birth through the teenage years is a lot to carry, and it's great to hear the seizures are well-controlled on Lamotrigine.
While the specific combination described isn't something covered in the available resources here, there are some relevant points worth knowing about nocturnal tonic-clonic seizures starting in the teenage years. Tonic-clonic seizures that begin around age 13 are not uncommon, and when epilepsy starts after age 12, it is generally considered less likely to go into full remission on its own — meaning ongoing medication management, like Lamotrigine, is typically the right approach.
The ADHD diagnosis alongside epilepsy is also something many in the epilepsy community experience. Attention and concentration difficulties are recognized as something that can go hand-in-hand with seizure activity.
A few things that are known to trigger tonic-clonic seizures and are worth being mindful of:
- Lack of sleep
- Stress or anxiety
- Alcohol
- Flashing or flickering lights (in those who are photosensitive)
Staying consistent with medication and keeping a regular sleep schedule can make a real difference in seizure control. Connecting with a neurologist regularly is always a good idea, especially if anything changes.
October 3