Epilepsy

[Cocoa08]

My little guy (8 yrs.) has had epilepsy since birth (both parents had epilepsy; deceased now) and I seem to be finding that when the barometric pressure changes rapidly he has a seizure. I need to know if this is possible. I have noted other triggers such as food and stress, but have just recently made the correlation between the barometric pressure and his seizures because we have been experiencing rapid changes in weather. Please, tell me if this is possible or I am imagining this.

[Maraika]

To answer your question - absolutely. You are not imagining. Do you have a daily Diary for him? This way you can often see what his triggers are. There are a lot of Triggers which are common to most people who suffer from Epilepsy but we are all individuals.For some people their trigger may be a nasty odour or a smell of perfume.And it has been known that tooth brushing may also bring on a seizure, rare but true. Maraika

[Cocoa08]

Thank you so much for your reply. I am relieved that I was not imagining the correlation. Yes I have kept a diary for as long as he has lived with me and that is why I thought there was a relationship between the barometric pressure and his seizures. I have also noted a relationship between certain foods, specific stressors, and now the weather. Somtimes I wonder if I will ever determine all of his triggers. As I discover more of his triggers I discuss them with his Dr. and we then determine the best way of managing the trigger. However, we cannot control the barometric pressure so that is one that God will have to look after and I'll just keep hoping that the changes in pressure are not too rapid or frequent. That you once again for your input and reassurance, I greatly appreciate it. Cocoa08

[rjgarfield]

Over the last fifteen years, I have noticed and increase in frequency and duration of seizures when the atmospheric pressure changes rapidly. These times I am more likely to have cluster seizures and/or status epilepticus. We (my husband and I) attempt to control circumstances in my environment that also seem to trigger seizures when there is a noted change in pressure. We keep lighting low, sounds low, and read instead of watching TV or videos. I also generally stay in the house during these periods to limit exposure to other triggers because I am so sensitive and have had multiple episodes of status. Try to keep track of these episodes and give them to the doctor as this is a newer area of research in the epileptic neurological field. rjgarfield

[Maraika]

We have collected a List of Triggers, short list is posted on my website, and the longer list am happy to send you if you like. My email add. is [moderator note: e-mail address has been removed] and I will give you my website address when replying. Maybe there are some other things of interest on our site for you or you may like to ask us some more questions. My son has Epilepsy, and my associate has, along with some of her family members. Regards Maraika