Hi, I am Evelyn and live in Cornwall.
I have apparently had epilepsy ever since I can remember, as I have always experienced what I can only describe as momentary inside out feelings. I have never lost consciousness or had any other side effects, and came to regard these as simply having a “funny turn”, as they only lasted a few seconds. As they also happened once every month, I assumed that this was a natural part of my aging process. I lived a very productive life and regularly drove as part of my job without incident. Reaching the age of 57 and still having these funny turns every month I decided to ask my GP if and when they were likely to stop.
As a result I was referred to a neurologist for an ambulatory EEG. This result and the following MRI scan confirmed that I had mesial sclerosis temporal lobe epilepsy. I subsequently had my driving licence revoked. However I discovered that I was now entitled to a free bus pass!
Over the last 2 years I have been prescribed 3 AEDs in various combinations; Lamotrigine, Levetiracetam and Zonisamide, but the frequency of my funny turns has gradually increased to at least one a week and now last for about five minutes. I still have no other side effects and simply stop moving and am no longer aware of my surroundings. I also now have no memory that they ever occurred.
Without the support of my husband who loves and cares for me I would be very reluctant to leave home on my own in case I had a funny turn, as I am worried that I would be unable to remain in control, and being unaware of my surroundings, I am concerned about what might happen to me. My friends have also been very supportive and know that if they witness me having a funny turn I simply have to be left alone for the few minutes it takes for the episode to pass and I am back to normal again.
I have now been told that after three unsuccessful attempts at medication the next option is likely to be a surgical procedure.
