Temporal lobe seizures are sometimes called focal seizures
Can epilepsy cause personality changes?
Epilepsy can be accompanied by changes in cognition, personality, affect, and other elements of behavior . There is no single epileptic constitution or personality complex. A unifying theme to the behavior in epilepsy is diversity.
Can temporal lobe epilepsy cause changes in personality?
Temporal lobe epilepsy—a common form of epilepsy characterized by seizures that begin in the memory-regulating temporal lobe— does appear to influence personality , though not in the way many may think and certainly not in the way people have believed throughout history.
Can epilepsy medication change your personality?
Possible side effects of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDS) include mood changes, irritability, agitation or depression. However, with some people AEDs can improve their mood. The risk of you having a side effect may be lower than you think.
Can seizures cause multiple personalities?
Two individuals with well-defined seizure problems developed dual personalities . One personality was irritable and hostile, the other placid; in each case, a major seizure preceded the shift from the former to the latter. Each personality was amnesic for the other.
How does a person with epilepsy behave?
Many people who have epilepsy experience dysphoric episodes. These episodes, which can last between a few hours and a few days, consist of depressive moods, irritability, lack of energy, pain, anxiety, insomnia, and euphoric moods .
Is epilepsy a disability?
Epilepsy is one of the conditions listed in the Social Security Administration’s Blue Book, which means that if you meet the requirements in the Blue Book listing for epilepsy you may be able to get disability benefits.
Does epilepsy worsen with age?
Age: Adults over the age of 60 may experience an increased risk for epileptic seizures , as well as related complications. Family history: Epilepsy is often genetic. If you have a family member who experienced epilepsy-related complications, then your own risk may be higher.
Do epileptics need more sleep?
REM sleep is important because it’s when your brain processes your emotions, files your memories and relieves your stress. Non-REM sleep (restorative sleep) is important for restoring normal brain functions. If you have seizures during sleep you will also have less deep non-REM sleep.
What is the root cause of epilepsy?
What causes epilepsy? In general, epilepsy and seizures result from abnormal circuit activity in the brain . Any event ranging from faulty wiring during brain development, brain inflammation, physical injury or infection can lead to seizure and epilepsy.
What is the best medication for temporal lobe epilepsy?
tiagabine (Gabitril) topiramate (Topamax) valproic acid (Depakene Depakene) vigabatrin (Sabril)
Can epilepsy make you aggressive?
It is now believed that most people with epilepsy are no more likely than others to act aggressively . A few do have episodes of aggressive behavior between seizures (interictal aggression). Researchers have proposed that there are syndromes of interictal behavior changes that can occur in people with epilepsy.
Can epilepsy go away?
While many forms of epilepsy require lifelong treatment to control the seizures, for some people the seizures eventually go away . The odds of becoming seizure-free are not as good for adults or for children with severe epilepsy syndromes, but it is possible that seizures may decrease or even stop over time.
Does epilepsy affect memory?
Over time, repeated temporal lobe seizures can cause the part of the brain that’s responsible for learning and memory (hippocampus) to shrink. Brain cell loss in this area may cause memory problems.
Can epilepsy cause mental health problems?
Between 30 and 50 percent of children with epilepsy will develop a behavioral or mental health problem. The types of behavioral problems associated with epilepsy include attention deficit, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, aggression, and autism spectrum disorder.
