comorbidities
Comorbidities are medical conditions that coexist alongside a primary diagnosis.
migraines & More
Frequently those of us who live with epilepsy find that epilepsy is not the only medical condition we have to face. For example, migraines are twice as prevalent in people with epilepsy compared to the general population. And although the connection between epilepsy and migraines isn’t entirely understood, both conditions involve abnormal brain activity and originate in a similar part of the brain.
For many, managing migraines become just another part of navigating life with epilepsy.
But migraines are just one of many coexisting conditions that can accompany epilepsy, some of the others can include:
Depression and Anxiety: Mental health struggles are common, often related to the unpredictability of seizures and the impact they can have on daily life. Living with epilepsy can increase the risk of both depression and anxiety disorders.
Cognitive Difficulties: Memory problems, attention deficits, and other cognitive challenges frequently occur, either as a result of the seizures themselves or as a side effect of the medications used to control them.
Sleep Disorders: Conditions like insomnia or sleep apnea are more frequently found in people with epilepsy. Disrupted sleep can increase the risk of seizures, making sleep health a critical aspect of managing epilepsy.
Bone Health Issues: Long-term use of certain anti-seizure medications can lead to bone density loss, increasing the risk of fractures or osteoporosis.
Digestive Disorders: Some people also experience gastrointestinal issues, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), possibly due to the neurological connections between the brain and gut.
Heart and Vascular Health: Epilepsy has been linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, further emphasizing the need for comprehensive medical care.
Epilepsy is an incredibly complex condition and it rarely exists in isolation. For those of us who live with it, managing these coexisting conditions is just as important as controlling seizures.
By recognizing and addressing the full spectrum of health concerns, we can improve not only seizure management but overall quality of life.
anxiety & Psychogenic Non-Epileptic seizures (PNES)
Living with epilepsy often means navigating a world of uncertainties. The unpredictability of when and where a seizure might occur can be overwhelming. For many, including myself, this constant fear evolves into a significant source of anxiety.
In my early years, the terror of possibly experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure at any moment was a weight too heavy to bear. This persistent dread led to the development of an untreated panic disorder that lingered for years. The intertwining of epilepsy and anxiety became a challenging cycle, each feeding into the other.
It wasn't until my late twenties that I found a turning point. Enrolling in an outpatient treatment program introduced me to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Through CBT, I gained invaluable tools to manage my anxiety, learning to recognize and challenge the thought patterns that fueled my fears.
During this journey, I also discovered that some of my seizures were actually non-epileptic seizures (NES). This revelation was both startling and enlightening. I had the privilege of working with Dr. Curt LaFrance, a neuropsychiatrist at the forefront of treating NES. Participating in his clinical trial was life-changing, offering new strategies and hope.
Sharing this experience is important to me because I know firsthand how isolating these challenges can feel. Anxiety is a common comorbidity with epilepsy, but it's often overlooked or left untreated. If you're grappling with similar fears or have questions about NES, know that you're not alone. There are resources and professionals dedicated to helping.