Hiya,
I have temporal lobe epilepsy and have simple partial seizures. I've been having them for 3 years now in clusters. I went to the doctors back in 2011 and was misdiagnosed with anxiety disorder because just before a seizure I feel an intense flash of fear (aura). I now know that it is actually epilepsy but I haven't been back to the doctors as I am worried about several things. The first thing is medication.
I have heard terrible things about epilepsy meds! Horrible side effects like suicidal thoughts, mental impairment, weight gain, personality changes, anxiety, depression etc. I really do not want these side effects and am so scared of going to the doctors and being put on these tablets.
Has anyone got any experience of a medication with low side effects or does it depend on the person? Or is there any natural medication or diet? What would happen if I left it untreated? To be honest my seizures are clustered and no not cause me a great deal of stress although I have read that the seizures can damage brain cells and make you stupid?! Is that true? I understand that It is unsafe to drive but luckily as I am in university I cannot drive for another 4 years anyway.
Thankyou