Thurs 5/17/12 - Breck has insurance!

Thurs 5/17/12 - Breck has insurance!

Yea! Good news... no seizures today and received notice in the mail that Breck has insurance until January! Let the testing begin...

I have a call into the person who helped us get this insurance as she has a neurologist that she really likes. And she recommended that we also see an endocrinologist. I look forward to more options and seeing if we can get these seizures controlled.

Prayers are always welcome.
Smiles
Sean A'lee

Wed 5/16/12 - 5:30 am seizure

Wed 5/16/12 - 5:30 am seizure

I was surprised to wake early to Breck having a seizure. I really figured that while on her menstrual cycle we were in the clear. I was wrong... bummer for us. But I know we won't be able to always predict them so I will just continue to document them.

She was on her stomach with her face turned to the left. I heard the swallowing / clicking noise and noticed a lot of saliva. Of course her eyes were open and fixed as well. Her head was also raised up a bit from the pillow and her body was completely stiff. It took at least a minute before she took in a deep breath and relaxed. Once she relaxed she went right back to sleep.

Her alarm went off at 5:45 (yes... only 15 minutes later!) and I noticed as she woke up and looked surprised to see her pillowcase wet. She shook her head and got out of bed. It still surprised me to think that she had no recall or memory of her seizure just 15 minutes prior. Without that wet mark or me witnessing the seizure - she would have no idea she even had one.

It makes me a little sad to think of how long she could have been having seizures in her sleep and we never knew it. But -- again, I know I can't dwell in that place - so I turn my focus on the fact that now we know... and now she IS with someone at night while sleeping --- she has been watched over by more than we know I am sure. Do you believe in angels? I do.

She had a great day at school. Has only one final to study for anymore and so the pressure is not as intense. She had plenty of energy and felt good all day. That is a huge blessing in itself.
Smiles
Sean A'lee

Tues 5/15/12 - No news is good news

Tues 5/15/12 - No news is good news

So --- we are again on a nice seizure free stretch. I am finally beginning to sleep again. Today would be day 5 of no seizures. It also follows her pattern of her menstrual cycle as it started on Sunday May 13... the only odd thing is it had only been 16 days from the previous one.
Because this cycle has been quite heavy she has experienced extreme tiredness. Today at school she actually ended up in the nurses office. The nurse called me concerned that she might be about to have a seizure. She described Breck as extremely pale. Her lips white. Breck didn't have a seizure but couldn't keep her eyes open and said that in 5th hour she could hardly even hold her pencil... she was shaky and just so tired. She slept in the nurses office until I arrived and slept all the way home.
I made dinner right away and since then she has been able to work on homework, but still says she could just go to bed.
Oh... I also asked the nurse to take her blood pressure - It was 100 over 50. The school nurse told me that was fine for someone who is laying down. I was glad she checked - just in case.
Aside from this - we have nothing new to report. :)
smiles
Sean A'lee

Sat 5/12/12 - Happy Mothers Day

Quiet couple of days
Sure appreciate these small reprieves from Seizures. Thurs and Friday night were seizure free. Maybe Sleeping all day Thursday helped. I sure hope so. She is doing fine today - but feeling the pressure of the last couple weeks of school... study, study, study.
She worked at the ranch this morning for a couple of hours and then spent the rest of the day studying for her government class. It is her hardest class and we ALL can't wait for it to be over.
Now we are off to a wedding reception and looking forward to a restful Mother's day weekend. I can honestly say I feel like such a privileged mom to have such a daughter as Breck. She is such an example to me... if only I could be more like her. :)
President Packer's statement is so true... from this last April General Conference:
"One of the great discoveries of parenthood is that we learn far more about what really matters from our children than we ever did from our parents."
Happy Mother's day to all
Smiles
Sean A'lee

Thurs 5/10/12 - Breck's Post

Thurs 5/10/12 - Breck's Post

Hey everyone, this is Breck again. Oh I would just like to include how I've felt these past few days. I really don't know what to say except that I cannot wait to graduate. I can't wait to see doctors. I can't wait to figure these seizures out, and can't wait to hopefully someday be able to drive.

Hopefully I'll only be 19 by then and not any older than 21, getting a driver's license...
I of course didn't see these two seizures I had last night in my sleep; I wouldn't even know I had them if it weren't for sleeping with my mom. She's the only one who tells me how many I have the night before.

I also don't really remember some things about the seizures I have in class. Like the one I had yesterday in my first hour. I do remember feeling the seizure coming and wondering if it actually was a seizure, deciding to just stay there in class...but then just seeing my teacher out of nowhere in front of me and noticing my spot of drool on my leg. I still don't know how many people may have seen it. I just stayed there in class until he finished the lesson for the day and wiped the drool I felt all over my chin...oh so embarrassing.

My teacher followed me outside, just before I would be on my way to the nurse's office. I do remember him talking to me right there...but now I don't even remember what he said. I also remember calling my mom on my way to the nurse's office, but now I don't even remember what I was saying to her on the phone. I was making sense for once...but I still am not even able to remember what I was saying. I just remember wondering at the time in my head if I was making sense; she says I was, and I even remember understanding at the time what my teacher and her and the nurse said...but now I can't remember what any of them said.

My memories of these experiences change. Oh it's just so crazy how many seizures I have.
I just...I want to thank you all as well for the comments and for all your prayers. I do know I wouldn't be able to get through these experiences without the strength which comes from these prayers and God's love. I pray you all have the blessings which would come with praying for me. I thank you all again. I just need to graduate...and then hopefully I’ll figure these seizures out. I do know they don't come without a great reason from my Father in Heaven.

Thurs 5/10/12 - 5 am seizure

Thurs 5/10/12 - 5 am seizure

2nd Seizure in her sleep. Woke again to the clicking noise and lots of saliva at 5am. Very typical seizure lasting only a minute. But she is really tired.

Needless to say --- I am making a "mom's" decision and she will be staying home today from school. Even that is a hard decision as I don't feel comfortable leaving her home alone. And unfortunately we have a group of 36 ASU Junior High kids at the ranch. With 3 kayak trips and 3 horseback riding trips that we have to transport - I am not able to stay home. So we call in the family forces and Izaak will be here with Breck today.

I do feel fortunate that we live onsite so that I can run home if needed. Hopefully she will get some good sleep and we can get her body to calm down.

Monday will be my next day off and we will continue the Insurance process --- goal is to get her to a doctor.

And with all that - I read a great quote someone posted on facebook ..

"If you want a rainbow you gotta put up with the rain" - Dolly Parton

So true --- I know growth and learning comes thru the hardest of times - And I know we are not alone. I am thankful for the love I feel from my Savior and my family. We are blessed in so many ways. Focusing my thoughts in this direction helps me to move forward and know that it will be alright and that someday --- the Bevell family will be REALLY SMART! lol

Smiles
Sean A'lee

Thurs 5/10/12 - 1:30am seizure

Thurs 5/10/12 - 1:30am seizure

I called for John to help with this one. I woke up to Breck gagging --- she was on her back and I could see her choking on her tongue. (I have not seen this before) Eyes open, body stiff, right arm above her head and laying on her back. I got her rolled over as John came into help. He whispered in her ear and stroked her head. Luckily she took a deep breath. Once she came to, she sat up and coughed and then rolled onto her stomach to go back to sleep.

I was relieved it ended easily. I was concerned this one would progress into more. We are always prepared to administer a blessing and her emergency meds if needed.

Smiles
Sean A'lee

Wed 5/9/12 - 9:15 am seizure

Wed 5/9/12 - 9:15 am seizure

Breck called me shortly after dropping her off at school. She had a seizure in her first hour class. She only remembers feeling "strange" and wondering if she would have time to leave the room. Instead she stayed in her chair. Next thing she realizes the teacher is in front of her and her pant leg has a big spot of drool. She then headed to the nurse.

When she called we talked about me picking her up but decided this might be a good day to see if she could make it thru school. She kept me updated throughout the day so I could continue at work.

Then in sixth hour she felt "strange" but after talking to her we don't believe she had an actual seizure --- but they were watching a video in the dark and she left the room as soon as she felt weird. Once outside in the light she felt better.

This evening she was able to work on homework and even head with me to my mothers to wish her a "happy birthday" and have a piece of cake. She also needed to finish the video that they watched in class and it wouldn't work on our internet here at the ranch. So she is caught up for her 6th hour class for tomorrow. Yeah!

That is all for tonight... It is late and I am super tired. Love and smiles to all
Sean A'lee

Wed 5/9/12 - 6am seizure

Wed 5/9/12 - 6am seizure

I woke up several times thru the night with a feeling to check Breck. Each time she was fine. Once her alarm went off at 5:45am I thought we were home free. Then I woke up at 6am with her right arm stiff - bent at the elbow and holding her phone. Again - her eyes were locked and eyelids fluttering, lots of saliva. I rolled her over to her side and talked to her. Telling her "it is ok... just breathe"... Seconds can seem like a really long time, but in reality it lasted for less than a minute and she took a deep breath and laid back.

After about 5 minutes she got out of bed... still a little unsteady -- but was determined to get ready for school. By the time we left for school... she was fully coherent and said she felt fine....

What a trooper.
Smiles
Sean A'lee

Tues 5/8/12 - 1:30 am Seizure

Tues 5/8/12 - 1:30 am Seizure

Hopefully we are winding down again. Breck had a seizure at 1:30 am this morning but felt good enough to go to school. She had a great day -- even got an 87% on a very hard government test. And no seizures throughout the day. Yeah!

We also met with the counselor and a few of her teachers to set up what is called a 504. This is similar to what they call an IEP for kids who need extra help with classes. This one sets options, or allowances for her medical condition. The other great thing about this 504 is that it will carry over to college. That is why we are writing it up even tho there are only 2 weeks left of school. In fact the teachers have been so willing and cooperative.

Some of their suggestions of things Breck needed was:
extra time to complete assignments
Contact info for the professor during off hours - to discuss things she may have missed or even just to ask questions about the work.
Online schedule or calendar of work in case she misses a class.
They all said they are amazed at how well she applies herself and that she is always proactive at getting her missed work and completing it. She often will email her teachers when she isn't feeling well or has missed a day.

I love this about her. She showed this in her work today too. She had missed school Friday and Monday (yesterday) so in English she asked the teacher what she missed. The teacher said they had just been watching a movie and that the written assignment was for extra credit only. Well Breck has an A in the class and doesn't need any extra credit, so she asked if she could go to the Library to work on her other work.

Then in 5th hour - she was free so she went to make up a test and finished early - so again she went to the library to work on her homework.
Her efforts show and the teachers know that she doesn't use her seizures to not complete work... but that sometimes she does need a little extra time to finish them if she hasn't felt good.

So proud of my girl! What an example she is to me.
Love and Smiles
Sean A'lee

Mon 5/7/12 - 1:15pm Seizure

Mon 5/7/12 - 1:15pm Seizure

I am so glad I am at home today. Breck went to lay down about 12pm to nap. And again - I was in the office - working on her insurance "todo" list - when I heard her coughing... I went to check on her and she was sleeping. I nudged her to make sure she was ok and sure enough - another large wet spot on her pillow (about the size of a large orange this time).

I asked her if she was ok... she was groggy and just shook her head and said "I don't know". I asked if she knew where she was? She just shook her head - which tells me that she doesn't understand what I am saying.

She then rolled over and went back to sleep.

I really need a good baby monitor. I can't wait till we get her to a doctor again. There has got to be options for when she is sleeping.

Well I have to get back to figuring out her insurance. Those details will have to be for another time.
We are fine --- she is resting again.
Smiles
Sean A'lee

Mon 5/7/12 - 1am Seizure

Mon 5/7/12 - 1am Seizure

So --- I didn't actually see this one. I was in the office working on Breck's graduation announcements. She had actually gone to bed around 10pm after coming home from a Sunday Institute Fireside. And we didn't notice any seizures during the day on Sunday.

But -- when I checked on her about 1:30 am - her pillowcase was drenched. about the size of a medium watermelon... so we knew she had a seizure. I didn't wake her -- and I didn't wake to anymore in the night.

She stayed home from school as she felt very sluggish and tired.
We are on another stretch ---
Smiles
Sean A'lee

Sun 5/6/12 - 3am Seizure

Sun 5/6/12 - 3am Seizure

Posted May 6, 2012 11:14pm

Breck had gone 7 days without any seizures and so I was not surprised to wake up to a seizure early this morning. It was a very typical one --- She was on her stomach with her head turned to the right. Her eyes were open and fixed. Lips smacking and lots of saliva. It was very short and then she went right back to sleep.

After she was awake and ready for church, I asked her if she remembered having a seizure. She said no --- not at all --- but she believed me because she said she felt strange all morning.

The only other side effects that we could see today is that she was super tired. But -- we didn't see anymore visible signs of seizures. Luckily she was able to take a nap and seemed fine late this afternoon.

We are hoping for a good nights sleep tonight. All in all - we are doing fine.

smiles
Sean A'lee

Sun 5/6/12 - Learned something new - Types of Seizures

Sun 5/6/12 - Learned something new

After a long day at work and shopping yesterday with my mom I came home to a quiet house and welcomed some study / research time. I found some great information:

Partial Seizures

Partial seizures are further divided into simple partial seizures with no alteration of consciousness or memory, or complex partial seizures with alteration of consciousness or memory.

Simple partial seizures can be motor seizures with twitching, abnormal sensations, abnormal visions, sounds or smells, and distortions of perception. Seizure activity can spread to the autonomic nervous system, resulting in flushing, tingling, or nausea. All such simple partial seizures will be in clear consciousness and with full recall on the part of the patient. (I don't recall Breck having any memory with her seizures... or we just have been completely unaware. I would think these would be very hard to pinpoint or even recognize as a seizure.)

If the patient becomes confused or cannot remember what is happening during the seizure, then the seizure is classified as a complex partial seizure. (Breck doesn't remember what is happening... so we can say that most of hers are Complex Partial Seizures)

Complex Partial Seizures

...Complex partial seizures may have an aura, which is a warning for the seizure, typically a familiar feeling (deja vu), nau-sea, heat or tingling, or distortion of sensory perceptions.

About half of the patients do not have any remembered aura. (Breck does have this warning or aura... to which I am very grateful) During the complex partial seizure patients may fumble or perform automatic fragments of activity such as lip smacking, picking at their clothes, walking around aimlessly, or saying nonsense phrases over and over again. These purposeless activities are called automatisms. About 75% of people with complex partial seizures have automatisms. Those who do not simply stop, stare and blank out for a few seconds to minutes.

(Learned something new!... What we were calling a "Grand Mal" are now call Generalized tonic-clonic seizures. But there are 2 classifications of these tonic-clonic seizures... These seizures start with sudden loss of consciousness and tonic activity (stiffening) followed by clonic activity (rhythmic jerking) of the limbs. The other is called Secondary tonic - clonic seizures... which starts after or during a Partial complex seizure. (This is what Breck has --- they start as the partial and then progress into a Secondary tonic-clonic seizure.)

Secondarily Generalized Seizures

Seizures that begin focally can spread to the entire brain, in which case a tonic-clonic seizure ensues. It is important, however, to distinguish those that are true grand mal, generalized from the start, from those that start focally and secondarily generalize. Secondarily generalized seizures arise from a part of the brain that is focally abnormal. Drugs used to treat primarily and secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures are different.

(Good news???)

Patients with secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures may be candidates for curative epilepsy surgery...; whereas, primarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures are not surgical candidates, because there is no seizure origin site (focus) to remove. Seizure surgery is discussed below.

Other types (not witnessed in Breck)

Atonic Seizures (drop attacks - such as suddenly falling down)

Myoclonic Seizures (brief un-sustained jerk - not repeating--)

Tonic Seizures (stiffing of arms and legs --- but no jerking)

Mixed Seizure Types (BRECKY!!)

Patients can have more than one seizure type. One seizure type may progress into another as the electrical activity spreads throughout the brain. A typical progression is from a simple partial seizure, to a complex partial seizure (when the patient becomes confused), to a secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizure (when the electrical activity has spread throughout the entire brain). The brain has control mechanisms to keep seizures localized. Anti-epileptic medications enhance the ability of the brain to limit spread of a seizure.

(This may account for why while on Keppra Breck still felt the aura and tremors but it didn't seem to progress into a more severe seizure.. but she was still having the partial loss of consciousness. For example - she could take notes / copy things from a white board and have no memory of ever writing, seeing or hearing the teacher talk about what was being written.) School was really hard during her Junior Year. Breck thought she was just going crazy or making things up... or even that she was causing these feelings.

Well that is enough learning for one day... I am so glad I have found this resource which explains things in a way that I can understand. I feel like I am on a great learning curve.

Information is taken from a free download on my.epilepsy.com

OVERVIEW OF EPILEPSY

Robert Fisher, M.D., Ph.D.,

Maslah Saul MD Professor,

Stanford Neurology

Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Room A343

300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-5235

copyright 1997, 2006, 2010

I hope that these posts not only help Breck and our family, but maybe others who are having to also figure things out.

With all of this - again I want to say that our days are more happy than not. When it is bad - we feel the fear, pain and frustration... but when she is doing good -- she lives life just as full as anyone else. We as her parents are committed to this --- And she is very well balanced.

We spend a lot of time talking about how the lessons she is learning today will only help her later in life. It took me years to learn (and I am still learning) my limits on sleep, over extending myself, letting things go, not stressing over what I can't control, and healthy eating (still working on this!!!)... She will be an incredible wife and mother someday!

... ok... seeing that it is 1am, and I worked 10 hours, pushed myself to go shopping and ate at PF changs... maybe I am still learning all the lessons my daughter is having to figure out... lol!!)

smiles

Sean A'lee

Fri 5/4/12 --- Breck's Senior Concert - 6 days Seizure Free

Fri 5/4/12 --- 6 days Seizure Free

Not much to update tonight... other than Breck is doing good and this is day 6 of no seizures... Nice!

And - she did well even with the stress of a Choir concert where she conducted a song that she had rearranged and taught the choir with the help of her Teacher Mr J. He had actually surprised her by working on it in his "spare" time. This song has meant so much to her.  It is by April Mesvery and is called Marks of My Path.  I have included the words at the end of the post.    I know she was nervous but she did great!  

Also --- side note - Breck was given a special award by Mr J because of how Breck handles this adversity / epilepsy on a daily basis.  She is a great example to all those around her as she remains positive and continues forward with her goals in the midst of this trial.  It was a very touching evening

We did get home really late after the concert and so she slept in and did homework instead of going to school. I knew she was pushing it on the sleep end. She did ok today tho.

Smiles

Sean A'lee

Marks of My Path - by April Meservy
Mountain Silent Companion - Holder of Life - Whisper to me
Trees call over your windfall - talk to me of the things that I need

I WANNA be 

Strong like the branches 
that taught me to weather the storms and the wind and the heat
Deep like the river 
that carries me forward that taught me to swim and to breathe.
I wanna be soft like leaves

This canyon - old as an ocean - carries the wisdom the years tend to bring
It echos time past of changing- but for some reason its comfort to me







I WANNA be 
Strong like the hillside 
that taught me the brilliance of life and to learn how to be
Deep like the valley 
that showed me the power of getting back down on my knees
How to be soft like leaves

And all that I see speaks of the One who has brought them to me
All of these places are marks of my path - His footprints speaking to me




GONNA be: 

Strong like the branches
that taught me to weather the storms and the wind and the heat
Deep like the river 
that carries me forward that taught me to swim and to breathe
Strong like the hillside
that taught me the brilliance of life and to learn how to be
Deep like the valley 
that showed me the power of getting back down on my knees
Teach me to be --- soft like leaves.

Wed 5/2/12 - Regions of the Brain - www.my.epilepsy.com

Wed 5/2/12 - Regions of the Brain - www.my.epilepsy.com

Happy to report 4 days seizure free. It is amazing to me to think that just last week we were dealing with so many. It seems like such a long time ago. I believe it is my brains safety mechanism to just move forward.

I have found my favorite site for information on Epilepsy. I can't believe how many times I have gone "google"ing... only to be frustrated with what I find. Most of it is negative or so "medical" in terminology that my brain spends most of the time trying to figure out what it is really saying.

http://www.epilepsy.com/

This site is very informative with short sections. Here is a photo from the pdf booklet they offered...

It shows the regions of the brain and correlates where the seizures occur and what behaviors are effected. Most of Breck's "side - effects" or "seizures" are directly related "memory, talking, hearing, comprehension and tongue" 

Here is an excerpt from the article explaining the photo of the "Regions of the Brain" 

OVERVIEW OF EPILEPSY

Robert Fisher, M.D., Ph.D.,

Maslah Saul MD Professor,

Stanford Neurology

Definition of Epilepsy....

...the type of seizure depends upon several factors. One of the most important factors is where in the brain the abnormal electrical discharge occurs. Figure 1 shows the four lobes of the brain (frontal, temporal, parietal and occi-pital) and where key regions of the brain are located. Strength and sensation are laid out along the border of the frontal and parietal lobes, with strength more toward the front (frontal) and skin sensation more toward the back (parietal) of the strip.

Moving laterally and down the brain are control areas for trunk, arm, hand, fingers, face, lips, and tongue, with tongue most laterally and inferiorly on the motor strip. The progression of electrical activity during a seizure can march through this area activating each muscle group in sequence over seconds to minutes. A talking center, called Broca‟s area, is located in the left frontal lobe in front of the motor strip, and a speech comprehension area called Wernicke‟s area in the left temporal-parietal region for most right-handers. Speech centers may be on the right or both sides for left-handers. Visual perception is governed from the posterior poles of the occipital lobes. In general, brain functions are crossed: the left side of the brain rece-ives information from, and gives information to, the right side of the body, and vice versa.

As Breck and I continue learning we will both be more prepared for the next doctor to help them diagnose her. I believe it will help with knowing what questions we need to be asking and what information we need to be providing. It truly is a journey and we have much to learn.

Smiles

Sean A'lee

Tues 5/1/12 - Epilepsy & Hormones

Tues 5/1/12 - Epilepsy & Hormones

Nice to have these little reprieves. Once again Breck has had no seizures last night in her sleep or throughout today at school or at home. She is looking and feeling good.

Her menstrual cycle seems to have stopped having lasted barely 4 days. Very short and light. Not sure how this will play out next month... hmmm..

I found the following article from this website interesting:

http://www.webmd.com/epilepsy/guide/your-changing-hormones

And I will preface this with the fact that one test we ran twice in 3 months is a saliva test for hormones and Breck's hormones were all over the place - and actually she was ovulating more than once and on both tests had dropped 2 eggs... Of course she was happy thinking she could have twins some day. lol enjoy...

Smiles

Sean A'lee

Epilepsy and Your Changing Hormones

Women with epilepsy face different issues than do men with epilepsy. For some women, the pattern of epileptic seizures is directly affected by the normal hormonal cycles they experience throughout their lives.

Two primary sex hormones flow through women's bodies. One is estrogen and the other is progesterone. Most of the time, your body has about the same amount of each.

What does that have to do with epilepsy? Doctors have learned that both of these hormones interact with brain cells. Estrogen is an "excitatory" hormone, which means that it makes brain cells give off more of an electrical discharge. Progesterone, on the other hand, is an "inhibitory" hormone, which means that it calms those cells down.

When the body is making more estrogen than progesterone, it can make the nervous system "excitable." In other words, you could be at greater risk for seizures. The hormones aren't actually causing the seizures, but they can influence when they happen.

Some women with epilepsy have more seizures at times when their hormones are changing. For example, some young women have their first seizures at puberty. Other women have more seizures around the time of their menstrual periods. This doesn't happen to all women, so doctors are still learning about how hormones and epilepsy interact.

Epilepsy and Your Menstrual Period

Some women have a form of epilepsy called catamenial epilepsy. This refers to seizures that are affected by a woman's menstrual cycle. Doctors aren't completely sure how many women with epilepsy have this, but they think it's about 10% to 12%.

The exact cause of these seizures is unknown. However, some women have most of their seizures when there is a lot of estrogen in their body, such as during ovulation. Other women have seizures when progesterone levels tend to drop, such as right before or during their period.

If you have seizures that start around the last half of your menstrual cycle and continue through the whole second half of your cycle, then you might have another type of catamenial epilepsy. This is when a woman has menstrual cycles that do not release an egg. These are called "anovulatory" cycles.

Women with epilepsy have more anovulatory cycles than other women do. Some doctors think that as many as 40% of menstrual cycles in women with epilepsy do not release an egg. It depends on the woman, and it is not always the same every month. Some months a woman will release an egg, and some months she will not. In general, though, women with epilepsy do not ovulate as regularly as women without epilepsy.

Why is that? Doctors do not know for certain. But, some seizures start in the temporal lobes of the brain. This is an area that is very closely connected to the areas regulating hormones. Women who have seizures that start in the temporal lobes may have their hormone production affected by their seizures.

If you can identify the role hormones play in your seizure patterns, it can help with your treatment. Try keeping a calendar of your menstrual cycle, and the days that you have seizures. Include notes about other factors that might be important, such as missed medication, sleep loss, stress, or illness. By sharing these records with your doctor, you can work together to manage your epilepsy more effectively.