If you have to have a side effect from a medication you might as well have a good one! I am happy to report I have experienced just that!
For the first time in 4 years I have been migraine free for one month!!
My neurologist said that migraine prevention or reduction could be a possible side effect of the Levetiracetam. I kept my fingers crossed and hoped that might be the case for me. Even though it’s only one month, for me that is a lot. I’ve had monthly migraines for the past 4 years without fail.
My migraines are classified as menstrual migraines, meaning I get them anywhere from 2 days prior to the onset of my period until two days after it begins (a four day window). I can always tell when I’m about to get one too. I get a stiff sore neck, nausea, and the worst… my sense of taste goes wacky on me and nothing tastes like it should.
My three tonic clonic seizures have all occurred this past year when I developed the migraine at night while sleeping. I’ve suspected that the nocturnal migraines are what trigger the seizures, now I’m not so sure. Although I do still feel there’s some sort of connection, I have learned that the changes in my sense of taste could in reality be a simple partial seizure. The nausea could be an aura of my nocturnal migraine, or it could be an aura to the oncoming tonic clonic. It leaves me scratching my head (and I think my neurologist too) . They do say that migraines & seizures are “cousins.”
Women who experience migraines with auras are at a higher risk of developing seizures/epilepsy. Not all people with epilepsy have migraines and not all people with migraines have seizures, but there is definitely an overlapping.
I also have to report that I am finally feeling like myself again. I had quite a few days there where I went from apathetic to very depressed. I was close to calling my neurologist. I gave it a set number of days and if it didn’t get better I was going to call. Then finally it did get better. I am wondering if the side effects of the Levetiracetam are amplified by hormonal changes? That’s a question I will be asking my neurologist on the 14th of March.
Speaking of which, I am not exactly happy with my neuro or his office at this point in time. We realized after our last visit (David, my hubby always comes with me) that the neuro didn’t give us an exact answer. So last Thursday I called his office and asked a direct question. I was told by his nurse she would find out and call me back if not later that afternoon, then on Friday. Friday came and went with no call. I still haven’t received a call back and it’s Wednesday… nearly a week later. That in itself is frustrating. I’ll probably call Thursday morning since I’d really like to have an answer before I forget that I ever called.
I’ve been busy lately, crocheting like crazy. I’m making lavender awareness ribbons with small crocheted purple Irish roses on them for Global Purple Day 26 March. Lavender is the international color for epilepsy awareness, and purple is the color chosen by Cassidy Megan, the founder of Global Purple Day.
Well it’s late and despite my Levetiracetam insomnia I need to try to get some sleep.
Hugs to all,
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