Leigh's Epilepsy Story: Memory Loss and Brain Surgery

"Who are you? Why are you looking at me? Stop staring at me! Go away!" That type of nervous reaction can occur after awaking from a nocturnal seizure, causing severe memory loss. This is what Leigh experienced multiple times during her college years, resulting in her need to undergo brain surgery. From this experience, Leigh has learned to look at each day as a new adventure and tries to do what she can to inform others about how to assist those with epilepsy.

*Since this video was made, Leigh has graduated with a Master's degree in Social Work and now works for the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago. *

[stevenharris]

I share your have epilepsy, since age 22. My seizures became bad and very common while in Medical School, and I had parietal/occpital lobe surgery at age 27. The surgery stopped the seizures for 1 year, but they slowly returned after the next 20 years. At that point, I had to retire from a very successful Internal Medicine practice which I started. The largest problem with my seizure disorder is the severe memory loss. I'm 64 now, and my memory is slowly dissipating. I do everything I can do to keep it stable, and I am convinced that I am helping to decrease the speed of the memory loss. Excersice helps a keeps the blood flowing to the brain at a good pace....this helps cells stay alive and active. Also reading and learning help. Keep a good diary, sleep good, and try to decrease anxiety in your life. Good luck to all!!

[xawaomar]

If I could talk to this girl, I'd have so many questions to ask.

[Nyck]

I liked your testimony and how strong you are. I imagine how difficult should be dealing with a lot of seizures every day.
I also very the petimaul and it bothers me. I imagine how you suffered in the past.

[ganrimmonim]

Wow I have epilepsy and regularly wake up not knowing where I am or when it is, I tend to re-set to 2010 when I had my first major seizure. And I have failed to recognise close friends and family but have, so far always known who I am. Thank you for sharing.

[Hannah-zmvc]

I am proud of you. I had no idea there support system and I felt I was the only one who had it seizures. I was alone for so long many years and another nuerologist told me to join a group. I am joining asap.

[wokenupdeago]

I'm scared but glad I'm not alone.I'm in my mid 30s and because of the severity and lengths of some of my seizures I have a hard time remembering what I done a week ago or even yesterday..it seems in time that as years go on I totally forget people places etc..all I can do besides the meds is 🙏 to the Lord above to watch over Me and help me think positive.

[marty]

I'm wondering if there are any medications you can take. 1 seizure a month sure is better tha every day, but I would think when you do that, the result should be no more seizures or at least almost no more. I'm on medication  and the only time I have seizures is if I forget my medication.

[marktt]

what did the surgery involve....exactly WHAT was done? i am really trying to understand treatments for epilepsy.