'Jacksonian seizures'

Hi Uhara,

I just joined the forum.

I have Jacksonian March seizures. They have only really come to greater recognition within the last five years or so.

Jacksonian March seizures start with convulsing in one part of the body, gradually progressing, or "marching" throughout the rest of the body. Consciousness is not lost until they get really bad, which is confusing to doctors and EMS workers who may assume you are faking or mentally ill because you still have a certain level of communication and awareness (although progressively diminishing)until it plays itself out.

Not fun. As I was in the process of losing consciousness I've heard panicked EMS workers say some of the dumbest things to each other as my breathing was arrested and blood pressure plummeted. "OH MY GOD!!! IS SHE GONNA DIE???"

Makes you wish you were already unconscious.

"You can't be having a seizure if you can respond to me."
The assumption was that I had to be on illegal drugs.

I have eleven different seizure types. One of the types I dread the most is Jacksonian (named for a Dr. Jackson who identified them).
It is a prolonged agony.

Oya

Uhura
This is my first time on this site and am very glad to have found it. I have just been clinically diagnosed with "Jacksonian Seizures". I have many sypmtoms, which have changed over time. Maybe someone can tell me more also, but here is what happend the first time. My head whirled, left hand dropped from steering wheel, hand clenched and felt pulling and crawling feeling go up to my elbow. Left shoulder shook as did the rest of my left side. My eyes seemed to have crossed for a moment. Felt really lightheaded and when walking, felt like my feet weren't touching the ground.
Since the first attack, my symptoms have gotten much worse and doctors are having a hard time with it. I will have the numbness start at the top of the left side of my head and march down the whole left side of my body. My left side will get heavy feeling and my functions like speaking, eyes blinking, and movements will slow down to almost a stop. I will go into somewhat of a trace and stare in space. left side of face will droop. I can see and hear, but can only mumble a response. My eyes will glaze over. Will have tingly sensations on left side etc.. Sorry this is so long. This has progessed even futher to my right side. I am very confused also. My eyes will now roll into my head.
I have had as many as 18 per day some lasting as long as ten minutes or so. Get very tired afterwards for a couple of hours.
All my tests came back negative, but I'm taking Tegretol, and Gabapentin. Seems to be helping somewhat.