Epilepsy and déjà vu

[ameliarose2012]

Has anyone had déjà vu when pg? I've been having 'episodes' that feel sort of like this, but much stronger and they leave me feeling quite disorientated and sick for a few minutes.

I am epileptic, but fully controlled. During my last pregnancy I didn't have any problems whatsoever. I have only had 1 appointment with a consultant, who was so
unhelpful I put in to be transferred to a different
hospital! Have not had an
appointment through for new one yet. So no one to ask!


Can anyone help with experience of this. Is it likely to be the epilepsy, or just the pregnancy?

[Number3cometome]

Hi there, your text on the post has not come out properly - can you re-type? x

[PacificDogwood]

I don't think that anybody can tell you what it is on here.

I don't have epilepsy and get déjà vu very rarely - I don not remember it being any more frequent when pregnant (x4).

Speak to your GP and your MW - you should have access to specialist advice when pregnant and epileptic (whether you are on medication or not).

Good luck

[ameliarose2012]

All of it?? Oh dear! I'm on my iPod so I must have done something wrong. Will look again when I'm on laptop

[PacificDogwood]

I could read it fine, just the accents turned deja vu in to gobbledigook

[Number3cometome]

I get a lot of Deja Vu a lot of the time, I defo get it more in pregnancy, but put it down to just being more at one with my thoughts if that makes sense. x

[Zzzexhaustedzzz]

I have history of epilepsy and used to get really strong feelings of having been here before, at this exact point so yes déjà vu... Happened just before seizure if I was awake and it was really intense. Someone told me that my seizures must begin in the memory part of the brain.

[Number3cometome]

I don't have epilepsy, but I did have eclamptic seizures in pregnancy.

It's very interesting actually and I never really thought of a link to the deja vu.

I especially get deja vu in certain places, like near my Nan's house.

It does throw me off a bit!

[ameliarose2012]

Just rang the new hospital to chase up my appointment- they said they hadn't been passed my details, but I now have a booking appointment with them this Friday, then a consultant app on 21st. What a palaver! I know I've been referred as I'm going for my scan there on Wed!

I'm really scared they're gonna say its my epilepsy. I've been learning to drive, and have my test in a few weeks, so I don't want them to say I have to stop I'll be gutted to get this close and have to give up.

[Zzzexhaustedzzz]

Look on epilepsy society or association sites. Not sure I found much documentation of their being a link with déjà vu. I really haven't found doctors helpful with my condition generally. For example I only recently found out about the hormonal link. That was through the charities websites. If you mention the déjà vu to them they might be duty bound to say you should not drive. Are there any other symptoms? Where are you when it occurs?

[EstRusMum]

Isn't it one of the common symptoms of epilepsy? I wouldn't be too worried, because if your epilepsy is controlled and you don't get fits, they have nothing to worry about.
In my first pregnancy I came off meds for epilepsy. It was 10 years ago. Haven't taken them since, as my epilepsy has gone completely. Unfortunately I can't remember whether I had more deja vu's than usual.

[bellaboo88]

I had tests for epilepsy after getting deja vous a lot & absenses. Tests came back clear & it was put down to panic attacks.

Ive only had a couple . is it happening often? X

[HangingInAGruffaloStance]

Certainly something you need to look into more. I also have controlled epilepsy. I had a seizure at about 5 months because my increased blood volume diluted my medication. Might be worth asking about, apparently this is not uncommon.

[ameliarose2012]

I seem to have them in clusters - not had any for a while, but then yesterday I had 4/5, and today I've had 3

[fortifiedwithtea]

Epilepsy Action have a helpline 0808 800 5050 re-opens again 2nd January 2015.

Its a really supportive charity that campaigns for people living with epilepsy, gives information and support. They will be able to send you information on epilepsy in pregnancy.

I wasn't diagnosed with epilepsy until my youngest was 3. I have complex partial seizures that can become general in the left temporal lobe. And still not fully controlled 9 years later.

[pertempsnooo]

Interesting bellaboo, I have also had panic attacks and they have never for me involved déjà vu. At first I was more terrified because I thought I was going to go into a seizure but as I've had more I see them as completely distinct and separate.

[pertempsnooo]

OP how would you cope with a déjà vu if you were driving? Got to consider this... If I were you and thought it might interfere then I would postpone the test I think and go back to it once I'd had the baby.

[ameliarose2012]

They're much worse when I'm not distracted e.g. Just watching tv or pottering about at home. I think I may have had one in my lesson yesterday, but because I had lots of other things to think about it wasn't so bad. I was thinking to try and get my test out of the way, then if I do have to stop it'll be a much simpler process afterwards. It's only a few more weeks...

[HangingInAGruffaloStance]

They are likely to be regarded as seizures and so interfere with you getting a licence at the moment. Driving may have to go on hold. Sorry, it sucks.