Epilepsy Talk
Childhood Abuse and Epilepsy | February 7, 2010
As recently as the 1980s, many doctors and scientists thought that by the time babies were born, the structure of their brains was already genetically determined. However, new research shows evidence of altered brain functioning as a result of early abuse and neglect. These changes are associated with adult anxiety, depression and personality disorders.
All types of abuse — sexual, physical, and emotional (including verbal abuse and witnessing domestic violence) raise the risk of depression, anxiety and epilepsy-like symptoms.
Research featured in Harvard Mental Health Letter and published in The American Journal of Psychiatry looked at the damage that hostile words, and or yelling can have on a child. They found “words are weapons that can cause lasting wounds, especially when wielded by parents against children. The damage is sometimes more serious and lasting than injuries that result from beatings”, say Harvard researchers reporting on a survey of young adults.
Basically, abuse releases a cascade of stress hormones which produces a lasting effect on brain signals. Experiments at McLean Hospital, for example, show that patients with a history of abuse are twice as likely to show abnormal electrical activity as non abused people. And this abnormal electrical brain activity, in turn, resembles a seizure state, but doesn’t actually produce epilepsy.
Hippocampal Sclerosis
This is a very common (but often unknown) feature of temporal lobe epilepsy. Changes in the hippocampus — the part of the brain that deals with stress, learning and memory – can be caused by hormones flooding the brain during and after a stressful episode. But the BIG question is whether hippocampal sclerosis is the consequence of repeated seizures, or whether it plays a role in the development of the epileptic focus?
NESD — Non Epileptic Seizure Disorder
A non-epileptic seizure is a short burst of activity that changes how you move, think, or feel. It looks like an epileptic seizure but there are no measurable electrical changes in the brain. Not surprisingly, many people have a history of sexual or physical abuse. 75% to 85% are women between the ages of 15 to 35. It’s a serious condition that shouldn’t be ignored. With early diagnosis and treatment, future problems can be averted.
Psychogenic Non Epileptic Seizures
These seizures are caused by psychological trauma or conflict that has a lasting effect on your state of mind. The Epilepsy Foundation explains that sexual or physical abuse is the leading cause of psychogenic seizures, where the abuse occurred during childhood.
A psychogenic seizure can be confused with a grand-mal seizure — with convulsions, falling and shaking. Less often, a psychogenic seizure takes on the form of a complex partial seizure, with a temporary loss of attention. Because of the reasons for these psychogenic seizures, mental health counseling is encouraged. The prognosis is good, with 60 to 70 percent of patients alleviated of seizure symptoms.
“Children love and want to be loved and they very much prefer the joy of accomplishment to the triumph of hateful failure. Do not mistake a child for his symptom.” – Erik Erikson
Resources:
http://www.leadershipcouncil.org/1/res/brain.html
http://www.news.harvard.edu/gazette/…/01-brain.html
http://www.lawandpsychiatry.com/html/hippocampus.htm
http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/…ull/122/6/1007
http://www.nospank.net/mkrjee.htm
http://www.schizophrenia.com/sznews/…es/005135.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/53…ptic-seizures/
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Hi Phylis, thank you for this important information. The last time I was in the hospital, I was diagnosed with NESD. I have both epilepsy and NESD. I do not know how long I have had it. I was diagnosed when I was 65.
I was not pschycially abused when I was growing up. I was emotionally abused because it was a sin to have epilepsy.
Ruth
Comment by Ruth Brown — February 7, 2010 @ 9:15 AMFeb +00:00Feb
You weren’t diagnosed until you were 65? Even though you had epilepsy all this time.
In my house it wasn’t a “sin” to have epilepsy (we were Jewish), it just was ignored and denied. Despite me having seizures 4 times a day…almost drowning in the shower…falling down stairs…walking into walls, etc.
And my step-father was a surgeon, my step-mother a shrink!!! Pathetic.
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — February 7, 2010 @ 9:15 AMFeb +00:00Feb
Hi Phylis,
You had a tougher time than I did.
By “sin” I meant that it was a bad thing to have. I did not care, I told everyone anyway. I did not stay in the closet like a good girl. The attitude of my mother, sister and brother bothered me. That was where the emotional abuse came in.
Comment by Ruth Brown — February 7, 2010 @ 9:15 AMFeb +00:00Feb
Hi Phylis,
I have a question. I’m 53 and newly dx w/ ADD. My mom had epilepsy for her whole life, grand mal seizures all the time. She was taking lot of pills for it back in the 60′s which made her tired and very agitated easily. She was extremely abusive with me both verbal and physical throughout my whole childhood usually without a real reason. Used to swing at me and chase me around with a broom sometimes. Usually this would get her excited and she would fall and have a seizure which then was my fault and her side of the family would then also verbally abuse me for being “mean” “hitting” my mother. All I would do is hold up my arms to block her swings. This went on and on. Could this type of abuse cause me to have all this ADD problem in my life. I have had a train wreck with relationships including my current marriage. My self esteem seems to be non-exsistent.
Thanks,
Comment by Don Hasner — July 18, 2010 @ 9:15 AMJul +00:00Jul
First, let’s talk about your mother. There’s a likely chance that she had what’s known as “psychotic epilepsy.” There are many ways that epilepsy may be associated with schizophrenia-like psychosis.
It’s likely that structural brain abnormalities underlie both epilepsy and psychosis, and that the seizures appear as a psychotic episode. So, it’s confusing, because often it’s difficult to distinguish between the two.
That being said, your mom was pretty sick, physically and psychologically. And the meds back then were enough to make you crazy even if you weren’t before!
I was diagnosed in 1965 and my choices were phenobarbitol and dialantin. Both were awful. And psychiatric drugs were in their infancy back then too. So who knows what kind of effect the drugs had on her? But either way, it was no picnic for you.
Now, on to you. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, report on Long-Term Consequences of Child Abuse and Neglect: “Outcomes of individual cases vary widely and are affected by a combination of factors, including:
The child’s age and developmental status when the abuse or neglect occurred…
The type of abuse (physical abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, etc.)…
The frequency, duration, and severity of abuse…
The relationship between the victim and his or her abuser…
Psychological and emotional conditions associated with abuse and neglect include panic disorder, dissociative disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, depression, anger, posttraumatic stress disorder, and reactive attachment disorder.”
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/long_term_consequences.cfm#psych
So the bad news is that you’ve suffered a lot. The good news is that you don’t have ALL of these problems.
As one who was verbally abused and neglected by a narcissistic mother, I have deep scars, too. They’re just a little bit different — as are we all.
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 18, 2010 @ 9:15 AMJul +00:00Jul
I have panic attacks and severe depression. I do not know if it is from childhood or from my medications. Probably my medicines.
When I went to the hospital to have my colonoscopy, they showed me that I do not have epilepsy at all. I do have epilepsy.
Comment by Ruth Brown — July 18, 2010 @ 9:15 AMJul +00:00Jul
Ah, but how did they test you for epilepsy? Or did they just do a cursory EEG to cover themselves?
Why would you be having seizures when they took away your meds…then recover once they gave them to you again?
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — July 18, 2010 @ 9:15 PMJul +00:00Jul
My mother is a narcissistic-no love ever shown. My brother is just like her. I hungered and hurt for love, but it is not there. I was emotionally and mentally abused when I was small and it is still going on today as they are still living. I am now 56. I have been diagnosed with epilepsy. I live with my husband and not with them, thank the Good Lord, but it is still going on. My Dad, loving and a kind man, had epilepsy, but out grew it. I have two first cousins on my Dad’s side that has epilepsy. I have had lots of tests, but could this be mental? Just wondering???
Comment by Cheryl Johnson — February 9, 2011 @ 9:15 PMFeb +00:00Feb
Cheryl,
Welcome! Have you ever been to a neurologist and been tested? Do you have seizures? Or had the luxury of going to a “talk” therapist? I find that and the meds I take, do me a world of good.
All types of abuse — sexual, physical, and emotional (including verbal abuse and witnessing domestic violence) raise the risk of depression, anxiety and epilepsy-like symptoms.
I was also abused emotionally. My mother, step- father (who was a surgeon!), and step-mother (who was a SHRINK!) never ever mentioned the “E” word.
It’s as if I was damaged goods and they assured me I’d never amount to anything.
Well, here I am at 57, a successful copywriter, happily married, with a wonderful life.
I think you have to just let it go. (My mother is quite the same as yours!)
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — February 9, 2011 @ 9:15 PMFeb +00:00Feb
my sister hid me when i was 3 and said dont move untill i come back 4 you she was 5years she put her self in a walldrobe hands over ears untill mum and dad stoped fighting.she left home at 21 married they dident put the phone on and had no car to start a new life 4 themself.i was left behind someone got me out of home i was 33 but he never married me because my parents didnt like him my aunty told me to go back home my mother needs me,isaid no 4 three years my mum didnt speak to me because i fell in love with some one else .know i have a daughter 7 . married 16 years ,got told i have epilipsy taken to hospitial twise my mother tryed to jump out of my car she said she she wanted to get away from me.help.bel
Comment by Belinda jordan — May 16, 2011 @ 9:15 AMMay +00:00May
Wow! I’m breathless Belinda…
I can understand why your sister left home at 21…even though she didn’t have a car. (Having no phone could have been an advantage!)
I have a friend who got married at 17 and is still happily married (although most people who get married just to “get out” aren’t usually so lucky.)
I left home at 18, but I didn’t want to get married because I was afraid I would end up like my parents in each of their various marriages. (They were ALL awful!)
The marriages all had one thing in common — screaming, yelling and emotional abuse.
How you stayed “home” until 33 is a miracle. And it certainly didn’t help that your auntie was manipulating you big time.
I think your mother was yanking your chain also. She sounds like a pretty toxic person.
I speak from experience. My mother is manipulative, narcissistic, and plain old mean. (She used to tell me EVERY day how ugly I was. I guess it made her feel good.)
I tried to make things “right” with her until I was 54. Then she said something to my husband that was so outrageous and so disrespectful, I snapped. (Hurt me, but don’t screw with the ones I love.)
I am now 58 and have not spoken to her ever since.
Oh, did I forget to tell you she’s an alcoholic and a liar? That she burned down her kitchen and even managed to set fire to a toaster oven?
Although every effort (2 stints in rehab, where somehow or other, she manged to sneak in vodka.) has been made…she’s never going to change.
My husband — angel that he is — pays her rent, insurance, doctors, meds and a top notch Geriatric Care Manager. I don’t know how he finds it in his heart to do this. She’s been nothing but abusive to him the entire time I had a “relationship” with her.
Belinda, please don’t let your mother torture you with abuse and guilt. You deserve so much more than that. I know she’s your mother, there’s no denying that, but you have to learn to protect yourself, your family and your inner feelings.
There are many people out there who love you. Focus on them.
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — May 16, 2011 @ 9:15 PMMay +00:00May
I have had seizures since I was a small child.I was sexually, mentally and emotionally abused!I became the parent to my older brother,my mother and my step father!And cared for my two grandmothers!By age 33 I was having 50 to 60 a day! I found a surgeon that did surgery on my brain in 2010 and have been seizure free since!!!!But, I had lived my life with no emotion now they are non stop!And all the memories I had managed to block all hit me at one time and they are also non stop!And I hadn’t been able to cry since I was a small child!But,since surgery I do it for no reason at all! So now I feel like maybe it would be better just to have the seizures!I weighed 85 pounds when I went in for surgery now I am 130 pounds!So now I am back to the anorexia!I just wish I knew how to tell the good from the bad emotions maybe life would be better!
Comment by Sharon M. Eubank — November 27, 2011 @ 9:15 PMNov +00:00Nov
You might be suffering from Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures – (PNES)
Defined by the Epilepsy Foundation, a psychogenic seizure is considered a non-epileptic seizure. They’re seizures caused by psychological trauma or conflict that impacts the patient’s state of mind.
The Epilepsy Foundation states that sexual or physical abuse is the leading cause of psychogenic seizures, where the abuse occurred during childhood or more recently: life changes, like death and divorce are another possible cause of a psychogenic seizures. This form of seizure often resembles a complex partial or tonic-clonic (grand-mal) seizure, with generalized convulsions, stiffening, jerking, falling, shaking and crying. Less often, a psychogenic seizure resembles a complex partial seizure, with a temporary loss of attention.
Interestingly, about 1 in 6 of these patients either already has epileptic seizures or has had them. So different treatment is needed for each disorder. Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures are most often seen in adolescents and young adults, but they also can occur in children and the elderly. And they are three times more common in females!
Doctors have identified certain kinds of movements and patterns that seem to be more common in psychogenic seizures than in seizures caused by epilepsy. Some of these patterns do occur occasionally in epileptic seizures however, so having one of them does not necessarily mean that the seizure was non-epileptic.
Although there is trauma involved, psychogenic non-epileptic seizures do not necessarily indicate that the person has a serious psychiatric disorder. But the problem does need to be addressed and many patients need treatment.
Sometimes the episodes stop when the person learns that they are psychological. Some people have depression or anxiety disorders that can be helped by medication. Counseling for a limited time is often helpful. And the prognosis is good, with 60 to 70 percent of patients alleviated of seizure symptoms.
That being said, my childhood wasn’t too rosy either. But next to you, it looks like a day at the beach.
I’ve been in therapy for 10 years. I’m down to a low dose of Lamictal which acts as an anti-depressant and an anti-seizure med. Plus, I take Effexor which is an anti-depressant.
My shrink told me that clinical depression goes hand-in-hand with epilepsy. And I think you could get a whole lot of good (as I have) from counseling.
The trick is: how to find a good shrink? I go to a psychiatrist because he can regulate my meds. But before I found this terrific shrink, I had to kiss a lot of frogs.
I asked everyone I knew: family doctor, neurologist, friends, even the pharmacist for suggestions. (And it may be useful to ask your local EFA. They have tons of resources that they work with.)
I wrote down the names and then, believe it or not, I went around interviewing them!
It worked and I hope something will work for you.
Please be sure to tell me how you do.
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 27, 2011 @ 9:15 PMNov +00:00Nov
I was thinking Sharon. (Although I’m no doc.)
Could it be that you dug your torment in a hole so deep that it resulted in seizures? And then after the brain surgery, a thousand little bees came out of that hole, stung you 1,000 times and now you can only nurse your wounds and cry?
Comment by Phylis Feiner Johnson — November 28, 2011 @ 9:15 PMNov +00:00Nov