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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What causes startle seizures later in life and do they go away?

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    Epilepsy & Seizures Neurology
    I started startle seizures at age 45 after many years of being a nocturnal epileptic due to an accident at the age of 16, I am wondering if the startle seizures will go as quickly as they came. Also at the same time I have been experiencing sleep amnesia. I wake with no memory of where I am or who I am. This can last a minute or much longer, depends on my panic.

    I have taken to putting my details on a sign stuck to my door, to help me focus and not panic. Once I start repeating who I am and what I do for awhile it becomes clear.

    This followed a period of great stress in my life and depending on my stress levels, it does reflect in attacks.

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    • Epilepsy Action Australia
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    Epilepsy Action Australia

    Established in 1952, Epilepsy Action Australia provides education and support for people with epilepsy, their families and community, and professional groups. These services promote self-management … View Profile

    Startle seizures or reflex seizures are usually a response to a trigger of some sort. It might be worth considering what may have triggered these seizures and try to avoid the trigger as much as possible.
    If it is panic, stress or anxiety discuss with your doctor about getting some help for this. He/she might suggest you consult a Psychologist to assist you with working out the reasons for these and some good strategies to use at these times.

    As you are waking from sleep not knowing where you are may indicate that you are having seizures during sleep and this feeling is the after effects.

    It would be really useful if you keep a detailed diary of all these symptoms so that your doctor can eliminate other possible reasons for these symptoms.

    If you would like to further discuss your seizures please call Epilepsy Action Australia on 1300 37 45 37 and ask to speak to an Epilepsy Nurse Educator.

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