Anxiety Disorder and Epilepsy

[moonie91]

I was diagnosed at age 11 with Epilepsy.  I had several nocturnal grand mal seizures with auras before I was given an eeg and diagnosed.  I took dilantin for two years.  After two years my epilepsy simply went away.  My eegs were normal and I have not had a seizure since.  I am 36 years old by the way.  I have had GAD and Panic Disorder since being weaned off the dilatin and "cured" of the epilepsy all those years ago.  Is there a link between my having epilepsy and my subsequent bouts of anxiety?  I have had many good years without any panic attacks but have had trouble within the last six months with severe anxiety and panic.  I am taking buspar 10mg three times daily and Xanax 10mg as needed within an eight hour period.  Should I request an eeg from my doc just to see if there is anything abnormal?  Would antiseizure medication be applicable?  It seems at lot of anticonvulsants are also used to treat anxiety.

[Julie359]

P.s so ur saying that u av had panic disorder since the age of 13yrs old?

[Julie359]

I have to say that if this was a medical issue within ur past then it would make sense to go have another eeg check up just to be on the safe side.  This may have something to do with it but then again it could be a totally different issue going on.  But to ease ur anxiety it would make sense to get yourself checked out.....I have known anxiety as being a pre or post epilepsy symptom, but by the sounds of thngs your not actually getting the grand mal seizures anymore.... get a check up!!

Good-luck!

[cj29]

Are you anxious about the possibility of having seizures? In my opinion, diagnosed health problems can definitely cause us to worry about potential problems.  I think talking and keeping your doctor up to date is never a bad idea.  Have you also been to therapy for you anxiety?