Epilepsy & my journey with it over the years

My Mother had epilepsy; she only had partial seizures, and she was also lucky enough to grow out of them. Mine have changed from tonic-colonic to partial complex with a secondary generalization, now to focal.

My current state is mesial temporal sclerosis. It can also be considered "TLE" in some cases. Mesial temporal sclerosis MTS, or hippocampal sclerosis, is a condition characterized by scarring and damage to the brain's hippocampus and surrounding temporal lobe structures. The hippocampus is a vital region for memory and learning processes, and its damage can lead to various cognitive and neurological symptoms. MTS is commonly associated with temporal lobe epilepsy TLE, a type of epilepsy characterized by seizures originating in the temporal lobes of the brain. The scarring and damage in MTS can disrupt normal electrical activity in the brain, leading to seizures. Treatment for MTS typically focuses on managing seizures through antiepileptic medications. In some cases, surgery may be considered to remove the damaged tissue in the hippocampus (resection) or to implant devices for seizure control (such as vagus nerve stimulation or responsive neurostimulation). Additionally, supportive therapies may be recommended to address cognitive or behavioral symptoms associated with MTS.

Mesial temporal sclerosis - scarring in the deep part of the brain's temporal lobe. Mesial temporal sclerosis typically results in focal epilepsy, where seizures are in one area of the brain. Mine begins in one area and moves to another. Diagnosis of MTS often involves a combination of medical history, neurological examination, imaging studies (such as magnetic resonance imaging or MRI), and electroencephalogram (EEG) to monitor brain activity and detect abnormal electrical patterns indicative of epilepsy. I am not a candidate for surgical options. I have a VNS, which has been a lifesaver. I was not too happy with it after it was implanted, but now I am in the maximum effectiveness timeframe for it. 4-6 years post.

Medications I currently take- CBD Tintcure-700mg,Briviact, Lacosmide, Klonopin, Lunesta, Seroquel, B6, Melatonin & a VNS implant. I have been tried on 10-12 different drug combinations. I have been to the Mayo Clinic in MN twice. Rush in Chicago.

The scarring and shrinkage of the inner portion of the temporal lobe characterizes mesial temporal sclerosis. This condition is often associated with epilepsy and can result in seizures that are difficult to control. Mesial temporal sclerosis typically affects only one side of the brain, causing memory problems, learning difficulties, and behavioral changes. The exact cause of this condition is still unknown, but it is believed to be related to previous brain injuries, infections, or genetic factors. Diagnosis of mesial temporal sclerosis is usually done through imaging tests such as MRI scans, which can reveal the scarring and abnormalities in the affected area. Although there is no cure for mesial temporal sclerosis, treatments such as medications and surgery can help manage seizures and improve the quality of life for individuals with this condition.