Absence Seizures And. . . Me

Weeks ago, I was diagnosed with absence seizures.

There had been a change for quite some time, but I myself had not quite noticed it nor was I able to put a finger on what it may be. Eventually, after quite some time, potentially years, I started to realize I was having spacey gappy moments where I would seemed paused that at the time, when describing them to others, I would refer to the feeling as though I was having a heavy dose of déjà vu wash over me. It was never anything particular that would cause them; I would simply get a little lost at the moment for ten to thirty seconds.

Fortunately, when I went to discover more about these "moments" with a medical professional, one happened to take place in front of her, and that thankfully led to a diagnosis. This is not the first time I have had an issue related to the brain either. Over a decade ago, I had a rare juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma; a tumor that originates in the nasal cavity. My case was particularly rare as my tumor was about the size of a golf ball and pushing against my brain.

I was transferred to UCLA and even had a panel of doctors ask me questions. After various tests, the conclusion was reached that operating on it was not an option, so the alternative route was thirty rounds of radiotherapy that took place over the summer between my junior and senior years of high school. It was a long and not wonderful experience, but I have always fortunately been able to say I toughed through it.

Only recently, after having done some of my own research into absence seizures have I seen that other and credible medical journals refer to it more as a state of daydreaming. I have been realizing too just how often I was potentially having them and how much they were impacting my life. The appropriate time has now passed for my prescribed medicine to take effect and I have already noticed how much easier it has been to write and focus, tasks I had not realized I was struggling with in any capacity beforehand.

It has been quite a revelation becoming aware of what all I may have been missing or thought I was simply tuned out of. With these revelations and a diagnosis, of course, comes some hurdles, the overall one personally being transportation. By all means understandable, but in the state of California a diagnosis of epilepsy or a seizure condition results in your license being suspended for three to six months. It is a similar case for other states because of the abundance of caution for driver's safety.

Mine fortunately, are minimal, as absence seizures commonly are. As opposed to me sharing in my own words, below you will find resources more clearly defining absence of seizures and side effects. It is good informative reading that has helped me become both more knowledgeable about my condition and proactive in taking care of myself going forth. I'll know more after a proper MRI and, of course, a first visit to my new neurologist.

Whether this is just sadly old age (kidding) or a long delayed side effect from my long-thought-to-be-gone tumor is still to be seen, but nonetheless I look forward to sharing more.

Resources Below

Epilepsy Foundation - Rideshare Program

The Epilepsy Foundation has a rideshare program where you can get an annual $500 Uber voucher to help with transportation needs by filling out an application, of course depending on if they are currently taking in applications at the present time.

DHCS Transportation Services

In California if you have government healthcare you can get free validated transportation to and from appointments. Simply search "DHCS Transportation Services" to learn more.