Questions posted in the Neurology and Neurosurgery Forum have been answered by doctors from The Cleveland Clinic Foundation.

Question Title: Is this a seizure or craziness?

Forum: Neurology Forum
Topic: Epilepsy


I've had 8 to 10 grand mal seizures over the last 12 years. No big deal in the grand scheme of things. In the last week, though, I've experienced five episodes which make no sense to me. My right arm begins twitching at the fingertips and then spreads up my arm so that the arm begins jerking uncontrollably. During this time I actually vomit, but there is no nausea to warn
that it's coming. It's over in less than a minute, but whoever heard of being consciously aware that something like this is happening and being unable to do anything about it? I'm afraid to mention it to my neurologist for fear that it's some weird psychosomatic thing that I should be ashamed of allowing to persist. I have MS and am taking Tegretol. The only new medication
I'm taking since before this began is Klonopin. Could it be some sort of interaction, or have I finally parted with what's left of my sanity?
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Dear Giselle,

No, you are not crazy. What you describe may be what is called a Jacksonian
seizure in that it 'marches' up your arm. Your neurologist needs to know
about this, especially since it is a change in your normal seizure frequency
and a change in the seizure characteristics. He may choose to follow with
further studies such as an EEG and an MRI. It may be simply that your Tegretol
level is low. Best to let him know.

Good luck.

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