Stress

Stress











In November of 98, I had a cranitomy for a brain tumor which they were not able to get all of it.  Since then, I have been living a normal life with no medication.  Every 3 months I get a MRI and visit my Neurologist.  Recently I have gone thru alot of hard times.  My mother died, I broke my foot and lost my job.  While in the process of looking for a new job, I had a Grand mal seizure.  The only time I ever had one before was when the diagnosed my tumor.  Since then, my Neurologist put me on Tegretol and it makes me feel funny.  I feel like I have had a few drinks.  I slur my speech, and I can't walk a straight line.  I have told the doctor this and he has cut my dosage down to 2 200mg a day, but I still feel funny.  Do you suppose that my stress could have caused this seisure?

[HFHS-M.D-HG]

Dear Lisa,

                Several factors could have contributed to your seizure- stress, brain tumor, inadequate therapeutic levels of  Tegretol etc. Tegretol has been used as a medication  for seizures and also  used as a mood stabilizer. The  therapeutic levels of the medication need to be monitored regularly for the medication to be effective. In all probability your symptoms are  due to  the Tegretol or possibly  the tumor.  Stress would be the least likely cause of the symptoms. It is important that you contact your  neurologist  to discuss about your concerns. Pertaining to your stress relating to your  job and your mother's death, it would be helpful  to contact a  trained Mental Health Professional for  possible therapy to help you deal with the stresses. Bereavement group may be worth considering.

                For scheduling an appointment at Henry Ford Hospital Behavioral Services Clinic, you may call (248)-689-7476. This information is provided for general educational purposes only and should not replace evaluation by a physician.