The Impact of Seizures on Memory: Insights from a Survivor

Seizures can dramatically affect one's ability to form and recall memories. While the severity and nature of these memory issues can vary from person to person, many individuals experience significant challenges, particularly with word recall and episodic memory.

Common Memory Challenges Associated with Seizures

Those with seizures often struggle with word recall, often describing the sensation of a word being "on the tip of the tongue." Many people forget what they were doing at the moment a seizure strikes. This difficulty in recalling events and information is a common symptom that affects a substantial number of those living with seizures. However, for some, the impact on memory can be much more severe, leading to a range of cognitive challenges that severely disrupt daily life.

My Personal Experience with Memory Loss Post-Surgery

I have a long history of complex partial seizures, amounting to 44 years. These seizures played a significant role in the deterioration of my memory. In 1994, I underwent brain surgery to reduce the frequency of my seizures. During the procedure, my surgeon discovered that the hippocampus in my brain, a critical region responsible for forming and storing memories, had become damaged and shrunk. This damage was so severe that part of my right hippocampus had to be removed. To combat this, my surgeon recommended engaging in activities such as doing math and brain teasers to stimulate the remaining portions of the brain and aid in memory retention.

Factors Affecting Memory Post-Surgery

The duration and intensity of seizures can significantly impact the hippocampus. With over 50 years of complex partial seizures, my hippocampus had become hardened and shrunk, making it incapable of performing its essential functions. After the surgery, the memory challenges became even more pronounced.

Role of Medication and Encephalitis

My personal experience with memory loss has led me to question the contributing factors. Initially, my doctor attributed the memory loss to a combination of seizures, medications, and the virus that caused my epilepsy, viral encephalitis. However, I lean more towards the idea that up to two-thirds of the memory loss can be attributed to medication, with a significant portion (about a third) due to seizures, and a smaller portion (about one-third) due to encephalitis.

Additional Factors to Consider

Recent studies have also highlighted the potential damage that cell phones can cause to the hippocampus. Surprisingly, the frequency and duration of cell phone use can lead to the destruction of brain tissue and matter, ultimately contributing to memory loss and, in some cases, accelerating the onset of Alzheimer's disease. This finding is particularly concerning for younger individuals who use cell phones extensively.

Conclusion and Recommendations

While seizures can significantly impact memory, it is crucial to understand and address the various contributing factors. Engaging in brain-stimulating activities like math and brain teasers, coupled with reducing cell phone use and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, can help mitigate the effects of memory loss post-seizures. For those living with epilepsy, it is essential to discuss these concerns with healthcare providers to develop a comprehensive management plan that addresses both the physical and cognitive aspects of the condition.