Seizures Are Common
Seizures caused by TSC usually start in infancy. But if they don’t, you could still have them when you are an adult. The earlier people with TSC have their first seizure, the more likely they are to have other brain disabilities, such as autism, mental impairment, or learning issues . You and your doctor can develop a treatment plan that works for you and your family.
If You Have Seizures, You Are Not Alone. Nine out of 10 People With TSC Have Seizures
Signs & Symptoms
There are many different types of seizures that people with TSC may have. A common type is infantile spasms, which often start before a child’s first birthday. These seizures usually happen in clusters for a few minutes, often as a child is waking up or going to sleep. Partial-onset seizures, which begin in one part of the brain, are also very common in people with TSC. Other types of TSC seizures include tonic seizures (a stiffening of arms or legs, which sometimes causes falls), atonic seizures (loss of muscle tone, resulting in a fall), myoclonic seizures (brief jerks of arms or legs that may result in a fall, a stumble, or dropping objects), and absence seizures (short periods of decreased awareness). Seizures can appear in different ways based on each person.
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Sudden and quick movements of a body part
- Tingling, numbness, or jerking movements
- Periods of no response
- Falling
Talk With Your Doctor to Find the Best Treatment for You
TSC seizures can be difficult to control. There are many different medicines available to help minimize seizures. Ask your doctor for more information.
Manage Your Symptoms
Neurologist
A neurologist assists with managing seizures, performing tests, and finding nervous system issues related to TSC. It is important to talk with your neurologist about your seizures and keep track of them.
An EEG
An electroencephalogram (EEG) will diagnose and classify your seizures. It is a neurologic test that measures and records electrical activity in the brain.
TSC seizures can be more difficult to control than other seizures.
- Make a note of each seizure and see if there is a pattern
- Take your medication(s) correctly. Talk to your doctor if your seizure medicine isn't working as well as you think it should be
- Tell your doctor right away if you have any new types of seizures or changes in your current TSC symptoms
