Could Seizures Be Linked to Eye and Ear Twitching?
I’m a 30-year-old woman, weighing 190 pounds and standing at 5’3”. Recently, I have experienced seizures, although I have not been diagnosed with epilepsy. I take a daily dose of 3000mg of Keppra. There was a stretch of about two months where I did not have any seizures, including mini seizures or focal seizures. Before this seizure-free period, I encountered some breakthrough seizures after increasing my Keppra dosage. During that time, I began to notice twitching in my right eye and my right inner ear. Fortunately, when the medication dosage was increased, the twitching ceased. My neurologist, who isn’t specialized in epilepsy, reassured me that the twitching was not concerning and unrelated to my medications or seizures. However, following my recent breakthrough seizures that started around ten days ago, the twitching in my eye and inner ear has returned. Could the twitching be connected to the seizures? Should I be concerned about it? I want to ensure that I don’t overlook something that might be significant.
Answers (1)
6/25/2025, 12:03:55 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about the connection between your recent seizures and the twitching you've experienced in your eye and inner ear. While your neurologist has reassured you that the twitching isn’t concerning, it's important to note how these symptoms might relate to one another.
The twitches (also known as myoclonus) can sometimes occur as a side effect of seizures or even as a reaction to changes in medication. In your case, the return of twitching after your recent breakthrough seizures suggests a possible association, but such twitching can also occur independently of seizures, especially if there are external factors like stress, fatigue, or changes in medication.
Next Steps to Consider:
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your seizures, the twitching episodes, and any accompanying symptoms or triggers. This will help you identify patterns and may assist your healthcare provider in understanding the connection.
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Medication Review: Since you have had fluctuations in your Keppra dosage, discuss with your healthcare provider the possibility that these dosage changes might contribute to both the seizures and the twitching.
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Lifestyle Management:
- Stress Reduction: Engage in relaxation techniques, such as yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises, which may help reduce the frequency of both seizures and muscle twitches.
- Adequate Rest: Ensure you’re getting enough sleep, as fatigue can exacerbate seizures and muscle spasms.
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Communication with Your Neurologist: If you feel uncertain or if the twitching worsens or changes significantly, reach out to your neurologist for further evaluation. Consider asking for a referral to a specialist in epilepsy, as they may offer more specialized insights and management strategies.
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Avoid Triggers: Stay away from known seizure triggers like excessive alcohol, lack of sleep, or intense stress, as these factors can potentially influence both seizures and muscle activity.
Reassurance:
It's encouraging that your neurologist has found the twitching not to be concerning, but it’s also valid to keep an eye on these symptoms as they evolve. Open communication with your healthcare team will help ensure you’re monitoring these symptoms effectively while receiving the best care possible. If you have further concerns or the symptoms change, don’t hesitate to seek more information or assistance.
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