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My epilepsy was triggered by a traumatic brain injury caused by a brain bleed, which resulted from a seemingly minor accident. While feeding my cats one day, I accidentally bumped the side of my head into the corner of my kitchen counter. It wasn’t a hard fall, just a small hit, but it happened to land directly on my VP (ventriculoperitoneal) shunt. At the time, I had no idea that this small impact would lead to such a serious consequence. The force of the hit caused my shunt to shatter, creating a brain bleed, and the damage from that day went unnoticed for nearly two years.
For months following the incident, everything seemed normal, except for the unexplained spot where the brain bleed had occurred. I began experiencing seizures shortly after the injury, and I repeatedly urged my neurosurgeon to check the condition of my shunt. Despite my concerns, my neuro team didn’t find anything wrong with the shunt during multiple visits, as everything else appeared fine. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until May 2019 that a new neurosurgeon at Hendricks Medical Center in Abilene, Texas, took my theory seriously. After one last fall and blacking out, I went to surgery and she discovered the shattered shunt, which had three holes in it.
The moment I learned that the small bump on the counter had caused such significant damage, it became clear how even the most minimal activity could have serious consequences when living with a VP shunt. The impact on my shunt that day led directly to the brain bleed, which in turn triggered my epilepsy.
"This experience taught me the importance of pushing for answers when something doesn’t feel right. Never stop advocating for your health, even when it feels like no one is listening."
What Caused My Epilepsy? VP Shunt Malfunction
I was diagnosed with Epilepsy in 2017 at the age of 24.
After several on again off again random symptoms, a neurologist suggested an EEG which resulted in abnormalities in my brain activity.
I started recording my journey because after being diagnosed with Hydrocephalus with the implantation of a VP shunt at 18 - I wanted to record what I dealt with.
After countless scans and hospital visits, my diagnosis was refined to Focal Onset Impaired Awareness, commonly known as "Complex Partial Seizures."
Symptoms I Experienced:
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Confusion
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Vertigo / Dizziness
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Sensory Changes
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No Memory
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Stumbled Words
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Non-Stop Drooling
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I do not know for sure if I am free of Epilepsy, I don't know if that is even possible? But I have been seizure free for 5 years. Did my brain heal over time? Do I still have epilepsy?
There are times I feel like I am getting the same 'aura' as I did when I remembered that one specific seizure, I had but as of today, I have not had any issues.
As of today, I am taking each day one step at a time. I have not had a seizure since August 2019. I was weaned off my anti-seizure medication (Keppra 500mg x2 daily).
Everyone's journey is different but I hope I can encourage others to see the better days that will come. I have graduated college with my bachelors in marketing, work in a career as a marketing professional and continue to be active with hiking and being outdoors. Also, I am raising my son. He is my motivation!
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