I have had several auras and some partial seizures since I had a craniotomy to remove a (benign) tumor a year ago. The worst seizure was when I was out alone riding my bike 10 months post-op. That episode highlighted that yes, my brain was short-circuiting and I do have epilepsy. Just before that seizure I had been riding 20 miles on a very hard & hilly course, got very lost (crucial turn sign was missing), was very fatigued, dehydrated and hungry, was supposed to be working overtime, had to get help and a ride from strangers to get back on my map, and I was on a teeth-chatteringly rough road. I was definitely physically and mentally stressed and probably a little short on sleep. Smaller prior episodes that I didn't recognize as "seizures" were related to sleep and/or stress. Some micro-episodes were when I was just sitting at my desk or visiting with co-workers, but I'm chronically a little short on sleep.

I am now on Keppra. I went for 3 days with no sleep after a dose increase, but seem OK now. The only problems I've had at this dose were when I inadvertantly chewed a slow-release tablet instead of swallowing whole.

Fortunately I was alert/aware and I had clear warning auras with a few minutes notice on my worst seizure. On my bike episode I had time to find a safe spot to get off the bike and sit down before things got rough. It was pretty scary since I had no idea what was happening. My first thought was that I was having a stroke.

It's amazing what was related to the epilepsy - the episodes include feelings of deja vu, a little tingling and tongue numbness, a little trouble word-finding or speaking, a little drooling. On the worst episode my head was shaking uncontrollably and violently w/ profuse drooling, one side of my face went numb, inability to speak or swallow, and vague stomach unrest.

The seizures aren't that frequent so my neurologist is just going to see how I do on medication without trying to catch me with an EEG during activity. The seizures weren't that bad ... yet. But it would be a huge lifestyle change for this single homeowner to go car-free. While I do bike commute to work a few times each week, I don't choose to ride 25-35 miles round-trip in harsh weather or more than a few days in a row to allow my body to recover. This past week it's been pelting rain, t-storms, and winds gusting to 40mph... there's always something.

Hopefully when I am weaned off the Keppra in 2 years my brain will have healed up some more from the surgery.

Actually the EEG sounds very interesting to get to see how the brain works.

Does your sleep deprivation cause seizures which then causes sleep deprivation ?

BTW, you look like a sheik with the headdress. Best wishes on a positive outcome.